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http://www.nhtsa.dot.gov/cars/proble...alls/Index.cfm

Year: 1998 Make: NISSAN Model: MAXIMA Recall Date: 06/26/2002

Type of Report: Vehicle
Potential Number of Units Affected: 161000
Manufactured: 02/1997 - 02/1998

Defect Summary:
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. ONE OF THE DIODES USED IN THE ALTERNATOR MAY HAVE BEEN DAMAGED WHEN BUILT. THIS CAN EVENTUALLY RESULT IN FAILURE OF THE DIODE AND AN ELECTRICAL SHORT WHICH COULD MELT THE PLASTIC HOUSING.

Consequence Summary:
IF THE COMBUSTIBLE GAS EMITTED BY THE MELTING PLASTIC DOES NOT DISPERSE DUE TO AIR FLOW THROUGH THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT, IT COULD IGNITE AND IN TURN IGNITE THE FAN GUIDE IN THE ALTERNATOR.

Corrective Summary:
DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE ALTERNATOR. OWNER NOTIFICATION IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN DURING AUGUST 2002. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT NISSAN AT 1-800-647-7261 OR INFINITI AT 1-800-662-6200.

 

Wow thanks for the tip, looks like we're all in for a new alternator

 

hmmm..i wonder when my car was built

 

Is there a way I can check to see when my car was built. I know it was first sold in December of 1997 so I would assume it should be recalled.

 

what if you're the second or third owner? can they still notify you?

 

I'm wondering the same thing. can I just go to the dealer myself and say this and that? they gonna be like ..........

 

I'll going to the dealership on Thurs so maybe I'll ask them then

 

There is a date on the sticker located on the door jam, that might be the mfg date. Better consult the service manual, mine is not handy-sorry.

 

If you bought it through a dealer, most likely yes.
If you bought it through a private owner or other, you might not, unless you brought your can into a dealer for service and they have your info.
You can call the 1-800 or stop in the local dealer.

 

Mine was manufactured on 1/98

It's a shame to see the alternator get replaced so soon

On the bright side, I guess many of us will get a new one for free anyway

 

One more question, if they see I have a high power stereo, would that void my recal? should I remove the wires?

 

Thanks for the info! My other max is a '98 (my main baby is '99) I wonder if going to the dealership before the official Nissan announcement might cause more problems than just waiting until you get an "official" document or letter to bring?

 

wait a minute do mods void this fix up?
or do all 02/97-02/98's get this "free remedy"?

 

hmmm....i better check my mfg date!

 

No wonder my altanator died 3 times. I guess I will wait untill this one dies too.

 

my sticker says manufactured 2/98.....so i'm assuming that counts to get a new one?

 

Sounds like it, might want to check the VIN to make sure.
Mine looks like it was mfg 3/98, I might be SOL !

 

Since myself and others here have already replaced our alternators due to bad voltage regulators (buzzing sound).

 

For everyone thinking of bring their cars into the dealer, if the recall notice has not been mailed out to owners yet, the dealer will not fix your car. Don't worry, Nissan sends recall notices to the address you register your vehicle to...i.e. the address you give the DMV.

So sit tight, and if you get a recall notice, you get a rebuilt alternator from Nissan (still built by hitachi unfortunately).

 

how many amps does this rebuilt alt have?

 

nice; i didn't know that

 

just curious...should we put our factory ypipe back on b4 bringing the car to the dealer?

 

I was told by Nissan that the recall notice only goes to the original owner. Call this number Called Nissan (800)647-7261 and have them update their records.

Also, if you already replaced your alternator, such as myself, they will reimburse you for it. Mine caught on fire just like the recall states.

 

Same specs as the stock alternator, 100 amps I think.

 

Thanks for the info.

I have a 97 max.

I called the 800 # you listed for Nissan, spoke to William (310)771-4338 (direct line), explained to him that about 6-10 months ago that I had a fire in the alternator on the copper wiring (about 2 inch flame), he took my info down : name, #, vin #, mileage, etc. told me to fax over a copy of the work order (glad I save everything) and proof of ownership at the time it happened . He then gave me a file # to reference. He said that it sounds like my car should apply to this recall. I told him that I replaced the alternator with a factory one from Douglas Nissan of Orange, CA at my mechanic. He said that they should / will reimburse me for parts & labor. He didnt make any promises. Just said if I dont hear from him by mid August give him a call and he will give me status.

 

Just a quick note to the second, third..car owners. I called Nissan, and they said no problem. They just updated the registered owner on their file for my Max. And they said they would send out the notice if it applies, end of July-August. And if I didn't hear back from them, to give them a call back and make sure the owner switch went through in time.