Hello Guys,

It started about 3-4 months ago, that when I turn the ignition switch to crank the engine, I can hear only a soft click, but nothing else (all dash lights and the radio goes off for the duration).

Most of the time it does it when the engine is warm, I have to try to start it repeatedly several times before it will crank.

Sometimes it starts cranking on the 2nd attempt, but sometimes it does it on the 10th. The engine has 245000 miles in it, the starter is a rebuilt one, has 100000 miles in it.

Sometimes I get the feeling that it started because I moved the key in the ignition swith out a bit or pushed it in deeper, but I am not 100% sure about it. I also tried to hit the starter with a hammer a few times (in case the brush got stuck up), but that didn't make any difference.

So, how would you troubleshoot whether the problem is in the ignition switch area or the starter?

Geza

 

100k on a rebulit starter, generally rebulit doesent last as long, thats where lifetime warrantys come in handy, my origonal lasted about 188,000 miles before it needed replacing but i replaced it with one from a 1992 maxima from a junk yard.

odds are though its time for another starter, shucks or autozone should be able to test it if you are able to drive it into the store, call them first how ever

 

MY 88 had the same problem, turned out to be the battery cables. Hope this helps!

 

Indeed, if the starter is getting the power it needs from the battery, your symptoms point towards the starter. Particularly the warm start issues-that typically occurs when the contacts become warm and fail. 100k on a rebuilt starter is quite impressive actually. Try looking at auto forum search engine to look up your issues. It could also be fuel related, specifically the fuel pump.

 

how do you remove ignition switch88 maxima

 

1) Pull the wheel.
2) Remove the lower panel and steering column cover.
3) Disconnect ign. sw. harness.
4) Tap the shear bolts to turn the sw. ccw, and it should be able to be removed.

This is straight from my Haynes manual, and it sounds a little fishy to me, especially the part about the shear bolts.