Test drove an SE-R today - Altima Forums.net - The Nissan Altima Enthusiast Talk and Discussion Forums

bamabrute85 · 01-22-2012

I got a few questions for you guys that are familiar with Altimas because I'm not. The car I drove ran great but had 2 issues that I'm not sure about. First, the very top of the CD player and the 3 gauges above the radio have some oxidation on them. Is this definitely from moisture? The carfax says it's clean but maybe it's had flood damage?

The second issue, there's a vibrating/rattling noise coming from the rear of the car every now and then. It sounds like a flimsy car tag. But when I got out to check the tag it's a cheap paper tag with the car dealer name on it so it's definitely not that. I popped the trunk and looked around. There is no spare tire. Thought it may be the tire holder rattling but still not convinced this is what it is. Maybe a heat shield on the exhaust?

Diablo2424 · 01-26-2012

Hey, welcome to the Altima community!

I haven't seen those gauges with a moisture issue before but it definitely sounds like there's something not right with them. It could be something as simple as they were banged into or during a headunit install/removal they were damaged, breaking the seals that keeps moisture out of them. Are they still working properly? I'd think that's the most important part.

As for the vibrating/rattling, you'd have to get under the car and check, there aren't too many heat shields in the rear of the car (not on mine at least). It's tough to say where it's coming from without actually being there to hear it. Even though there's a paper plate, is there a license plate frame around it? it could be that if so.