Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)




The definitive Maxima FAQ, excerpts taken straight from Maxima.org's 4th gen. FAQ sticky.

How do I know which trim level my Maxima is?
How do I know which color my Maxima is?
What interior colors were offered each year? (Coming Soon!)
What are the full specs for each year? (Coming Soon!)
Is my car Cali. or Fed. Spec.?
What are the alignment specs. for my car?
How do I decode my VIN?
What options were standard and available on the Maxima?
What changed from year to year?
How can I tell which bulbs I need?

How do I know which trim level my Maxima is?

The 4th generation Maxima was offered in three trim levels for the US market:
GXE "The Essential Maxima"
SE "The Sportiest Maxima"
GLE "The Luxurious Maxima"
ES "Essential Sportiness"

All trim levels have the same engine, so performance differences between them are pretty much nil. The best way to tell which trim level you have is to decode the VIN Plate. This is due to much part swapping and trim upgrading, even transmission swaps that can be done.

TO DECODE THE VIN PLATE: Raise your hood. Look for a shiny metal identification tag fastened to the passenger side of firewall. The top row is the Vehicle Identification Number, starting with J. The second row is model information. The first five characters are BLHUL. The sixth character is the trim level designator, defined as follows:
E = GXE
G = GLE
V = SE
? = ES

There are some feature differences that can help you determine the trim level on site. Keep in mind that most of these can be changed aftermarket by the owner, but as we know the VAST majority of Maximas on the street are bone stock...

GXE
-Black guage faces
-Cloth seats
-Basic stereo (BOSE optional but extremely rare)
-Probably no sunroof (optional but very rare)
-Chrome outer window trim and door handles
-5spd or Auto trans
-No spoiler
-No fog lights
-Steel wheels with hubcaps
-Chrome grill on 97-99 models
-Manual A/C


SE
-White guage faces
-"Sport" Cloth or leather seats
-Basic or BOSE stereo
-May have sunroof
-Black outer window trim
-Body color door handles
-5spd or auto trans
-Spoiler
-Fog lights
-15" blade-style (95-96) or 16" 5 spoke (97-99) alloy wheels
-Body color grill on 97-99 models
-Manual A/C or climate control
-"Sport" suspension
-Electronically controlled front engine mount on automatic transmission cars
-Liquid filled rear shock mounts


ES
-White guage faces
-"Sport" Cloth seats
-Basic stereo
-No sunroof
-Black outer window trim
-Body color door handles
-5spd or auto trans
-No spoiler
-Fog lights
-16" 5 spoke (97-99) alloy wheels
-Body color grill on 97-99 models
-Manual A/C or climate control
-"Sport" suspension
-Electronically controlled front engine mount on automatic transmission cars
-Liquid filled rear shock mounts
-VLSD transmission


GLE
-Black guage faces
-Leather seats
-BOSE stereo
-Sunroof
-Chrome outer window trim and door handles
-Auto trans only
-No spoiler
-No fog lights
-15" honeycomb (95-96) or 15" blade-style (97-99) alloy wheels
-Chrome grill on 97-99 models
-Fake wood color dash and door trim
-Fuzzy A-pillars on some years
-Pop-out drawer (not flip-down) below radio on some years
-Climate control only
-Electronically controlled front engine mount
-Liquid filled rear shock mounts

Keep in mind that spoilers, foglights, mudflaps and wood dash trim could be had as dealer-installed options on all levels.

Other options like heated seats, traction control, ABS and the like were offered on more than one trim level, so they are not a reliable indicator.


How do I know which color my Maxima is?

Listing By Year
1st Gen.2nd Gen.3rd Gen.4th Gen.5th Gen.6th Gen.7th Gen.
1981198519891995200020042009
198219861990199620012005
198319871991199720022006
198419881992199820032007
199319992008
1994


Solid Colors
CodeNameYears UsedSample
002Mint White1981, 1983, 1985002
006Platinum Metallic1981, 1983-1984006
010Mission Tan Metallic1982-1983010
011Burgandy Mist Metallic1982-1983011
015Dark Brown Metallic1982-1984015
028Fox Silver Metallic1983-1984028
029French Beige Metallic1982029
032Wine Metallic1985032
106Blue Mist Metallic1984-1986106
109Cadet Blue Metallic1983-1984109
123Medium Blue Metallic1986-1988123
209Medium Brown Metallic1985-1986209
210Light Pewter Metallic1985-1987210
215Medium Pewter Metallic1985-1986215
218Dark Pewter Metallic1985-1986218
225Beige Metallic1985225
232Dark Blue Metallic1985-1987232
275Slate Blue1984275
326Super White1988-1994326
329Dark Red Metallic1986-1988329
364Midnight Blue Metallic1981364
418Dark Pewter Metallic1986-1988418
449Light Beige Metallic1986-1987449
463Dark Gray Metallic1986463
468Mocha Brown Metallic1986-1987468
505Thunder Black1981-1988505
549Silver Frost Metallic1988-1990549
656Bronze1988656
663Diamond Mist Metallic1981-1982663
720Medium Gray Metallic1981720
805Alpine White1981-1982805
807Rallye Red1982807
815Satin Blue Metallic1981815
817Sable Brown Metallic1981817
841Light Blue1981-1983841
842Light Brown Metallic1981842
921Mesa Tan1981921
922Pale Blue1982-1983922
926Regal Red Metallic1981926
928Cameo Beige1982-1983928
929Cream1982, 1984-1986929
A15Red Opulence/Sonoma Sunset2004-2008A15
A19Radiant Ember2004A19
AG01Black (bumper)1993-1994AG01
AG2Aztec Red1990-1994AG2
AG3Sand Gray Metallic1989-1990AG3
AH2Burgundy Pearl1989-1992AH2
AL0Ruby Pearl1993-1996AL0
AR2Crimson Blaze Red1999AR2
AX5Merlot2001-2003AX5
B16Blue Pearl Metallic1988B16
BG6Winter Blue Metallic1989-1992BG6
BG7Solar Blue Metallic1988BG7
BM1Dark Blue Pearl1995BM1
BN6Starfire Blue Pearl1996-1997BN6
BS3Neptune Blue1997-1998BS3
BT4Lakeshore Blue1999BT4
BV3Satin Blue Pearl2000-2001BV3
BW9Majestic Blue2001-2008BW9
C12Coral Sand2004-2006C12
C43Pebble Beach2007-2008C43
CG2Pebble Beige Metallic1989-1998CG2
CH0Satin White Pearlglow1989-1994CH0
CK1Autumn Brown Pearl1991-1992CK1
CP2Mahogany Pearl1999-2000CP2
DJ2Black Emerald Pearl1992-1995DJ2
DP0Deep Evergreen1993-1999DP0
DR2Sherwood Green1999-2001DR2
EV0Sunlit Sand1999-2003EV0
EY1Champaigne Mist2004EY1
FG0Silver Green Pearl Metallic1989FG0
FS0Sage Mist Green1997-1999FS0
FX0Tungsten Blue2002FX0
G01-1Black1990G01-1
K11Smoke2004-2006K11
K12Radiant Silver2007-2009K12
K50Dark Slate2007-2009K50
KH2Charcoal Pearl1989-1995KH2
KH3Super Black/Onyx1989-2009KH3
KN6Granite Pearl1995-1996KN6
KT3Sterling Mist1998-2003KT3
KV3Gray Lustre2000-2003KV3
KY0Sheer Silver2003KY0
KY1Liquid Silver2004-2007KY1
KY2Spirited Bronze2004-2006KY2
LG1Medium Lavender Metallic1988LG1
LK10Dark Gray Metallic1990, 1993LK10
LP0Platinum Iris1995-1996LP0
LS5Rosewood1997-1998LS5
LS6Concord Mist1997LS6
QN0Arctic White Pearl1995-1998QN0
QT1Icelandic Pearl1999-2001QT1
QX1Glacier Pearl2002-2003QX1
QX3Winter Frost2004-2009QX3
TH1Midnight Blue Pearl1991-1995TH1
TK3Sapphire Blue Pearl1992-1994TK3
W40Precision Gray2007-2009W40
WV2Polished Titanium2003WV2
???Tuscan Sun2009???
???Navy Blue2009???
???Mystic Jade2009???


Two-Tone Colors
CodeColorsYears UsedSample
280215, 2101986280
2H4656, 32619882H4
373225, 2091986373
522232, 1231987522
558418, 2101986-1987558
559468, 4491986-1987559
5G2LG1 (two-tone)19885G2



Is my car Cali. or Fed. Spec.?

Raise your hood. Look for a shiny metal identification tag fastened to the passenger side of firewall. The top row is the Vehicle Identification Number, starting with J. The second row is model information. The first five characters are BLHUL. The 12th character is the destination:

N = Canada
V = California
U = US, not California

In addition, it's important to note that there is no true Cali. or Fed. Spec. before the 1999 model year. The VINs will still be designated V or U for US Maximas, because those are their destinations. However there is no physical difference between these pre-99 cars.

Differences between true Cali. and Fed. Spec. cars: On CA emission 99's there is a front pre-cat built into the header, two extra oxygen sensors to monitor pre-cats (total of 4), and a swirl valve in intake to improve emissions. Special aftermarket Y-pipe is required and only 1 pre-cat can be removed.


What are the alignment specs. for my car?

Front Wheel Alignment

Camber, in degrees.
-1.00 Minimum
-0.25 Nominal
+0.50 Maximum
+0.75 Maximum left and right difference

Caster, in degrees
+2.00 Minimum
+2.75 Nominal
+3.50 Maximum
+0.75 Maximum left and right difference

Kingpin inclination, in degrees
+13.50 Minimum
+14.25 Nominal
+15.00 Maximum

Total toe-in distance, in millimeters
+1 Minimum
+2 Nominal
+3 Maximum

Total toe-in angle (left plus right), in degrees
+0.09 Minimum
+0.18 Nominal
+0.27 Maximum


Rear Wheel Alignment

Camber, in degrees
-1.75 Minimum
-1.00 Nominal
-0.25 Maximum

Total toe-in distance, in millimeters
-3 Minimum
+1 Nominal
+5 Maximum

Total toe-in angle (left plus right), in degrees
-0.27 Minimum
+0.09 Nominal
+0.43 Maximum

The rear wheels aren't adjustable, and the front toe is the only spec specified for adjustment from the factory. Camber is the most important spec on our cars alignment, and if it's not perfectly even on both sides you tend to get a slight pull. If the mechanic is a cool person, they will adjust your lower strut bolt to adjust the front camber.


How do I decode my VIN?

Take a look at Courtesy Nissan of Texas's chart.


What options were standard and available on the Maxima?

All Maximas come very well equipped with Power windows/locks/mirrors, cruise control, intermittent wipers, 8 way adjustable seat, remote trunk release, rear defroster, Etc. The SE trim level adds white faced gauges, spoiler, fog lights and alloy wheels. The GLE trim level has everything in the S&C and Leather trim packages described below and the same alloy wheels found on the 95-96 SE.
Options where grouped into three packages, Security and Convenience (S&C), SE Leather trim, and Cold weather/Deluxe Seating. The S&C package required an Automatic transmission for the GXE and a sunroof for the SE except the 95 model. The Cold weather package required the S&C package and ABS brakes except for the 95 model. The cold weather package was renamed the deluxe seating package in 98 and added side airbags and dropped the ABS requirement.

Security and Convenience Package (S&C)
* 8-way power driver's seat
* Remote keyless entry and vehicle security system
* Integrated HomeLink Transmitter (SE only)
* Power trunk release
* Illuminated visor vanity mirrors
* Variable intermittent wipers

SE Leather Trim Package
* Leather seating surfaces
* Automatic temperature control
* 4-way power front passenger's seat
* Simulated leather upper door trim
* Passenger-side seatback pocket

95-97 Cold Weather Package
* Heated front seats
* Heated outside mirrors
* Low windshield-washer fluid warning light
* Heavy-duty battery

98-99 Deluxe Seating Package
* Front seat side air bags
* Heated front seats
* Heated outside mirrors
* Low windshield-washer fluid warning light
* Heavy-duty battery


What changed from year to year?

All 4th gen Maximas have the same engine and are basically the same. There are some claims that the earlier 4th gens are slightly more powerful due to less emissions equipment and faster due to being slightly lighter but if there is any speed/power difference it is minimal. Most of these differences where collected from the Maxima.org thread, if you have any additions or corrections please post them there.

Any options or changes continue to the next year unless they are noted to be removed or noted for only one year. The list below is pretty detailed but I did not include every tiny detail to try to keep it readable, check the thread linked above for more details.

1995 - 1st year 4th gen. Rear oxygen sensor in cat. Only year GXE could have S&C package and 5 speed transmission. Only year SE could get S&C package without sunroof. SE came with 15" 'Sawblade' style rims, GLE had 15" 'Honeycomb' Rims.

1996 - Revised emissions equipment, new cup holder, power passenger seat available (with leather package). Only year removable in console cup holder available (but most used Maxes no longer have it). Last year GLE came with 'fuzzy' pillars (A.B,C)

1997 Restyled front and rear (front now has crossbar on grill, rear now has turn signals below taillights), improved crash protection, new steering wheel, 16" 5 spoke wheels on SE, Homelink on GLE and SE with S&C package, SE got orange Gauge needles. Two new steering wheel designs, one for GXE/GLE and one exclusive to SE. New center console - two drink cupholder with hinged lid, lose change holder, lose ashtray in back, lower armrest. New design of double din headunit. Tweeters moved from the A-pillar trim to the door. Cornering lamps removed. Rear oxygen sensor moved behind cat to b-pipe, B-pipe made longer. Rear emblem changed from individual letters to connected letters -- M A X I M A, to M_A_X_I_M_A. GLE trim got GLE badge on trunk. GLE gets the 15" sawblade rims that where on the 95-96 SE.

1998 - Side air bags available (with deluxe seating package), Cold weather package replaced by Deluxe seating package, orange gauge needles on all trim levels (95-97 GXE/GLE had white needles), digital odometer (with two trip meters), climate control redesign, Fuel and temp. Gauges now Mirror image instead of facing the same direction. 'Low Fuel' light moved from gas gauge to strip of warning lights, 'Air-bag warning' light moved from strip of lights to bottom of speedometer, 'X1000 RPM' moved from bottom of tachometer to center.

1999 - Emissions equipment and ECU wiring similar to 5th gen models, SE limited edition available, security chip in key, head unit redesign, ambient temperature feature added to automatic climate control, three point seat belt for rear center position. Only year traction control was available.


How can I tell which bulbs I need?

1st Generation...
1981-1984

2nd Generation...
1985-1988

3rd Generation...
1989-1994

4th Generation...
1995-1996
1997-1999

5th Generation...
2000-2001
2002-2003

6th Generation...
2004-2006
2007-2008


1981 to 1984





Headlight Low Beam
H4656

Headlight High Beam
H4651

Clearance Light
1157

Front Turn Signal
1156 / 1157

Front Side Marker
67

Fog Light
H3 (55w)

Tail Light
1157

Stop (Brake) Light
1157

Rear Turn Signal
1156

Reverse Light
1156

Rear Side Marker
67

License Plate Light
67

Glove Box
158

Door (Courtesy) Light
158

Dome Light
DE3175

Trunk Light
158

____________________________________________________________________________________

1985 to 1988




Headlight
9004

Clearance Light
67

Front Turn Signal
1156

Front Side Marker
194

Fog Light
H3 (55w)

Tail Light
1157

Stop (Brake) Light
1157

Rear Turn Signal
1156

Reverse Light
1156

Rear Side Marker
158 / 194

License Plate Light
67

Glove Box
158

Door (Courtesy) Light
158

Dome Light
DE3175

Trunk Light
158

____________________________________________________________________________________

1989 to 1994



Headlight
9004

Clearance Light
67

Front Turn Signal
1156

Front Side Marker
194

Fog Light
H3 (55w)

Tail Light
1157

Stop (Brake) Light
1157

Rear Turn Signal
1156

Reverse Light
1156

Rear Side Marker
194

High-Mount Stop Light (NOT spoiler light)
1003 / 1156 / 921

License Plate Light
67 / 89

Door (Courtesy) Light
158

Dome Light
DE3175

Trunk Light
158 / DE3175

____________________________________________________________________________________

1995 to 1996



Headlight
9004

Clearance Light
1157

Front Turn Signal
1156

Front Side Marker
194

Fog Light
H3 (55w)

Tail Light
1157

Stop (Brake) Light
1157

Rear Turn Signal
1156

Reverse Light
1156

Rear Side Marker
194

High-Mount Stop Light (NOT spoiler light)
1156

License Plate Light
168

Door (Courtesy) Light
161

Dome Light
DE3175

Trunk Light
158

____________________________________________________________________________________

1997 to 1999



Headlight
9004

Clearance Light
1157

Front Turn Signal
1156

Front Side Marker
194

Fog Light
H3 (55w)

Tail Light
1157

Stop (Brake) Light
1157

Rear Turn Signal
1156

Reverse Light
921

Rear Side Marker
194

High-Mount Stop Light (NOT spoiler light)
1156

License Plate Light
168

Door (Courtesy) Light
161

Dome Light
DE3175

Trunk Light
158

____________________________________________________________________________________

2000 to 2001



Headlight
9003

Clearance Light
1157

Front Turn Signal
1157

Front Side Marker
194

Fog Light
H3 (55w)

Tail Light
7443

Stop (Brake) Light
7443

Rear Turn Signal
1156A

Reverse Light
921

Rear Side Marker
194

High-Mount Stop Light (NOT spoiler light)
7440

License Plate Light
168

Door (Courtesy) Light
161

Dome Light
DE3175

Trunk Light
158

____________________________________________________________________________________

2002 to 2003



Headlight Low Beam
D2R (HID)

Headlight High Beam
9005

Clearance Light
168

Front Turn Signal
7440

Front Side Marker
194

Fog Light
H3 (55w)

Tail Light
7443

Stop (Brake) Light
7443

Rear Turn Signal
7440

Reverse Light
921

Rear Side Marker
194

High-Mount Stop Light (NOT spoiler light)
7440

License Plate Light
168

Door (Courtesy) Light
161

Dome Light
DE3175

Trunk Light
158

____________________________________________________________________________________

2004 to 2006



Headlight
D2S (HID) or 9012 (Halogen)

Clearance Light
1157A

Daytime Running Light (Canada only)
1156

Front Turn Signal
1157A

Fog Light
H3 (55w)

Cornering Light
3156

Tail Light
3057

Stop (Brake) Light
3057

Rear Turn Signal
3057

Reverse Light
912

High-Mount Stop Light (NOT spoiler light)
949

License Plate Light
168

Door (Courtesy) Light
194

Dome Light
DE3175

Map Light
DE3021

Trunk Light
158

____________________________________________________________________________________

2007 to 2008



Headlight
D2S (HID) or 9012 (Halogen)

Clearance Light
4157

Daytime Running Light
3156

Front Turn Signal
4157

Fog Light
H11 (55w)

Cornering Light
3156

Tail Light
3057

Stop (Brake) Light
3057

Rear Turn Signal
3057

Rear Sidemarker
2825

Reverse Light
3156

High-Mount Stop Light (NOT spoiler light)
2825

License Plate Light
168

Door (Courtesy) Light
194

Dome Light
DE3175

Map Light
DE3021

Trunk Light
158