2016-2023 Nissan Maxima Battery Tray: Corrosion, Damage, and Replacement Guide
This guide covers the common failure points, part numbers, and replacement tips for the battery tray in your 2016-2023 Nissan Maxima.
- The most common failure is corrosion from battery acid, which can damage the vehicle's frame if not addressed.
- A loose battery is a critical safety hazard that can lead to an electrical short or fire; do not drive the vehicle if the battery is not secure.
- The battery support system consists of multiple parts; the main metal bracket (64860-3TA0A) is the most common part to fail from rust.
- When buying a used tray, inspect carefully for cracks and ensure all mounting tabs are intact.
Known Issues for 2016-2023 Nissan Maxima Battery Trays
The battery tray is a simple component, but its failure can lead to significant problems. The primary issues are physical damage and corrosion.
- Corrosion: The most common reason for replacement is corrosion. While modern batteries are often called "maintenance-free," they can still leak or vent small amounts of acidic gas, especially as they age or if the vehicle's charging system malfunctions. This acid eats away at the tray and any metal it touches, including the vehicle's frame rail underneath.
- Physical Damage: The tray can crack or break from a front-end collision. Even a minor impact can compromise the plastic or metal, weakening the battery's support. Over-tightening the battery hold-down can also stress and crack the tray.
- Vibration Damage: If the battery is not properly secured, it can vibrate or shift, which can eventually crack the tray itself and cause premature failure of the battery's internal plates.
Symptoms of a Failing Battery Tray
Diagnosing a bad battery tray is usually a straightforward visual inspection.
- Visible Corrosion: Look for a white, blue, or greenish powdery substance on the tray, battery terminals, and surrounding metal. Rust on a metal tray or the frame beneath it is a clear sign of acid damage.
- Cracks or Breaks: Inspect the tray for any visible cracks, especially around the mounting bolts and the corners where the battery sits.
- Loose Battery: If you can physically move the battery by hand, either the hold-down is loose or the tray itself is broken and failing to provide a stable base. You might hear a thumping or rattling sound from the engine bay during turns or on bumpy roads.
Warning: A loose battery is a serious safety hazard. It can tip over, spill highly corrosive acid, or the positive terminal can contact the hood or other metal parts, causing an electrical short and potentially a fire.
🎬 Watch: How to safely replace your Maxima batteryBuying a Used Battery Tray for a 2016-2023 Maxima
A used OEM battery tray is an excellent, cost-effective alternative to a new part, as long as you inspect it carefully. Since it's a structural part with no moving components, a good-condition used tray will perform identically to a new one.
What to Check Before You Buy:
- Inspect for Cracks: Carefully check the entire tray, especially the mounting points and corners, for any hairline cracks or stress marks. A compromised tray won't hold the battery securely.
- Check for Warping: The tray should be flat and level. A warped tray, often caused by heat or improper storage, may not fit correctly or support the battery evenly.
- Look for Corrosion Stains: While a used part may not be perfectly clean, avoid trays with deep rust pits or signs that acid has eaten away the material. A part listed with notes like 'bent tab / rust' should be inspected closely to ensure the damage is minor.
- Verify All Tabs and Clips: The battery tray assembly often includes integrated clips or mounting points for wiring harnesses or other components. Ensure these are all present and intact.
- Confirm Part Numbers: The 2016-2023 Maxima uses a few different parts for its battery support system. The main mounting bracket is often the part that corrodes. Make sure you are buying the correct piece for your needs.
Pro Tip: When buying used, look for a tray from a vehicle that was in a rear-end collision. The front-end parts are likely to be in excellent, corrosion-free condition.
Recalls and Technical Service Bulletins (TSBs)
As of this writing, there are no specific recalls or TSBs for the battery tray itself on the 2016-2023 Nissan Maxima. However, several recalls exist for this generation of Maxima, including for the ABS actuator which can leak brake fluid and cause a fire risk. There are also general TSBs related to battery testing procedures (NTB23-049) to prevent unnecessary battery replacement, 🎬 Watch: Nissan battery testing TSB explained which can be a source of frustration for owners. While not directly related to the tray, it's good to be aware of these issues.
Cost of a 2016-2023 Nissan Maxima Battery Tray
| Part Type | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|
| New OEM | $30 - $50 |
| New Aftermarket | $20 - $40 |
| Used OEM | $10 - $30 |
| Shop Labor | $50 - $100 |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I just clean my corroded battery tray instead of replacing it?
If the corrosion is minor and purely superficial, you can clean it. Use a mixture of baking soda and water to neutralize the acid, then scrub it with a wire brush. If the tray is metal, you should then paint it with a rust-inhibiting paint to prevent future corrosion. However, if the acid has eaten into the material, causing pitting or weakening the structure, the tray must be replaced.
What is the typical installation difficulty for a battery tray?
On a scale of 1 to 5, this is typically a 2. The process involves disconnecting and removing the battery, unbolting the old tray, cleaning the area underneath, and bolting in the new one. It requires basic hand tools like a 10mm and 13mm socket and can usually be done in under an hour.
🎬 Watch: Complete Nissan battery tray replacement walkthroughDo I need to replace the battery hold-down at the same time?
It's a good idea to inspect the battery hold-down bracket and its J-hooks. These are metal and are also highly susceptible to corrosion from battery acid. If they are rusted or weakened, they should be replaced to ensure the battery is held securely.
Why are there multiple part numbers for the battery tray?
The battery support system is an assembly of multiple parts. For the 2016-2023 Maxima, this includes a main mounting bracket (the 'tray' itself), a plastic liner or insert, and the hold-down frame. It's important to identify which piece you need before ordering. Part numbers can also be updated or superseded over time.
Helpful Videos
Technical Specifications
OEM Part Numbers: 64860-3TA0A (Bracket Assembly-Battery Mounting) 24428-9DJ0A (Tray-Battery, 2019-2023) 24428-56L00 (Tray-Battery, 2016-2018) 24420-ZX60A (Battery Frame / Hold-Down)
The system consists of a primary metal mounting bracket that bolts to the chassis and a plastic tray/liner that the battery sits in.
We Have This Part in Stock
The information in this article is provided for general reference and educational purposes only. Vehicle specifications, procedures, and part compatibility can vary by production date, trim level, and region. Always consult your vehicle's factory service manual and verify part numbers before purchasing or performing repairs. Safety-critical components such as airbags, seat belts, and braking systems should be installed by a qualified professional.
- NISSAN MAXIMA:
- 🎬 Helpful Videos
- 🛍️ Shop This Part
- Known Issues for 2016-2023 Nissan Maxima Battery Trays
- Symptoms of a Failing Battery Tray
- Buying a Used Battery Tray for a 2016-2023 Maxima
- What to Check Before You Buy:
- Recalls and Technical Service Bulletins (TSBs)
- Cost of a 2016-2023 Nissan Maxima Battery Tray
- Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
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