Nissan Repair: Nissan Maxima Motor Mounts, vehicle speed sensor, nissan maxima

Question
QUESTION: Von, My 2000 Maxima with 70k miles started having this noise when off sounding like a fan running . Not the cooling fan. My mechanic with help from another shop determined it to be the electric motor mounts which I never heard of.The noise stops when the battery is disconnected or the ECM2 fuse is pulled . However the car won't start in either condition. Can they be disconnected for now? Can the wires be cut without damaging the computer as I have heard and read elsewhere?

ANSWER: Tom,

I have a 2000 Maxima SE.  You could disconnect the motor mount until you get a replacement.  But, remember how the electric motor mounts work.  When you are in drive and the vehicle speed sensor reads zero the mount softens up.  The mount contains ferro fluid that is magnetic metallic dust contained in a fluid.  When the vehicle speed sensor detects speed the mount hardens up.  If disconnected the mounts will be soft and the motor will move around and the handling will be compromised.  Replace as soon as possible.

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QUESTION: My car is Pearl white, the hood is rusting badly at the nose, have you seen or heard of this as a defect in general?

Answer
Tom,

Remember that Japanese cars are all made from imported steel.  Both recycled and virgin steel are used.  Bumper Distributors are a good source for a hood.  Costs about $100 bucks for the hood and you will need to get it painted.  I have a 2000 Pearl White Maxima SE and there are signs of rust on it too.  If you live where it is wet or they use road salt you will get rust.  I am in Las Vegas so things have been check these last seven years.