Folks - finally got back to the forum and finally upgraded my Max from a 2005 to a 2010 3.5L SV w/prem. package - just got it today, but have questions.

At the dealership, and they noted it as "they owe me" I noticed that the back windshield has several light spots in the glass...it appears to be between the glass, but see through, and only really can see it in shade and in certain bright sunshine. I've seen this on cars before, any idea what this could be? It was not on the Maximas in the car lot...

Second...I get a hissing noise I noticed when I brought home from the dealership under the car, appears to be under the car / mid-section. Plan on asking about it tomorrow when I drop off the second set of keys on my trade in...any clue? Normal? Again, I was VERY familiar with the 2005 Max, but getting used to the 2010 - awesome car though, and for 30K? Can't beat the price...

Thanks All!

Jimbo

 

Congrats. Good choice of vehicle.

I assume you bought it used? If so, then there is probably warranty left?

The spots on the rear window should not be there. If the rear window is tinted, the spots will probably be between the glass and the sheet of tint. If the window is not tinted, then I don't know what caused this. Sounds like it may be between the layers of glass. If so, this will never get better, and will probably get worse. I would try to have this fixed under warranty, as it will probably spread, and should be considered as a safety issue.

The hissing is a new one on me. Is this hissing fulltime, or just part time? Does it continue after the motor is turned off? Is it steady, or does it vary in volume? I would cetainly have the service rep tell me why this car hisses and other '10s don't.

If you keep the car, you should fill us in on interior/exterior colors, mileage, mods, etc. We will expect to hear more about your two issues.

 

I have a 2011 and hear the same hissing sound from the rear passenger side. Thought it was normal so I haven't brought it up to the dealer yet. I will next time and if you find out please let us know.

 

it most likely is the fuel pump working its majic

 

Lightonthehill & Folks:

This a a new 2011 Nissan Maxima 3.5L SV w/prem. pkg - only 200 miles on it. During the walk around and final look at the vehicle I noticed the rear windshield issue. The dealership is going to definitely look into it, as well as the hissing noise. I did think the hissing noise was the fuel pump, but the noise appears to be in the center of the bottom of the vehicle, like air coming out of a tire. Either case, the dealership is looking at this as well - probably next Tuesday since they threw in tinting and I'm getting that done, and they will look at the rear window issue and the hissing. A mechanic looked at it today when I dropped off the second set of keys for my 2005 Max that I traded in and didn't think it was normal, and maybe thought a leak in the exhaust at the weld possible.

I'll definitely keep you posted on those issues. As far as the other stuff you mentioned, the color is brillant silver, with charcoal interior. Not sure of the changes between the 10' and the 11', but this car is great! I am paying attention to the MPG since that seems to be a question that comes up. I do plan on modding it like my 2005, probably the first being the interior light bulbs - convert to LED.

I'll keep you all posted!! Thanks for the replies!

Jimbo

 

Glad to have the question about new/used cleared up. In your thread-starting post, you said it was a 2010 Maxima, so I assumed used. With this being a new car, the rear windshield MUST be made right.

I will be interested in finding out what causes the hiss. An exhause leak might be the culprit. It won't be a tire, of course, or the psi would be dropping. I understand Maxima fuel pumps are inside the fuel tank, so I don't know how that would create a hiss that was clearly audible. The service tech should be able to find the source by putting the car on a lift and standing beneath the middle of the car.

 

Were you able to get an answer on the hissing sound?

 

Folks - sorry for the late reply. No resolution on the rear windshield issue since the windows were tinted and I don't see the problem. Although, if you take a look while driving and/or in parking lots, I see this issue on multiple types of cars...the back window appears to have fog spots on it. Not sure if this is a poor glass manufacturer or what, but have even seen it on high-end Mercedes.

The hissing noise...the dealership didn't look at it. I do have it down for the first 3 month or 3K plus check on my 2011 Max. Ran into a new problem...I turn on the **** for the heated driver seat option at about 6 am here in San Antonio, which currently is below freezing, and it stay lit for about 5 minutes and goes out - bottom line the seat does not heat up. Called the dealership service manager and they have seen this in a couple of other 2011 Maxima's whereby they have to replace the control module and a module in the seat. Brand new car and dealing with that, but they'll fix it.

I owe those interested on the hissing sound...I'll get back to you on that. Since I have to drop off the car next Thursday prior to the holiday weekend, I'll have them check it and get word on this forum.

Jimbo

 

Thanks for the update. Several here have had exactly the same seat heater problem you are having. I seem to recall the fix may have been just what your dealer says it is. Sounds like your dealer has dealt with it before, which is good. That greatly improves your chances of a good repair. We have to hope the parts are readily available and you will have your seat heater working perfectly before summer heat arrives.

The hissing is definitely not supposed to be there. Like others here, I will be interested in what is causing it.

 

The dealership said there is no issue, although I'm going to have them check it at the first service for my car, again. No performance issues, no trouble lights...so I may be looking into it too much. More to follow later...

 

I have the same hissing sound coming from my Maxima. I only hear it when the engine is idle. Will take it to the DS when I have time and which I hope this sound is normal.

 

The rear windshield issue would be due to what is classified as "pitting" or "distortion". Glass manufacturer defect. The rear glass is tempered, so there isn't 2 layers of glass with PVB similar to a front windshield (safety glass) The Pitting or distrotion would be caused by either glass breakage in the tooling when pressed to shape in the furnace, or flat glass float defect (when made from the tining process) and quenching cycle. This shouldnt be a defect you'll see on all glass... maybe a few that sneeked by Quality Assurance inspection.

Fun fact: The rear antenna and defrost paint lines in your rear windshield is made from metallic paint that's applied with a silk screen.. and is tested by a volt meter for full contectivity.

^^^ Worked with Glass as a process engineer for many moons.

 

Thanks, Se7enth_Gen. I was not aware the rear glass is single ply. I guess that means the windows in the doors are also single ply?

And am I understanding that the metallic lines silkscreened onto the inside surface of the rear window serve both as a defroster AND a radio antenna? Sure is a lot to learn about cars.

 

Yes, all windows except the front windshield are tempered glass unless there's a speciallity... ex/ Acoustic glass, Impact proof (bullet proof) The purpose is for safety escape. The Antenna will be separated from the defrost lines to prevent frequency distortion, and the rear defrost requires higher amperage to heat up the paint. Don't quote me on this... I've been out of the Glass business for 3 years, so they may have come up with something different. Different metallic paint was used for the 2 applications when I was involved in the process.

Back on topic

Ive been listening for this noise, and I haven't heard anything out of the ordinary.... maybe because Im comparing to all of the other cars I've driven... and the Maxima is the quietest ride I've ever owned. *shrugs.