Maxima Trunk Lid Pull handle

[ARAIN68]

I recently traded my 2006 Infiniti M35 and purchased a 2012 Maxima SV Sport. LOVE the car, but miss the convenience of closing the trunk lid using an inside handle. When I look at the carpet/felt covering the inside trunk lid, there is clearly a recessed area where a handle should be. I even pulled back the carpet and the lid is designed with mounting hardware.

The problem? I have been unable to locate a part number for this item. I have visited my local dealer, searched online, and contacted Nissan Consumer Affairs for assistance. I even found a You Tube Video on the 'Nissan Channel' that shows this handle installed (10 secs into the video).... Still, no luck.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f77BSw5rzqY

Has anyone had any luck finding this part?

Thanks

[WDRacing]

Are you referring to this?



Did the Nissan dealer have any idea what you were talking about? If not, print out this image and take it in. Sometimes the parts counter guys aren't the brightest.

Welcome to Nico btw!

WD

[ARAIN68]

Thanks! Yep, that's exactly what I am referring to. I may try another dealer too. Nissan Consumer Affairs support suggested this might be a 'non-Nissan' part... They were as helpful as the parts counter at my dealership!

[WDRacing]

That doesn't look very "non-Nissan" to me. Pretty much looks like it was born there.

[PapaSmurf2k3]

Yeah you'd think you could go to another vehicle on the lot and point to it and say "I want that".

[ARAIN68]

After weeks of back-and-forth with Nissan Consumer Affairs, they FINALLY gave me a part number for this handle - 90940-AR000. I ordered from my local dealer and installed it yesterday. Very simple installation too. The retail price of the part was $17. I don't understand why Nissan cannot include a $17 part on a vehicle this expensive. The good news is now I have it!

[WDRacing]

Thanks for keeping us updated. Man, I can't believe you had such a hard time with something so simple. You should email NNA, Nissan North America, and tell them your story.

Customer service is one of the most important aspects of brand loyalty.

[PapaSmurf2k3]

Yeah you'd really think it would have come on the vehicle...

Did you check all the other maximas on the dealer lot to see if any others were missing the part?

[ARAIN68]

I totally agree!

I had my salesman pull keys for several other Maximas on the lot and none had the handle. I initially thought maybe only certain trim levels included it, but it was 'missing' on the premium package too.

I recently got a survey for NNA and I am definitely going to give feedback!

[egallon]

Hello ARAIN68

Thanks for that part number, got mine today..What size bolts? Do you remember? Anyone know exact location to cut out small rectangle in the fabric? I see the recess, but my 2010 I remember just a slot for the pull handle to stick through. Not very large. I will have a second handle for sale. Probably do Ebay

[ARAIN68]

I honestly don't remember what size bolts I used. I found a matching set in my toolbox and they fit perfectly. I too was worried about cutting away too much fabric. I just cut a slit big enough to slip the handle through and then trimmed to the correct size using a razor knife. I cut out small sections until I got the desired look. You definitely do not want to cut out that entire recessed panel. That is way too large. Hope that helps a little. Good luck!

[PapaSmurf2k3]

They are probably M6x1 fasteners, with a 10mm bolt head. Length is whatever haha.

+1 for "you can always take more out, but once it's out, you can't really put it back in".

[WDRacing]

Glad this thread is ending well. Not only did your problem get solved, but others are now able to benefit.

The handle and whether it's installed or not still baffles me. It seems to me like an item Nissan simply deleted too save 75 cents during assembly. Why wouldn't you want a handle there?

[PapaSmurf2k3]

because no one in some focus group said they loved it or wouldn't buy something else if it got deleted

[szh]

AFAIK, the inside-the-trunk release handle is required by law ... not sure why it would not be part of the vehicle you bought! Has to be glow-in-the-dark handle, so it can be seen in the dark.

Maybe it is a state-by-state law? Hmmm ...

Z

[PapaSmurf2k3]

This isn't the release handle, this is just the handle you can use to help shut it I believe.

[szh]

This isn't the release handle, this is just the handle you can use to help shut it I believe.

Oh ... er ... dummy me!

I looked at the picture and assumed that the request was to the release handle, despite the oval that was drawn. Sorry about that!

Z

[Ace2cool]

It's ok, it wasn't red, so easy mistake to make.