Here are the top 5 problems with the 6th gen Nissan Maxima. This guide and video covers common 2004 to 2008 Nissan Maxima problems, causes, and fixes.
Top 5 6th Generation Nissan Maxima Problems (2004 to 2008)
1. Leaking AC Lines
Symptoms of Leaking AC Lines
- AC lines leaking fluid
- No cold AC blowing in passenger compartment
- AC compressor not working
- Funny smell from the lines
Causes of Leaking AC Lines
The AC lines along the passenger side of the vehicle tend to break down and leak fluid. They tend to leak where the lines connect, whether at the joints or to another part. Sometimes the gasket between the lines and parts can break down and leak fluid. It’s also common for this problem on the 2004 to 2008 Nissan Maxima to cause the AC compressor to stop working.
AC refrigerant has a unique smell and it’s toxic to the environment, and you may notice an abnormal smell if the fluid is leaking.
How to Fix Leaking AC Lines
Inspect all of the AC lines for a leak. Leak detection oil can help find the leak. The Schrader valve might also be leaking, and removing the cover and listening for a sound can indicate a leak.
You can also hook an AC machine up to the lines. With the machine hooked up, apply vacuum to the system. If the vacuum doesn’t increase and hold, there is a leak in the system. It could range from there being a problem with a loose hose to moisture or metal parts collecting inside the system and damaging parts. If the AC was run too much on low refrigerant, other parts in the system can break and will need replacing.
If the problem is from a minor leak that removed the refrigerant but didn’t add moisture or metal fragments to the system, fix the leak and replace the refrigerant. Then start the car up and let it run, and check how well the AC system is working.
This can be an advanced and difficult DIY job if you’re not experienced, so consider having a professional diagnose it.
2. Camshaft Position Sensors Failing
Symptoms of Bad Camshaft Position Sensors
- Check engine light for a camshaft position sensor
- Runability issues like problems starting or difference in engine performance
- Camshaft position sensor leaking oil
Causes of Bad Camshaft Position Sensors
The camshaft position sensors help time the engine. If the sensor is not working, the computer will not know the camshaft’s position, and it probably means the engine timing is off.
The camshaft position sensor can also crack, break and leak oil.
How to Fix Failed Camshaft Position Sensors
There are two camshaft position sensors on the 6th gen Nissan Maxima with two banks. Bank number two is along the front of the car with three ignition coils. Bank number one is along the backside. The electrical connectors for these sensors have green tabs. Along the driver side of the valve covers, straight along down there is an electrical connector with a green tab. On the other side, the entire connector is green.
If there’s a problem with a camshaft position sensor, it needs to be replaced.
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3. Power Steering Pump Problems
Symptoms of Power Steering Pump Problems on the 2004 to 2008 Nissan Maxima
- Leaking power steering pump
- Whining noise from the power steering system that amplifies when turning the steering wheel or accelerating
- Steering wheel feels stiff and is hard to turn
Causes of Power Steering Pump Problems
The 6th gen Maxima has hydraulic assist. The power steering pump sends power steering fluid throughout the power steering system, which makes it easier to turn the steering wheel. The power steering pump tends to fail on these models, and if it has failed it’s likely leaking power steering fluid. It can leak from the lines that connect to the pump and from the seal around the pulley. This can cause fluid to leak on the passenger side of the vehicle.
How to Fix Power Steering Pump Problems
If the pulley is spraying power steering fluid, there’s probably a problem with the seal on the pump. If there’s fluid on the hoses, the hoses that connect to the pump are probably leaking fluid. A bad pump pulley seal means the power steering pump needs to be replaced, but if it’s leaking from the hoses, a new gasket can fix this issue.
After the part causing these symptoms is replaced, flush the power steering system and replace the power steering fluid.
4. Faulty Crankshaft Position Sensor
Symptoms of Crankshaft Position Sensor Failure
- Car won’t start
- Runability issues or engine stalls out
- Check engine light for code P0335
Causes of Crankshaft Position Sensor Problems on the 2004 to 2008 Nissan Maxima
The crankshaft is the main shaft inside of the engine and attaches to the pistons. The computer won’t know the crankshaft or pistons’ position if the crankshaft position sensor is damaged. If the sensor fails while driving, the engine will stall out and probably won’t start again.
The sensor can crack and damage over time, but an oil leak might also damage and cause problems with the circuitry.
How to Fix Crankshaft Position Sensor Failure
The crankshaft position sensor is located between the engine and the transmission. You can see it from the transmission pan up on the passenger side.
Make sure the problem is with the sensor and there isn’t a larger issue like an engine oil leak. If the sensor is damaged, replace it. Replace the engine oil after you replace the sensor.
Timing Chain Problems
Symptoms of Timing Chain Problems
- Noises from the timing chain area that disappear as the engine warms up
- Less engine power
- Check engine light
Causes of Timing Chain Problems
The timing chain is located on the passenger side of the engine and keeps the crankshaft and camshafts are aligned. The engine won’t run properly if they’re not aligned. The chain has a tensioner and guides, and sometimes these parts aren’t lubricated properly, and that can happen from not changing the oil at the right intervals. Usually problems with the timing chain on the 6th gen Maxima are caused by damaged components and not the chain.
How to Fix Timing Chain Problems
It’s a detailed job to replace the timing chain and many parts need to be removed to access it. You’ll need to know torque specifications and have the right tools. Replacing the timing chain at the same time as the other components also means you’ll need to make sure the engine is timed properly.
Tip: To help prevent this problem, change the oil regularly at the right intervals.
6th Generation Nissan Maxima Model Years
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