Front bumper door?
Thread Starter
Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 18
Front bumper door?
Ok guys, hate to ask this, but....what is that little square panel, (door), for on the passenger side of the front bumper. Don't see anything in the manual about it and hate to pry it open without knowing. Thanks everyone.
Love my '09
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 1,013
From: Tampa, FL
It's for the tow hook, but rumor has it, not everyone GOT one. Seems Nissan isn't including them for all years. My 2009 had it, but I'd check before having a false sense of security that you do. 
Oh, and Smurfsdad, "you're NOT my father..." Still funny tho.
Oh, and Smurfsdad, "you're NOT my father..." Still funny tho.
Thread Starter
Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 18
Always nice to meet another Smurf......
Member
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 284
From: NY
I agree the likely use is for towing, but could also be a shipping die-down point that is removed after delivery. I don't have an a tow hook / ring in my '09. There's no mention of it in my manual, either.
I had a '98 VW Beetle with the same type of access port in the bumper. It did come with a heavy duty steel eye ring that screwed into the frame through the access port. The idea was that you might not be able to get to a solid spot on the frame if you get stuck; instead of ripping off the fender (ala Honda Civic in snow), use the provided tow ring.
I had a '98 VW Beetle with the same type of access port in the bumper. It did come with a heavy duty steel eye ring that screwed into the frame through the access port. The idea was that you might not be able to get to a solid spot on the frame if you get stuck; instead of ripping off the fender (ala Honda Civic in snow), use the provided tow ring.
Senior Member
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 8,143
From: a meadow south of Atlanta
I agree the likely use is for towing, but could also be a shipping die-down point that is removed after delivery. I don't have an a tow hook / ring in my '09. There's no mention of it in my manual, either.
I had a '98 VW Beetle with the same type of access port in the bumper. It did come with a heavy duty steel eye ring that screwed into the frame through the access port. The idea was that you might not be able to get to a solid spot on the frame if you get stuck; instead of ripping off the fender (ala Honda Civic in snow), use the provided tow ring.
I had a '98 VW Beetle with the same type of access port in the bumper. It did come with a heavy duty steel eye ring that screwed into the frame through the access port. The idea was that you might not be able to get to a solid spot on the frame if you get stuck; instead of ripping off the fender (ala Honda Civic in snow), use the provided tow ring.
Shipping tiedowns are underneath cars. They are designed so that the force will be directed downward, not to the front or rear. They are more prominent and stronger on cars made for trans-oceanic shipping. This opening on the Maxima's front bumper (but NOT on the rear) is designed for lateral force only, and is for dragging the car back onto the road and/or onto a flatbed truck.
Member
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 252
From: Jacksonville, FL
I just found out about this, and dont have one, found the spot for it, but no hook, am due a o/change in about 1500 miles and fully intend to talk to the new car manager and find out if i am going to have to buy one or if he is going to give me one, my intensions are ( if i pay this much for a new car, why dont one come with the car) and see what happens.
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
vingodine
5th Generation Classifieds (2000-2003)
45
May 21, 2016 12:46 PM
Dennis Twohy
1st & 2nd Generation Maxima (1981-1984 and 1985-1988)
0
Oct 1, 2015 06:01 PM
Max139617
5th Generation Classifieds (2000-2003)
2
Aug 29, 2015 02:55 PM
MAXSE5SPD
Other For Sale/Wanted
2
Aug 23, 2015 12:06 PM