4th Generation Maxima (1995-1999)Visit the 4th Generation forum to ask specific questions or find out more about the 4th Generation Maxima.
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It seems 'What are the diffences between model years?' comes up fairly often. I figured I woud put together a list for the FAQ. I put together a list below using the information from several threads but mainly this one Funny stoplight story with a GTP and the information from this website http://www.geocities.com/jgadlage/maxspecs.html
Any options or changes continue to the next year unless they are noted to be removed or noted for only one year.
So, is there anything I missed or got wrong? I will edit this list as people add or correct things.
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.
On CA emission 99's Front pre-cat built into header, two extra oxygen sensors to monitor pre-cats (total of 4), Swirl valve in intake to improve emissions. Special aftermarket Y-pipe required and only 1 pre-cat can be removed.
__________________ 98 Sage Mist Green Maxima SE, 5-speed.ModdedTotaled 2003 Sheer Silver Maxima SE, 6-speed, Titanium edition, 'everything but Nav' - FSTB, RSB, Clear Marker Lights, Cleared front turn signal, HID fogs, Angel Eyes
Chipped keys due to Nissan Vehicle Immobolizer System (NVIS)
Electrical EVAP solenoid
Acorn Style top front strut nuts
ECU wiring colors similiar to 5th gens (i.e. no TAM, green tach wire)
-hype
__________________
for the uneducated, when they engage in argument about anything give no thought to the truth about the subject of discussion but are only eager that those present will accept the position they have set forth-Plato
Chipped keys due to Nissan Vehicle Immobolizer System (NVIS)
Electrical EVAP solenoid
Acorn Style top front strut nuts
ECU wiring colors similiar to 5th gens (i.e. no TAM, green tach wire)
-hype
Thanks, I added them to the list. Is 'Electrical EVAP solenoid',part of the change to 5th Gen emissions or is it something else?
__________________ 98 Sage Mist Green Maxima SE, 5-speed.ModdedTotaled 2003 Sheer Silver Maxima SE, 6-speed, Titanium edition, 'everything but Nav' - FSTB, RSB, Clear Marker Lights, Cleared front turn signal, HID fogs, Angel Eyes
Good info but you say in 98 all models got red needles and that the 95-97 SE's had black needles. My 97 SE has the red/orange needles, so I think its just the 95-96 needles that didn't get orange needles.
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97 PEBBLE BEIGE SE AUTO- Fully loaded: sunroof, leather, climate control, etc.
MODS: FrankenCar intake with K&N filter, FSTB, clear corners
Stereo: 2 Rockford Fosgate 12" HE subs, Kenwood Excelon X401M amp, Kenwood KDC716S Head unit. Infinity 6.5 front speakers, BOSE rear speakers.
1997- New center console with a hinged, lidded two-drink cupholder, deletion of coin holder, and a new armrest. The dashboard is the same. Two new steering wheel designs, one for GXE/GLE and one exclusive to SE. New design of double din headunit. Tweeters moved from the A-pillar trim to the door.
1999- Double din headunit redesigned again, white pearl paint is different from 95-98 white pearl paint.
__________________ 97 SE 5sp
JWT 7200 ECU ~ Amsoil 2-STAGE ~ MEVI ~ Nismo FPR | cuntman headers ~ WSP metallic cat ~ Budget B-pipe ~ Dynomax Hemi Super Turbo muffler | ES motor mounts | 2K trans ~ 2K clutch ~ 2K pp ~ B&M STS | KYB AGX ~ Progress ~ Motivational ~ ES front end bushings ~ HD FTSB ~ custom RSTB ~ WSP SFC [I + II] | 6th gen front brakes [2K4 calipers + 12.6" rotors] ~ Hawk HPS ~ Techna-Fit SSBL
Also in 97, the ashtray was no longer in the back of the center arm rest.
I just had a new center console installed in my 95 GLE. Also, the Armrest is shorter in the 97+ than in the 95-96 version.
The seatwarmer buttons are futher up towards the gear shift, and you lose the coin holder in the 97+ version.
The 98 Auto-climate control was more than a facelift. It was a complete re-design. I've actually had the access to both the 97 and 98s auto climate controls. The 97 had 13 wires coming out of it, whereas the 98 has nearly 30.
99's have different IAC(idle air control) valves than the 95-98's
Does that make a lot of noise? B/C when I am idling, and i turn off the autoclimate control, I can hear a / the lever inside the dash moving. Like it is switching between floor and defrost and vent, and is very confused.......... hmmmm
__________________
Sergeant at Arms, SE-L Club
Shift_Granny Style
My 98 auto-climate control does that, too. It's just the vents moving around in the dash.
By the way, the IAC valve is an engine component, controls the car's idle.
DW
Quote:
Originally posted by funnylittlman
Does that make a lot of noise? B/C when I am idling, and i turn off the autoclimate control, I can hear a / the lever inside the dash moving. Like it is switching between floor and defrost and vent, and is very confused.......... hmmmm
GXE Security and Convenience Package-(Requires automatic transmission)
* 8-way power driver's seat
* Remote keyless entry and vehicle security system
* Power trunk release
* Illuminated visor vanity mirrors
* Variant intermittent wipers
* Chrome exhuast finisher
SE Security and Convenience Package- (Requires sunroof)
* 8-way power driver's seat
* Remote keyless entry and vehicle security system
* Integrated HomeLink Transmitter
* Power trunk release
* Illuminated visor vanity mirrors
* Variable intermittent wipers
SE Leather Trim Package- Standard on GLE
(Requires SE Security and Convenience Package)
* Leather seating surfaces
* Automatic temperature control
* 4-way power front passenger's seat
* Simulated leather upper door trim
* Passenger-side seatback pocket
Cold Weather Package- (GXE and SE require Security and Convenience
Package and ABS option. GLE requires ABS option)
* Heated front seats
* Heated outside mirrors
* Low windshield-washer fluid warning light
* Heavy-duty battery
Leather and S&C already come on the GLE, the only thing you could add would be the cold weather package or after 98 the deluxe seating package.
Thanks guys I will update the list tomorrow.
__________________ 98 Sage Mist Green Maxima SE, 5-speed.ModdedTotaled 2003 Sheer Silver Maxima SE, 6-speed, Titanium edition, 'everything but Nav' - FSTB, RSB, Clear Marker Lights, Cleared front turn signal, HID fogs, Angel Eyes
GeorgiaCarry.Org
"The twin-cam six is so sweet and eager,
the five-speed so perfectly slick,
the chassis so hunkered down and trustworthy,
think about it - what if there is no afterlife?
This may be as good as it ever gets."
- Car and Driver, May 1996
Originally posted by meccanoble THIS HAS BEEN DISCUSSED BEFORE
also, the 96 is the first year where both seats can have electronic (forgot what u call it)
No need to shout, I know it comes up all the time. That’s why I wanted to try to get a complete list for the FAQ. It will still come up but then you can say ‘read the FAQ’
Do you mean power passenger seat? I will add it to the list.
Quote:
Originally posted by DanSE What is the swirl valve on the 99 CA emission cars?
Thanks,
Dan
Also is there such thing as 99.5 ? I am confused about this, I have heard different things. I have a 99 SE-L.
It is a set of butterfly valves below the intake runners that activate a low RPM to create turbulance in the intake charge to mix the fuel and air better for more complete combustion and therefore cleaner emissions. (If I have this wrong please correct me)
Originally posted by praetorian300 My '98 SE doesnt have the ambient temp button? anyone elses have this?
It’s only if you have the automatic climate control, it comes with the leaher package.
Quote:
Originally posted by ImStockBaby 99's have different IAC(idle air control) valves than the 95-98's.
Are the 'Electrical EVAP solenoid' and IAC part of the emissions system?
__________________ 98 Sage Mist Green Maxima SE, 5-speed.ModdedTotaled 2003 Sheer Silver Maxima SE, 6-speed, Titanium edition, 'everything but Nav' - FSTB, RSB, Clear Marker Lights, Cleared front turn signal, HID fogs, Angel Eyes
Good point. Actually, the dual filament bulb is still there, but the functionality is dead b/c Nissan removed the relays and other circuitry that made up the cornering light system in the 97-99s.
DW
Quote:
Originally posted by dmplus I didnt see this on the list but i believe in 97 they removed the cornering lamps. Something i cant believe they did as i love them on my 95
Re: Re: The NEW 4th Gen year to year differences thread.
Quote:
Originally posted by 96shogunmax 1996 - revised emissions equipment, new cup holder, power passenger seat available (with leather package)
I have 96 and no new cup holder so that if false. I do have one now, since I got one out of a 99 GLE
No, that is correct. In '96 they placed a removable cupholder in the console. If you didn't get one that's because it was removed.
__________________ Cleaning up the .org's grammar, one member at a time.
1999 SE, Pearl White/Black leather - Fully loaded with all factory options except TC (ABS, heated seats, side airbags, etc.) - Supercharged (322 HP / 307 TQ)
If you have a 98 with auto climate control, and that button is missing, you can add the $10 button from the dealer, and voila, AMBient tempurature readingfs from your car. Apparently in '98, Nissan put everything else in there, and left the button as a dealer installed option, but you can do it yourself. Here's the thread;
Re: Re: Re: The NEW 4th Gen year to year differences thread.
Quote:
Originally posted by ptatohed
No, that is correct. In '96 they placed a removable cupholder in the console. If you didn't get one that's because it was removed.
only thing removable in the old console was an L shaped piece of plastic. and about the only drinks that would fit in there was a coke can. So what do the 95's look like then?
Re: Re: Re: Re: The NEW 4th Gen year to year differences thread.
Quote:
Originally posted by 96shogunmax
only thing removable in the old console was an L shaped piece of plastic. and about the only drinks that would fit in there was a coke can. So what do the 95's look like then?
I don't know. I just assumed it looks just like the '96 but with the cupholder removed. When I was doing my homework, I remember reading in Consumers that for '96 they added a cupholder in the center console. It is square in perimeter, clips over the front edge of the center console, and hogs about 33% of the console. The actual circular opening for the drink really isn't that big. More than a Coke can though.
__________________ Cleaning up the .org's grammar, one member at a time.
1999 SE, Pearl White/Black leather - Fully loaded with all factory options except TC (ABS, heated seats, side airbags, etc.) - Supercharged (322 HP / 307 TQ)
What about the difference between the exhaust systems for the 4th gens. 95-96, 97-98, 99? I think you should include it here. I've tried searching and found some info but putting it altogether in this thread should help others.
__________________
98 Nissan Maxima GXE
Proud member of RenditionS C.T.C. and LBR (Low Budget Racing)!!!!
Originally posted by EZEMaxima What about the difference between the exhaust systems for the 4th gens. 95-96, 97-98, 99? I think you should include it here. I've tried searching and found some info but putting it altogether in this thread should help others.
Good idea. As far as I know the differences are on the 97-99 the oxygen sensor was moved behind the cat and the b pipe is slightly longer. I think the cali spec 99 has the front pre cat in the header instead of the down pipe (Y-pipe).
__________________ 98 Sage Mist Green Maxima SE, 5-speed.ModdedTotaled 2003 Sheer Silver Maxima SE, 6-speed, Titanium edition, 'everything but Nav' - FSTB, RSB, Clear Marker Lights, Cleared front turn signal, HID fogs, Angel Eyes
Originally posted by Anachronism
Good idea. As far as I know the differences are on the 97-99 the oxygen sensor was moved behind the cat and the b pipe is slightly longer. I think the cali spec 99 has the front pre cat in the header instead of the down pipe (Y-pipe).
This is all correct. Damn Cali Spec
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Sergeant at Arms, SE-L Club
Shift_Granny Style
99 Cali spec also has 4 O2 sensors in the Y pipe, 2 just to monitor the pre-cats. Talk about mod un-friendly
DW
Quote:
Originally posted by Anachronism
Good idea. As far as I know the differences are on the 97-99 the oxygen sensor was moved behind the cat and the b pipe is slightly longer. I think the cali spec 99 has the front pre cat in the header instead of the down pipe (Y-pipe).
Originally posted by Anachronism
SE Security and Convenience Package- (Requires sunroof)
* 8-way power driver's seat
* Remote keyless entry and vehicle security system
* Integrated HomeLink Transmitter
* Power trunk release
* Illuminated visor vanity mirrors
* Variable intermittent wipers
I thought in '98 the sunroof was included as part of the SE Security/Convenience pkg.
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- Will
1998 Maxima SE, Arctic White Pearl/Beige Cloth - relegated to spare car duty
2009 GMC Envoy SLE 4x4, Carbon Black Metallic/Ebony Cloth - 4.2L I6, Bose/Sunroof, XM, adj. pedals
I thought in '98 the sunroof was included as part of the SE Security/Convenience pkg.
Means the same thing doesn't it? You cannot get the S&C without a sunroof.
__________________ 98 Sage Mist Green Maxima SE, 5-speed.ModdedTotaled 2003 Sheer Silver Maxima SE, 6-speed, Titanium edition, 'everything but Nav' - FSTB, RSB, Clear Marker Lights, Cleared front turn signal, HID fogs, Angel Eyes
there is some dbate over the 99 SE-L / 99.5 thing here 
Linear Mode
