Nissan Maxima Problems

THE problem may not be with the tacho itself. It could be in the signal the tacho is getting, so take it back to the auto elecrician and have him check the system.

NISSAN specialist Jerry Newman says that, though Nissan doesn't include a transmission service in its service schedule, he would recommend having it done at about the mileage of your cars. The Maxima doesn't use synthetic transmission oil, so it's not a long-life oil, and oils do become contaminated with use over time.

THE highway fuel consumption seems fine. The consumption around town could be because you drive short distances from a cold start. A significant part of your running could be in the cold enrichment phase, which will increase consumption. It doesn't sound as if there is anything dramatically wrong with your car.

THE A33 Maxima is one of the best-performing used cars there is. It has a good record for reliability. With only 60,000km, the car you're considering also has low mileage.

THE Maxima is a very reliable car. Very little goes wrong with them if you maintain them well, as the car you are considering seems to have been. I wouldn't have a problem recommending the Maxima.

YES. It is a low-ethanol blend and will do no harm to your car. The problems that can occur with ethanol blends, and they have to be high blends, mostly afflict older cars. New models have seals etc. that won't be affected by the ethanol.

I WOULD recommend you take it to Mark Lynch of Carcool Airconditioning (ph: 9532 0785). Mark reckons you could have a leak that needs to be rectified before it causes irreparable damage to the airconditioning compressor.

I WOULD accept Nissan's advice that it is safe to use a blend with 5 or 10 per cent ethanol.

THE Nissan will happily tow your campervan, but you might consider fitting higher-rated rear springs to avoid the rear end bottoming out, and replace the auto transmission oil with a high-quality oil.