Sylvie Willis
If you need to empty the fuel tank of your Nissan Maxima, there are a few things you should know. First, it is normal for the fuel gauge to read empty when the engine is turned off, as the power to the fuel gauge is cut. If your fuel gauge is reading empty but the tank is full, you may need to replace the fuel level sending unit, which commonly fails in Nissans. If your fuel tank door won't open, you may need to access the actuator from the trunk and remove the trim panel to release the door.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Fuel gauge reading | Empty, but the tank is full |
| Fuel light | Lit |
| Fuel gauge pointer | Spinning |
| Fuel gauge drop | Unexpected |
| Fuel gauge reading | Half full, but empty |
| Fuel tank door | Won't open |
| Solution | Double click on the door opener |
| Solution | Press the door on the far right center |
| Solution | Access the actuator from the trunk and pull the tab |
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What You'll Learn
How to open the fuel tank door on a Nissan Maxima
The fuel tank door of a Nissan Maxima should open when the car is shut off and the doors are unlocked. However, there have been instances where the fuel tank door of the Nissan Maxima does not open.
If you are unable to open the fuel tank door of your Nissan Maxima, try tapping on the door over the fuel cap. 2010 Nissan Maximas do not have a pull release near the driver's door, unlike some other cars.
If the above solution does not work, the actuator that opens the door may have failed. You can access the actuator from the trunk by removing the trim panel on the side of the trunk. Once you do so, you will see the rear of the actuator, with a rod sticking out of its end. Pressing in the door and letting off will cause the actuator to release it.
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Troubleshooting a stuck fuel gauge
There are a few potential solutions to troubleshoot a stuck fuel gauge in a Nissan Maxima.
Firstly, it is important to note that it is normal for the gauge to read empty when the engine is turned off, as the power to the fuel gauge is cut. To check if the gauge is working, reset the trip meter, drive 50-75 miles, and then check the gauge again. If it hasn't dropped, there may be an obstruction in the fuel tank cover or a faulty fuel tank sender unit.
If the fuel gauge is still stuck, you can try unplugging the connectors on top of the fuel sending unit to see if the needle moves to empty. If it doesn't, there may be a short circuit or a faulty gauge. Another potential solution is to perform a diagnostic test on the fuel gauge and wiring, which can be found in the factory service manual for your vehicle.
If the issue persists, you may need to replace the fuel sending unit, fuel pump, and strainer, as well as address any rust or leaks in the gas tank. Additionally, there could be an issue with the wiring to the gauge, so checking for any breaks or grounds in the wire is important.
In some cases, the issue may be with the cluster, which may need to be replaced. Cycling the key when connecting or disconnecting the sending unit can also help to troubleshoot the issue.
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Emptying the fuel tank via the fuel cap
For the 2010 Nissan Maxima:
- Ensure that your car is unlocked.
- Locate the fuel tank door, typically on the rear of the vehicle.
- Press the door over the fuel cap to release it. On some models, there may be a pull release near the driver's door.
- Once the fuel tank door is open, remove the fuel cap by turning it counterclockwise.
- Place a container under the fuel cap and allow the fuel to drain from the tank.
For the 2011 Nissan Maxima:
- Ensure that your car is unlocked and turned off.
- Locate the fuel tank door.
- Press the door over the fuel cap and release it. You may need to tap on the door gently.
- Remove the fuel cap by turning it counterclockwise.
- Drain the fuel from the tank into a suitable container.
For the 2017 Nissan Maxima:
- Unlock your vehicle and locate the fuel tank door release lever inside the car.
- Press the release lever to open the fuel tank door.
- Remove the fuel cap by twisting it counterclockwise.
- Drain the fuel from the tank, being careful not to spill any fuel.
If you are unable to open the fuel tank door using the methods above, it is possible that the actuator has failed. In this case, you can access the actuator from the trunk by removing the trim panel on the side. Once you locate the actuator, pull the tab on its back to open the fuel tank door.
Additionally, if your fuel gauge is reading empty while the tank is full, there may be an issue with the fuel level sending unit. You may need to reset the trip meter and drive 50-75 miles to check the fuel gauge again. If it still reads incorrectly, you may need to replace the fuel tank sender unit or the level sending unit in the tank.
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Replacing the fuel tank sender unit
To replace the fuel tank sender unit of your Nissan Maxima, you will first need to empty the fuel tank as much as possible. Once this is done, follow these steps:
Step 1: Accessing the Fuel Sender Unit
The fuel sender unit is accessible from under the rear passenger seat. Move the rear seat out of the way to provide access to the unit.
Step 2: Removing the Old Fuel Sender Unit
- Loosen the retaining ring using a punch and a hammer.
- If necessary, pull the fuse for the fuel pump to depressurize the system before removing the old unit.
- Remove the old fuel sender unit from the fuel tank.
Step 3: Installing the New Fuel Sender Unit
- Obtain a new fuel sender unit that is compatible with your Nissan Maxima. The part typically costs around $120.
- Insert the new fuel sender unit into the fuel tank, ensuring it is securely in place.
- Reinstall the retaining ring and tighten it securely using a punch and a hammer.
Step 4: Testing and Verification
- Reinstall the rear seat and any other components that were removed for access.
- Start the vehicle and check the fuel gauge to ensure the new fuel sender unit is functioning correctly.
- Take the vehicle for a test drive to confirm that the fuel gauge is operating accurately.
It is important to note that if you own an AWD Nissan, there may be two fuel sender units in your vehicle, and both will need to be replaced. Additionally, ensure that you do not smoke when the gas tank is open, as it can be a safety hazard.
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Fixing a faulty fuel level sending unit
The fuel level sending unit is located in the fuel tank and sends a constant signal indicating the amount of fuel that remains in the tank. When the fuel level sending unit fails, the fuel gauge will also fail to operate, and the check engine light may illuminate.
To fix a faulty fuel level sending unit, you will first need to remove the fuel tank cover to check for any obstructions that may be stopping the fuel gauge from working. If there are no obstructions, then the fuel level sending unit may need to be replaced. This can be done by following the steps outlined below:
Step 1: In most vehicles, there is a service access panel underneath the trunk linking or back seat that can be removed to access the fuel sending unit. However, some vehicles require the fuel tank to be removed to access the unit.
Step 2: Disconnect the battery prior to accessing the fuel pump and fuel sending unit.
Step 3: Unbolt the old fuel sending unit and fuel pump from the fuel tank and disconnect them from the fuel and electrical connectors.
Step 4: Insert the new fuel pump and connect it to the fuel and electrical connectors.
Step 5: Test the new fuel pump prior to reassembly of the vehicle.
Step 6: Compare the movement of the old fuel level sending unit to the new one. If there is a difference, adjust the arm on the new unit to ensure the proper level will be displayed on the gauge.
Step 7: Bolt the new fuel level sending unit into the fuel tank and reconnect the battery.
The average cost for a fuel level sending unit replacement is between $1,160 and $1,300, but this can vary depending on the car. It is important to note that fuel level sending units rarely fail and require no maintenance throughout their lifecycle. If you are experiencing issues with your fuel gauge, it is recommended to first run a self-diagnostic on the instrument cluster to check for any other potential causes, as issues with the fuel gauge may be due to a faulty cluster or gauge rather than a faulty sending unit.
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Frequently asked questions
The fuel tank door should open when the car is shut off and the doors are unlocked. If this doesn't work, try accessing the actuator from the trunk by removing the trim panel on the side of the trunk. Once you do this, you will see a rod sticking out of the end of the actuator. Pull this to open the fuel door.
It is common for the fuel level sending unit to fail in Nissans. Try holding a very strong magnet to the plastic protecting the fuel gauge and spin it to the correct position. If this doesn't work, you may need to replace the fuel tank sender unit.
There may be an obstruction stopping the fuel gauge from working. Remove the fuel tank cover and check for any obstructions. If there are none, you may need to replace the fuel tank sender unit.
Reset the trip meter and drive 50-75 miles. Then, check the fuel gauge again. It should have dropped to three-quarters.
