Hi new with first used Maxima

[ham6817]

First off hi to all.
I just bought a '98 4th gen maxima from the PPA some of the car don't come with keys and mine did not. I've called a few lock smiths and they want $80-140 to make a key.
I know the key is not the transponder type.

I saw a few ignition with keys on ebay for about $60.
I could also purchase a blank key from ebay then take the ignition out and take it to a lock smith to make the key, but i don't know what that would cost.

What would be the best/cheapest think to do.

I can probably make it work with any key that would fit in the slot know that i know how the ignition switch works.

[OwnerCS]

Welcome to NICO. Where are you located? I have 2 4th gens and previous one additional 95 so I think they are great cars -- especially for the money.

When I needed new keys made for my 95 Maxima (same key as 98) I went to Ace Hardware. I'm never had a problem with an Ace Hardware key. Any competent locksmith should be able to make a key for your car. A buddy of mine is a part time locksmith and he will make a key for about $80. So if you can get a key for $80 or if a dealer will make one for around that price you have the problem solved.

[ham6817]

I'm in Philadelphia. I got the the ignition out unharmed. I drop the steering column to get better excess to the top of the anti theft bolts. I didn't have a small chisel so i used a grinder to sharpen a flat head screw drive. It worked perfectly.
I took the ignition out ,removed the switch and got the car started.

Now mind you i purchased this car from a auction with no key so i didn't know if it would start etc,etc, Motor is quite,but not much power when i step on the gas. I do no the muffler is bad and maybe the cat to.

Need rear brakes but there was a brand new set in the trunk. One tire has a slow leak, and i will give it a tune up.
I'll have my mechanic look over it just hope he doesn't rape me with the price.
I purchased the car in order to resale it.. I only paid $400 bucks for it.

[OwnerCS]

That's good news. If your car has over 100,000 miles new NGK/NTK o2 sensors will make "new car pep" return. When O2 sensors get old, they stop responding and make the car seem sluggish and burn more fuel than necessary. Driving around with weak O2 sensors will shorten the life of your cats. As soon as I buy a used 4th gen (3 thus far), I always replace the o2 sensors as soon as possible to get better mileage and performance.

[ham6817]

cool will do where do i get these nkg/ntk o2 sensors from.
Another question i know how to do the one after the cat, but is the one before the cat that much harder what can i remove for my clearance.
If theres a write up that would be great.

[OwnerCS]

cool will do where do i get these nkg/ntk o2 sensors from.
Another question i know how to do the one after the cat, but is the one before the cat that much harder what can i remove for my clearance.
If theres a write up that would be great.

I get my O2 sensors at www.rockauto.com

There are 3 O2 sensors on the non-California DSC4. I'm not familiar with California models.

There are 2 upstream sensors just below each exhaust manifold in the exhaust pipe. I use a 22mm O2 sensor removal tool to remove the sensors that is available at most auto part stores.

There is 1 downstream sensor in the area of the driver seat before the cat.

[ham6817]

i think i have the cali. model but i'm not sure what code do i look for in the vin.
I have two o2 sensor removal tool.But the rust is the hard part. I'm gonna spray it down for a few days and let n soak in.