Hey fellow Maxers
When I bought my '02 GLE I wanted the optional rear spoiler, however no GLEs were equipped with this, so the dealer said they would order a factory pre-painted spoiler, which includes a kit for removing/plugging the rear window brakelight. Now I'm told they are on 'indefinite backorder, and the dealer is offering an aftermarket spoiler, paint-to-match, instead.
I'm curious about the fit, quality, appearance (has to look like SE) of the aftermarket spoiler.
Any of you have one of these or any opinion on secondary mkt body parts???

 

The spoiler that they are offering to you is probably an OEM look-a-like...not a genuine Nissan product, but one that looks exactly like the factory spoiler. Ask for a picture of it.

 

I had an aftermarket spoiler for my 2000 gle and I never had problems with it, they painted and installed where I was at for $250.00.

 

I have an replica spoiler on my 2K GXE and it looks awesome. I didn't go through the dealer, but still very nice looking.

 

My dealer ordered an aftermarket spoiler for my 02 GLE as well. Perfect fit and paint match. It is identical to that of the SE and will sure cost you a lot less than factory. I do recommend that you look at it before its installed. Two minor problems to watch out for:
1- The GLE trunk is not intended to hold the additional weight of the spoiler. Therefore the trunk will want to close on you every time you leave it half open. The solution is to ask for SE braces for the inside of your trunk (These are the 2 rods that you will see running from side to side on the inside of the trunk. They are what holds up your trunk lid). They cost about $15, but your dealer should throw this in.
2- When you remove the rear window brake light, you will get a "bulb's out" warning on the dash. I could not find a solution for this, other than leaving the bulb in. Its actually a pretty inteligent system, not easily fooled by smaller resistors or different types of bulbs. I actually retained the bulb and re-routed it to the trunk to avoid generating the extra heat. If you find a solution, please post it.

 

Seems like an intelligent system, but Honduhs have had them for years. It is a simple close and open circuit system. Sort of like your Christmas lights.

Dixit

 

It is a simple open/close system, but it cannot be tricked with lower resistances (or lower wattage bulbs). Therefore if you wire the back light to the spoiler, which uses LED's, the warning light will still light up. If the circuit is closed (shunted), it will also light up. It absolutely needs to find the right resistance (that of the bulb) to not light up.

 

maybe that's only for 02 models...mine didn't do that...i bought my OEM replica spoiler from spoilerforless.com. i think it was like $100. paint separate.

 

Is there way to not have the 3rd brake light shine when you brake?

 

Do you know anything on GXE trunks? I own a GXE and concerned w/braces. Thanks for letting us know. Do you have any pics/part#? Is it easy to install on your own?

 

Thanks for all the great responses. After I inspected the heck out of the paint job and shape, the dealer installed the aftermarket spoiler a couple days ago. Turned out perfect. I did encounter the "light out" signal when I pulled the bulb from the package shelf brake light, so I left it in and the dealer ordered a "plug kit" which is supposed to replace the light assembly. It will be interesting to see how this defeats the "light out" condition.
I will also check into the trunk lid support rods. I can sure use them now. Thanks for the tip.

 

I can only imagine that the GXE has identical rods to the GLE. I'll try to find the part number.


Rogo, please post if the plug solves your light problem.

Thanks