1998 maxima new owner questions

[Heeter]

Hi all,

My first post here:

I just purchased a 98 maxima one week ago. I really enjoy driving it. I do have a few questions about it:

1- What trim package is mine? It has 16" alloy wheels, a fifth one for a spare, leather package, bose radio, sunroof, auto climate control, 4speed auto trans. Hopefully that is enough information.

2- The bose radio has buttons on it that indicates to me that there is supposed to be a cd changer in the car, but cannot locate it. I am going to presume that it is suppose to be hanging under the rear deck in the trunk, but cannot see any wiring or leads to indicate as much. Where is the cd changer located?

3- Does the "service engine soon" dash light come on for regular oil change intervals? The owner's manual says that if it stays steady on, that it is a fuel filler cap or evap system situation, but if it blinking, it is more severe. Doesn't describe if it comes on for other stuff.

I know I will have a million more questions later, but for now I will start with these

Thanks a million in advance.

Heeter

[MTZI30]

Well just cuz the radio has a cd changer button doesnt mean it has a cd changer, it has a port on the back of the radio to plug one in. There are no service reminders, if the ses light is on you have some trouble codes stored. If its a steady light it is prolly something emissions related and if it blinks it is something more severe. Not sure about the trim of your car.

[Heeter]

Thank you for your response, MTZ130.

If it did have the factory cd changer, where would it be located?

Heeter

[loystock]

CD Changer is an option and if there is one, it is either under the pax seat or in the trunk.

[Heeter]

Thanks Loystock,


Heeter

[tigersharkdude]

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

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 gauge 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 gauge 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
(In Canada there is a model called the ES which is like an SE minus the BOSE, leather, sunroof, and spoiler (All standard on a Canadian SE). But, it does include the VLSD trans.)

GLE
Black gauge 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.

[Heeter]

Yahoo!, Thanks for the info, tigersharkdude.

According to your list breakdown, My car is a V model (Canadian SE). I have edited your SE breakdown list as follows to reflect my car:

SE
White gauge faces
Leather heated seats
BOSE stereo
Sunroof
Black outer window trim
Body color door handles
VLSD auto trans
Spoiler
Mudflaps
Traction Control
ABS
Fog lights
16" 5 spoke alloy wheels
Body color grill
Climate control
"Sport" suspension
Electronically controlled front engine mount on automatic transmission cars
Liquid filled rear shock mounts

Thanks a million, this definitely explains a lot.

What does VLSD stand for? Am I safe to assume it is something to do with an LSD (Limited Slip Differential)?


Heeter

[MTZI30]

Yes its viscous limited slip diff...

[Heeter]

Awesome, thanks MTZ130.


Heeter