I have a '98 Maxima SE, love it.
However, I was reading the owner's manual about the security system. Supposedly, when it arms, the LED should hold constant for up to 30 seconds and that signifies that the alarm is armed. If you are in the driver' seat and arm the alarm, then open the door, the alarm should go off, right?

Well, my car seems never to arm its alarm. The LED is never constant, always flashing, and I can't set my alarm off to save my life (or bother my neighbors). I can use the "panic" button, and when I click on the remote to "lock and arm" the car, the lights flash and everything, but the alarm is not arming. Anyone know about this? Could it be a fuse issue, or something more dramatic...?

Also, how can I make my trunk door open easier? It always seems to stick, or just not pop up when I open it with the remote. I have seen many cars trunks just pop up...answers anyone?

Last thing...is anyone else's automatic kinda rough shifting from first to second, but smooth in the other gears?

 

The alarm will not arm if a door (or hood or trunk) is open. I would check the door switches and hood and trunk switches (the little spring loaded "open" indicator) to make sure everything is "closed."

As for the trunk, try greasing the latch mechanism. That should let it release more easily. Maximas with spoilers have slightly heavier trunks so the trunk will be harder to open.

 

The spring-loaded indicators are tied to the interior and door panel dome lights. They all operate properly, signifying that all circuits are closed and ready.
I have greased the trunk latchet, it opens fine--but I guess the spoiler weight causes the problem too. See, it opens, it just won't pop open. I loaded one of the raising arms with a spring and that helps...I guess I will load the other arm.

 

i hope ur remember that the 30 second rule means that the alarm wont arm for 30 seconds, say you left something in the car, or you are in the car and arm it by mistake etc. heres the test, make surea ll the doors are shut, arm it to make sure the head lights and tail lights blink. give it a couple minutes... make sure ur drivers side window is open then open up the lock from the outside. the alarm should go off. if you are arming the alarm then immediately trying to open it, it shouldnt make a sound. you get something like 30-60 seconds of a buffer zone.

 

I know this. I explained that the light should be constant for about those 30 seconds...My light NEVER goes constant cause it is never arming. I have sat inside the car, closed all doors and everything, locked it with the remote (flash from lights) and then waited several minutes...I have tried about everything. I need the car alarm to arm before I can test it. Headlights don't blink with arming, only the turn-signal lights.

 

Anyone know where the central control for the alarm/keyless entry is?

 

I think it is in the trunk, behind one of the plastic pieces on the side

 

Clean seal and trunk seal surface all the way around perimeter of trunk. Lube latch and hinges lightly with dry lube or teflon-type lubricant. Also, make sure the lock on the trunk latch is not partially closed. See owners manual for above.

Max trunks do not pop way up, they just unlatch and raise up slightly, due to weight of lid with spoiler.