QuestionI have a Nissan Maxima 2000 GLE. I bought this used car last month. I have two problems now
1. I am new to driving. I was learning reverse parking to get the license. Whenever I do reverse parking, after three or four iterations, Engine became very hot (Indicator was Near H), coolant started leaking from passenger side in the front from bottom, and steam started coming out from the hood. Then I had to stop the car for a while to get it cooled. This problem happened two times both the time I was trying reverse parking.
2. Whenever I start the car in the morning or in cold environment, the car starts but it runs with shuttering (Don't know the exact word to mention, that is the car gives a sound and it is shaking front and back). But after running certain distance, the car runs normal. This happens only when we start in the cold environment.
When I checked with Nissan Dealer, they said following are the problems that made this
1. Upper Intake Gasket is leaking and it has to be replaced.
2. If needed, upper intake also have to be replaced
3. Good idea to replace Spark Plugs at same time
4. Note : Alternator knocking Noise, so it has to be replaced
They gave big estimation of $1500 to rectify everything.
When we checked the same with local mechanic, they said changing above 4 will not solve the coolant leaking problem. So I am now confused on whether it is Ok to go ahead and do whatever dealer said.
Please throw some light on what could be the problem that might be causing these issues.
AnswerMuppitathi,
If the intake is where the water leak is it will need to be removed to replace the gasket. If there is a leak elsewhere the other mechanic should tell you where it is. The upper intake could be the source of the leak or there could be a hose that is leaking. I would change all the hoses while the intake gasket was being replaced to make sure after seven years a hose does not blow. Unless you have documents to prove that the hoses have been replaced. The shudder could be a leaking motor mount. The engine has two motor mounts that are liquid filled and if they leak it will cause a shudder. With this many years the alternator is probably due to be replaced. You could wait until it dies and then do the replacement but that would leave you walking until it was corrected. If the alternator is making noise I would replace it. If there is no documents to show that the spark plugs have been replaced recently I would change them as well. New spark plugs will make the engine run much better and give you more gas mileage from the car. I have a 2000 Maxima and I love it but some maintenance has to be done to keep it running strong. I have changed all the items mentioned on mine.
