I own a 2016 Maxima SL and live in NJ where we have a real winter season. When the outside temperature is 40 F and below, my heater works fine. I set it at 70-ish and the interior cabin is consistently comfortable over a range of outside temps.

However...between around 40 and 50 degrees external, the heater blows cold air at my usual 69/70/71 degree interior setting.

I've done some informal testing and I usually have to raise the thermostat to 78 or so before warm air comes out of the lower or upper vents.

(Note: I'm setting everything manually: fan speed, thermostat, etc. No auto settings.)

Is this normal behavior for the Maxima?

Thanks!

 

Is your inside temp above your 69/70/71 degree setting because of sunlight warming the cabin? If so, your heating/cooling system will blow colder air to bring down your cabin temp to your setting. When the outside temp is in the 40s and 50s, it doesn't take much sunlight to heat up the cabin well into the 70s. If it continues to blow cold air when the cabin temp is below your setting, then something is wrong.

 

Leave the AUTO setting on. That way all the interior sensors contribute to moderating the temps gradually up or down as needed. If you warranty is in place make an appointment and get the modules checked for sure just for piece of mind.

 

Interesting post - I have noticed the same behavior! If you find out anything please post it.

 

I found the Maximas temperature controls to be a bit of a letdown compared to my old car. It's supposed to be set it and forget it, but I often find myself having to tweak it up or down a few degrees. It's not terrible, but it could be better

 

You raise an interesting point: one I've wondered about, too. I've not checked the cabin temp. Will try and do so tomorrow before the predicted higher outside temps hit in a few days.

If so, this is (to me) a down side to today's supposedly more sophisticated digital systems. Even if the in-car sensors are reading a temperature higher then the 70 degree setting, I still don't want cold air blowing on me when it's 40 or 45 outside...especially on my feet and hands.

 

Will try Auto and see if that does the trick for me.

Good idea re: checking modules. Will make an appointment.

(I bought my SL used and think I'm very close to the warrenty's end date. Fingers crossed.)

 

On occasion I have had the same problem.

 

Mine started doing the same thing in the last month or so (1 year ownership, 24k miles). It's on auto, with the inside temp set at 74, 75. The outside temp is 38-40.


For a while, it blows warm air to my feet, then all of a sudden it starts blowing COLD air to both my feet and my face!! Super annoying! And it happens on cloudy days, early morning, late at night, etc... so I don't think that my cabin temp is in the 80s so it thinks it needs cooling...


I'll take it to the dealership next week.


Everyone with the same issue, please post updates, as will I.

 

Exactly my experience!