Beginning this past July, when 7th gen Maxima batteries fail, if the owner decides to replace it with a Nissan battery, instead of the old weak original equipment 550 cold cranking amp thing, the dealer is supposed to install a new stronger Nissan battery with 700 cold cranking amps with an 84 month (7 year) prorated warranty.

The cost of this new battery is listed at $129, but we get $15 off if we turn in the old battery, bringing the cost down to $114.

Those preferring to change to an Optima Redtop or Yellowtop need to be aware the manufacturing of Optima batteries was recently moved from the U.S. to Mexico, and the Mexican versions do not seem to be performing as well.

I was still running fine with my OEM battery in my '09 manufactured in Sept 2008, but with several long trips coming up, I decided to eliminate this possible problem up front, so had a new 84 month Nissan battery installed today.

While there, my service writer noticed a squeak when the steering wheel rose as she opened the door, and she said that was a known problem in the steering motor assembly, and she would fix it under warranty, even though my car has been out of warranty almost a year. And she did.

I love my dealer.

 

I have the same squeak only when motor goes up when leaving the car.. Did they say what caused that? Thank you!

 

I find it quite satisfying hear of these loyalty "fixes." It tends to renew my faith in humanity. (I only have two more bridges I have to find buyers for that I bought 40 years ago!) Thanks for sharing Light.

 

sounds like the autozone duralast battery I replaced the OEM one with

 

There are actually a few dealers out there that understand "loyalty fixes"
will pay future dividends in the customer satisfaction department. They actually want you as a repeat customer.

As far as this battery issue is concerned I'm not yet convinced that Nissan is doing enough to resolve the problems. Four years is too long for them to finally implement fixes. Then again something is better than doing nothing!
Maybe my problem here is I became a little spoiled with my prior stock Toyota battery's lasting 8-10 years...nah.

It would be even better if these newer battery's are installed in the 2013's and not just used as replacements for the current "failure of a battery".

 

I am trying to find out if that may be the case. After all, these new batteries became standard as the replacement batteries in July, and the new 2013 Maximas began production in July.

 

Something to do with a part (almost has to be some sort of gear/cog or motor?) in the steering column. I was going to ask more detail there, but the electronics tech and I were busy at the time discussing why Nissan moved the three internal antennas (associated with the intelligent key) to different parts of the car between the 2009, 2010 and the 2011 models.

 

good to hear about the OEM battery. my Yellowtop has been working great though

 

Went to the dealership today, and I asked about replacing my battery with a new one. I live in Ontario, Canada, noticed some issues arrising with the colder temps and starting my car. The lady told me it can be done in less than 30 minutes (no sh*t, it is simple to replace), then she quoted me $150.00 for the battery + $30.00 for installation. I looked at her and said, are you kidding me...lol. For that price and can go to "walmart" get a optima red top for about 30.00 more and install it myself..

 

funnyman82 - I talked to my service advisor today, and she said they replaced the motor that tilts the steering wheel up and down, but not the motor that moves the steering wheel in and out. No matter how I move the steering wheel now, there is total silence. Nice.

 

Just bought an Ac Delco through a friend that works at a shop for $82... Can't beat that.