1997 Nissan Maxima Consumer Discussions

Nissan Maxima Electrical Issues

• 1997 maxima starting problems

  Written by: delfwin1978 on Nov 21, 2011 3:09:38 PM

  Hello All I have an 1997 Nissan Maxima with 248000 miles on it that has just started having problems starting after the car has reached opp temp. If you shut the car off and restart after a few mins its just fine. If you leave it set over 45min to an hour it will not restart till the car has cooled all the way off. I just replaced plugs, map sensor, ... Read More

Nissan Maxima Maintenance and Repair

• 1997 Nissan maxima starting problembs

  Written by: delfwin1978 on Nov 21, 2011 10:54:29 AM

  Hello All I have an 1997 Nissan Maxima with 248000 miles on it that has just started having problems starting after the car has reached opp temp. If you shut the car off and restart after a few mins its just fine. If you leave it set over 45min to an hour it will not restart till the car has cooled all the way off. I just replaced plugs, map sensor, ... Read More

2010 CVT Issue (?)

• Re: '10 Maxima CVT Issues [smithjr77]

  Written by: navajochief on Jan 23, 2011 12:05:38 PM

  I thank you for your quick response as we are in the midst of awaiting our 2011 Maxima to arrive. I currently own a 1997 Maxima I bought new and it still drives like a dream. I'm glad your Maxima is trouble free. After I read your blogs this morning I immediately called the Nissan dealer I was planning on buying from and asked about the CVT issues. He told me ... Read More

Nissan Maxima Maintenance and Repair

• Maxima 1997 engine truns off on stops and lights

  Written by: georgios10 on Jul 28, 2009 4:39:42 PM

  I have a 1997 Nissan maxima and the engine turns off today on every light and stop sign. Anybody can tell what is going on? I would appreciate it very much. Thank you.

Nissan Maxima

• Re: 1997 Nissan maxima nock Sensor Problem [maxfreek]

  Written by: goodole1 on May 27, 2009 8:30:13 PM

  Thank you for your response. I meant to shut this article down as the car caught on fire about two months ago. My housemate was heartbroken. However, all is not lost. she got a very attractive offer from the insurance company because the car was certified and not a mark on it.. we got her another Nissan Maxima but it was a used 2008 with 3000 miles. But she's very happy. ... Read More

• Re: 1997 Nissan maxima nock Sensor Problem [pacmanplayer]

  Written by: maxfreek on May 27, 2009 8:15:53 PM

  the knock sensor is between the heads below the intake....you must remove intake to get to it ..not a problem had 1 bolt ...however i have replaced without removing intake...if u can get a wrench between the heads u can remove ...hope this helps..btw ..i wouldnt pay to have this done

2009 Nissan Maxima

• 2009 Maxima acceleration spec comparo

  Written by: redbull on Dec 19, 2008 12:55:52 PM

  I’ve seen some recent posts that claim acceleration figures for the 09 Maxima, and also the BMW 328i and an older 90s model Maxima. As I’ve driven all of the cars mentioned and didn’t feel the claims were accurate based on my own seat-of-the-pants impressions, I went out and did a bit of research. I’m no stranger to older Maximas, as my wife had a 1997 Max (purchased new in 97) ... Read More

• Fender Flares

  Written by: out4cat on Dec 8, 2008 4:04:39 PM

  In continuing the message above, here is a list of some cars that do have flares. There was no need to leave the Nissan family for some of them. NIssan Titan Nissan Armada Infinity QX-56 Nissan Altima (much more tastefully done because the rear fender flare is the leading design element that is not lost in a sea of other elements like on the Maxima) Toyota Highlander Outgoing Subaru Forester GMC ... Read More

• Re: Real World MPG [go_mdx1]

  Written by: habitat1 on Aug 21, 2008 4:09:14 AM

  Good luck with your new Maxima. My 1995 was also the most reliable car I have ever owned, at least among those that went more than 100,000 miles. My Nissan service manager claims that the 4th generation, especially the 1995-1997, were the most reliable car Nissan ever made. Last to be built 100% in Japan, overengineered, and before Nissan went wild with electronic "do-dads". For example, I've only been through 2 ... Read More

Chrysler 300 or Nissan Maxima?

• Re: Chrysler 300 or Nissan Maxima? [retroeric]

  Written by: jerrymax on Mar 22, 2008 5:23:18 PM

  My viewpoint may not be that helpfull because I've never driven the newest addition of the Maxima. But I have owned a 1997 Maxima for many years and a couple of years ago I spent a week in Florida driving a rented 2006 Chrysler 300 touring edition so I can make a comparison between these two cars. I enjoyed the Chrysler very much. It had the 3.5 litre 250 hp V6 ... Read More

Nissan Maxima Maintenance and Repair

• 1997 Nissan Maxima

  Written by: dustyl on Jun 4, 2007 8:29:48 PM

  I was unable to start my car after work today. It won't turn over. There is a clicking noise by the fuse panel inside the vehicle when I try to start it. There is power to the car to run the windows, radio, etc. I replaced the starter about 2 years ago. I checked the fuses but they seemed ok. Is there something wrong the ignition or electrical problem?

• Re: 1997 Nissan Maxima [dustyl]

  Written by: masetime on Jun 17, 2007 2:39:00 PM

  I am having the exact same problem as you. Did you ever figure out the cause? A little more background about my symptoms: my '97 maxima has always been stubborn about turning over. It has often not turned over on the first try, but then after I push the brake down or turn the steering wheel and try again it has always started up just fine. Today it won't budge. It ... Read More

Nissan Maxima

• Re: 1997 Nissan maxima nock Sensor Problem [pacmanplayer]

  Written by: dhamp on Mar 12, 2007 2:46:16 PM

  I don't know your mechanical abilities or patience level, but you'll definitely want to have both to replace that knock sensor. The fastest way to do it is to pull the intake plenums and all of the top of the motor since the knock sensor sits in the "V" up top. That's a lot of screws and gaskets. It's possible to do it w/out removing all of that, but it's a ... Read More

• Re: 1997 Nissan maxima nock Sensor Problem [pacmanplayer]

  Written by: just_phil on Mar 10, 2007 3:37:04 PM

  http://www.motorvate.ca/mvp.php/507

• 1997 Nissan maxima nock Sensor Problem

  Written by: pacmanplayer on Mar 10, 2007 1:07:57 PM

  Hi .can ANYONE tell me where the nock Sensor is located on a 1997 Nissan Maxima SE ????? Please help .Im trying to do this myself without getting ripped off .. Any help would be greatly appreciated ..

• 1997 nissan maxima- sensor problem?

  Written by: jennifervanmat on Jan 31, 2007 8:21:33 AM

  I have a 1997 Nissan Maxima SE. I replaced the alternator and battery less than a year ago. On Monday as I was driving home the brake light and the battery light came on. It went off in about 20 seconds and the car did not seem to run any different. Then it happened again twice this morning. Again, no difference in the way the car starts or runs. Anyone have ... Read More

Nissan Maxima vs. Toyota Camry

• My Experience - Camry BAD CAR

  Written by: 16wheels on Jan 11, 2007 4:15:45 AM

  I currently own a 2001 Maxima AND a 1999 Camry 4 cyl. (originally purchased for mom-in-law). Bought the Max 1 year old, Cam was 5 years old. Max has 75K miles and NO ISSUES at all - still like new. Cam has 62K miles, front end rattles (see strut TSB) and developed blue smoke on start-up (bad valve stem seals). Got a notice in the mail regarding a class action lawsuit ... Read More

Nissan Maxima Maintenance and Repair

• Re: 1997 Nissan Maxima #1 cylinder coil pack submerged in oil [ggillie]

  Written by: just_phil on Sep 29, 2006 1:30:52 PM

  Go to groups.google.com and search for 'maxima oil in spark plug chamber'. Click on the first item in the list, it contains a pretty good description of what's going on.

• 1997 Nissan Maxima #1 cylinder coil pack submerged in oil

  Written by: ggillie on Sep 29, 2006 10:01:54 AM

  I've got a 1997 Nissan Maxima with 170,000 miles and I've loved it since the day I got it, but recently, I took the car on a cross country trip and encountered some problems along the way. About 200 miles or so into the trip, my check engine light came on and the car began to run a bit rough. I was able to limp it a few miles down the ... Read More

Nissan Maxima

• Re: 1997 Maxima - What Trim Level? [just_phil]

  Written by: thegraduate on Aug 9, 2006 11:24:55 PM

  Do you want more? Haha, no, but that is EXTREMELY helpful, and I thank you so much for your time and effort into that post. It has cloth, black gauges w/white numbers, chrome door handles, and no spoiler. Definitely a GXE. Thanks so much for your help again! (and for helping out a Honda guy=me ;) with a Nissan-guy=friend!) Best Wishes thegrad :)

• 1997 Maxima - What Trim Level?

  Written by: thegraduate on Aug 9, 2006 11:03:21 AM

  Hello. I'm not normally around the Nissan segment of these boards, but would appreciate a little insight. A close friend of mine recently (as of yesterday, actually) bought a 1997 Nissan Maxima. Problem is, nobody knows what trim level it is. I guessed that it was a GXE because it had plastic wheel-covers instead of alloy wheels. Here's all I know, and I hope it helps decide the answer: It's white ... Read More

• Re: Engine Life of Nissan Maxima 1999 [xrunner2]

  Written by: joefla70 on Jun 28, 2006 6:59:56 PM

  I bought my 1997 Maxima from my brother a few years ago. It had 173K miles on when I got it from him. I bought it with the high miles knowing that he takes very good care of his cars and keeps up with all maintenance. He only used Mobil1 oil, and so do I. The maxima is currently at 246K miles and still running strong. The only things I had ... Read More

Nissan Maxima Maintenance and Repair

• Maxima Brake caliber stuck how to rebuild it DIY

  Written by: bulbull on Apr 17, 2006 10:35:22 PM

  have 1997 Nissan Maxima GLE. Failed inspection because the rear right brake had no pressure. I pulled out the the caliber and tried to turn it in. It was impossible. I used the proper tools. But it would not budge. Help. I have the caliber out and in a vise. I cut the rubber seal around the piston. I am wondering how to get it out.? ANY ONE Take a shot ... Read More

Nissan Maxima Prices Paid and Buying Experience

• Fair Price For A 2005 Maxima SE

  Written by: viva1966 on Jul 21, 2005 9:42:45 PM

  Hello Thenebean (and others who might have an answer), I hope to purchase a 2005 Maxima SE within the next week. The only options I have added are rear spoiler, mud guards, and floor mats. I have contacted 12 Nissan dealers in the Houston, TX area and the MSRP ranges from $28,269 to $28,640. The price quotes that I have received range from $24,546 to $24,840 plus TT&L. Most of the ... Read More

Nissan Maxima Maintenance and Repair

• Re: Want to buy a USED Nissan Altima....need help [pat517]

  Written by: just_phil on Jul 21, 2005 7:29:36 AM

  2000 was, I believe, the last year of the 2nd generation Altima, so they should be as reliable as it gets. I drive a 1997 Maxima SE with 195k miles. The only major thing that ever broke (other than the usual wear and tear items) is the starter. If you can find a 97-99 Maxima in good condition with decent mileage, it should last you a long time.

• Re: Check Engine Light failure - 97 Maxima [univmd]

  Written by: univmd on Jun 28, 2005 3:56:54 PM

  To continue with my story, I took my 1997 Nissan Maxima 140,000 miles to the dealer today to get the SES light checked. He said there were two codes, the throttle control code and the engine knock code. He reset the light and said no problem with either. Also no problem with the transmission control module like my other mechanic believed. So everything is fine now. He said warming up the ... Read More

• Re: 1997 Nissan Maxima (Engine Noise) [kenlee11]

  Written by: nissantech8yr on Jun 7, 2005 4:56:04 PM

  you need a new starter

• Help my AC adapter is dead

  Written by: cuse89 on Aug 13, 2004 11:18:05 AM

  I was recently driving my 1997 Nissan Maxima to work, when the guy in front of me stopped short and caused an entire cascade of cars behind him to stop short as well. In the process the cup of milk that I had in the cupholder spilled everywhere including into the AC adapter. At the time I had my cell phone plugged in, but it was saturated and by the time ... Read More

• no title

  Written by: mikef208 on Mar 7, 2004 9:24:43 AM

  Okay guys, I finally joined the maxima club. I just purchased a 1997 MAX SE with about 66,000 on it. Got a good deal, but it wasn't without it flaws, so that brings me here. MY first question relates to a metallic rattle in the drivers side door. It only rattles when going over hard bumps, and when you shut the door, you can here a metallic clang or whatever sound ... Read More

Nissan Maxima

• Help me buy a new to me car.

  Written by: mikef208 on Feb 8, 2004 9:55:42 PM

  I need to get a new used car and I am heavily leaning towards a 4th gen maxima. Preferablly a black 1997 Maxima SE with an automatic tranny. But I am having difficulty locating many vehicles like this within a few hundered miles of Columbus, OH. I was wondering what percentage of the 4th gens came in SE trim? Are they that much harder to find then a GXE? What else ... Read More

• Any 4th Gen Maxima owners here?

  Written by: maxamillion1 on Sep 6, 2003 11:02:48 PM

  I was wondering what options were available on the 1997-1999 Nissan Maxima SE. I am interested in the Maxima. Anyone remember any of the pkgs available on the 1997-1999 Maxima? Thanks in advance

Nissan Maxima vs. Honda Accord

• rodut

  Written by: speedracer3 on Mar 19, 2003 6:48:40 AM

  "History showed that governments and companies don't change their policies for decades. From my point of view the 1997 Maxima I owned was not a different car from what the Maxima is today" You are wrong, the 1997 was a totally different car than the current Maxima, and the company has gone through a total overhaul in the ealry 2000's. Let's talk about tranmissions, Honda can't seem to build a good ... Read More

• Buy a plane

  Written by: rodut on Mar 18, 2003 8:19:38 PM

  Speedracer3, History showed that governments and companies don't change their policies for decades. From my point of view the 1997 Maxima I owned was not a different car from what the Maxima is today. I don't care they made them more powerful. What matters to me is the feeling of perfection. The feeling I had with my 1994 and 2001 Accords was that the car was glued to ground at any ... Read More

• no title

  Written by: speedracer3 on Mar 18, 2003 6:07:39 AM

  Rodut, A 1997 Maxima was a totally different car from what the Maxima is today. Judging a whole company on one bad car experience is a little hasty. There is a lot more to the Maxima than just the engine...it is a more engaging car to drive than Camry or Accord. Dklanecky, I know that dark color cars are harder to take care of than lighter ones. I've had other black ... Read More

• For Canada Accord is better !

  Written by: rodut on Mar 17, 2003 8:45:19 PM

  I owned a 79 Accord, a 94 Accord, a 1997 Maxima and now I own a 2001 Accord. I kept Maxima only for 6 months because, even if the engine power is certainly impressive, the car is very far from perfect. With Accord I have this great feeling of ACCURACY. Anything works perfect. I think I could live with Maxima's vibrations (Nissan couldn't solve that), poor paint, poor suspensions, weird plastic ... Read More

• Nissan facelifted the Maxima

  Written by: maxamillion1 on Jan 20, 2003 7:25:24 PM

  back in 1997 for the fourth generation model. So if the cornering lights were taken away from the Maxima, it probably happened in MY1997. The 4th. gen. debuted in 1994 as a MY1995...

Nissan Maxima

• dklanecky

  Written by: mrmc1 on Sep 3, 2002 4:41:39 PM

  dklanecky, The numbers in the Consumer Guide book are NOT related to warranty status. I also have a three year old version of the guide when fourth generation Maximas were still on warranty and it contains the same repair costs. I haven’t spoken to my Nissan dealer about this because they haven’t given me very straight answers in the past. I’m glad to read that you’ve had good luck with your ... Read More

Help Me Choose!

• Can anyone help me ?!!

  Written by: ritav on Jul 26, 2002 5:04:11 PM

  I am looking for a new car (2002 or 2003?? -- even considering 2001-maybe lower monthly payments!?) I have a 1997 Grand Am (final payment next month!!)-nice car but having a few problems with it, especially lately. Therefore, I've put all GM cars on the back burner, even though I like the Oldsmobile Alero, but V6 has rather steep monthly payments even with 1.9% financing (5 yrs.) I've "narrowed it down" ... Read More

Nissan Maxima Maintenance and Repair

• HOT & COLD STARTING PROBLEMS

  Written by: jtrotter on Aug 21, 2001 8:21:06 PM

  I HAVE A 1997 NISSAN MAXIMA WITH HOT & COLD STARTING PROBLEMS. SOMETIMES WHEN I GET IN IT 1ST THING IN THE MORNING IT WILL NOT START WILL CRANK BUT WILL NOT START BEGINNING THIS WEEK THE BATTERY WAS GOING DOWN WHILE CRANKING. I HAD THE BATTERY TESTED TONIGHT AND THEY SAID IT WAS FINE. BEFORE I STARTED HAVING THIS PROBLEM I WAS HAVING HOT STARTING PROBLEMS. WHEN I WOULD TRY ... Read More

Nissan Maxima

• Door seal / rubber seals

  Written by: robertr on Jun 30, 2001 9:06:04 AM

  Mine makes a squeaking, squishing sound when I open and close the door in certain temperature and moisture conditions. I really like my 2000 SE, but one of the few annoyances I have is that Nissan cheapened the door seals compared to the 1997 SE I had which I think had triple seals. Also, the way the 2000 seals are designed, they accumulate crud in them which is a nuisance to ... Read More

Nissan Maxima Maintenance and Repair

• 1984 Nissan Maxima Oil Pressure Gauge Reading

  Written by: lugwrench on Jun 1, 2001 1:11:52 PM

  One of the best cars I ever owned was a 1984 Nissan Maxima Wagon that I purchased brand new. Had the car for 13 years which 12 of those was trouble free. Got rid of the car in 1997 with over 217,000 miles on the odometer. Had the oil changed every three months or 3000 miles which ever came first and always used Castrol GTX. From the first day I drove ... Read More

• '97 nissan maxima GXE

  Written by: itsgt on Jan 29, 2001 12:55:35 PM

  What size rims/patters would I have to get for my 1997 nissan maxima. I'm looking to invest in chrome rims for my maxima...and wanted to know the proper size/ bolt patters i need. thanks.

Nissan Maxima

• Question re: instrument panel lights

  Written by: beache on Jan 8, 2001 1:23:10 PM

  Hi everyone. I'm a new Nissan owner after totaling my 95 Honda Accord in a snow/ice/tree accident..... I now own a 1997 Maxima GXE. I like the power and the look of the car--so far so good. One quick question: At night with the instrument panel lit up, are the cruise control buttons on the steering wheel supposed to be lit up? Mine don't light and it's pretty tough to figure ... Read More

• Vibration Problem

  Written by: alexk56 on Jan 8, 2001 10:49:51 AM

  Has anybody seen the problem with Maxima vibrating? My automatic Maxima - 1997 vibrates (is a kind of shaking) when being driven or standing on a traffic light with the gear engaged. The service at the Nissan dealership where I purchased the car could not find and fix the problem. I wonder if this is a known defect. Suspect that the problem is in not having the engine and the transmission ... Read More

• kneehowma - older Max purchase

  Written by: norbert444 on Jan 5, 2001 11:45:53 AM

  Hao! There is plenty of help available, so I'll just give you some of my favorites. General help in establishing the price is available on Kelly Blue Book site (www.kbb.com), intellichoice -direct link to Maxima below: http://reports.intellichoice.com/reports/sponsors/IC2/frameset.asp?SPON=ic2&DEFSPON=&PROD=1&REPORT=9742005&TRID=13757978&P1=0&YEAR=1997&MAKE=Nissan&MODEL=Maxima (click on Valuation when you get there) and this edmunds site (go to Used Cars from Home Page). As far as your particular car is concerned, get the VIN and go to your nearest ... Read More

Nissan Maxima Maintenance and Repair

• 1997 Nissan Maxima (Engine Noise)

  Written by: kenlee11 on Dec 29, 2000 10:49:50 AM

  My Maxima has been making a weird noise every time I start the engine in the morning. The noise occurs right after I start the engine. I have used 93 Octane gasoline for the three years I have owned the car. I took it to the dealership and they said that they couldn't duplicate the problem. This only occurs when the engine is cold. Is anybody out there having or have ... Read More