If anyone has any useful info on the newer Maximas, please share so we can spread the word to others.

'85-'88
Transmission
OK, you have a 5 speed and all sorts of problems. Well, you're not alone. But, I've been told contrary reports from having plastic parts in place of metal ones in the transmission, to "This is one of their better made ones." Well, you may have it already, so here we go. It'll cost you to repair it. Some have had a problem going from 1st to 2nd and then from 2nd to third. It's a mess because your sync gears are probably messed up. Once repaired, it won't ever give you a problem. One guy actually had the 5th gear shatter and jam itself into the transmission. Cost? $1300.

Alternator
Besides your having the battery die and all the normal ways of indication that you'll need a new alternator, the Nissans have an interesting way of letting you know. While driving, all of your dummy lights will light up - just like you had started your car. After that, your car will make a slight grinding noise, like it's coming from the transmission. Well, get your checkbook out - you may need a new alternator. Price? About $184.

AC Compressor
Here we go with a bad bad design. If your compressor ever goes out or "freezes," you are going nowhere. The belt for the compressor is also directly attached to the alternator. If one goes, all go and you are going to be late wherever you are going. There are two parts here. The compressor itself and a clutch unit inside. When you push the AC button, the clutch engages the compressor and your AC works. If this unit ever goes out (you'll see smoke!) then get it changed immediately! Price? It could go over $600 for a new one!

Power Steering
Again, here we go with another bad idea. The power steering units were a really bad design in 85 and 86. If you have a leak of red fluid coming from the car, then chances are that your power steering is going out. Nissan won't give you just the boots on either side of the rack to replace. They'll only sell you a 1988 steering rack with an adaptor kit. Now, the 1988 rack boots can be replaced. But, have them examined from time to time - like every 3 years or so.

Clutch
You'll probably have to make your usual changes in the master cylinder, etc. But here's another frequent problem. The Slave cylinder. The slave cylinder is located really close to the exhaust and it heats it up all the time - causing failure. So, you may have trouble engaging the clutch sometimes or you'll have a weird leak.

Body KITS
Well, what can I say? I hate those kits. Let's do everyone a favor and avoid those things. They make the car look too boxy as it is. A car magazine already referred to the headlights as "cinderblocks."

Headlights
If you ever have the trouble of the tailights and dash lights going out, but not the headlights, your lights are not broken, just your light switch! The stalk sticking outside of the left of the steering wheel column needs to be replaced. You can do it yourself. Just remove the screws from the bottom of the steering wheel shaft and unscrew the unit. Then, unclip the wire connection.

Fuel line
Smell gas, but from the REAR of the car? Check for leaks. Again, you should take the car in immediately. The cost may be a little more than you thought because they'll have to drop the gas tank.

Glove box
The hinges are made of plastic! They're going to give out regardless. There are two pins holding the box in. You'll have to unscrew the panel directly below the glove box and then pull the clips out before you can pull the glove box out. I suggest you try to reinforce them with metal parts SOON!

Engine
Please note that the valve cover screws can come loose over time. This can result in leaking of oil and a burning smell. Tighten those things up! The seal between the valve cover and the engine is rubber. It waxes and wanes according to temperature and vibration. It's a simple turn of the phillips screwdriver. But, don't overtighten! You may damage the rubber seal.

Also, change your oil. My mechanic noted that this engine also tunes itself, but it only can if the oil is good. I once waited three years before I needed new NGK spark plugs.

I've never had any major problems with this engine AT ALL. Most of the problems have been around this engine, but not in it.

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