Questions and Answers

Maxima Cold Engine Rattle Q. My Nissan Maxima with 200,000 miles has always (since new) on occasion had a loud rattle on first start of the day. Like the valve lifters have leaked down. It may do it once every six months or in two weeks. My local mechanic said ignore. My new Nissan Maxima with less than 30,000 miles did it once in two years. Is this a peculiar Nissan deal. Just ignore? It runs fine and won't rattle again that day.

A. This has been a quirk with almost all Nissan engines. There have been numerous TSBs issued to correct it but it seems persistent. I would let the dealer know about it and they can make whatever corrections they can and that's about all you can do. Basically it is the nature of the beast.