For the past couple of days, when attempting to start the car for the first time in the day, I turn the ignition and nothing happens. All of the dash lights come on, but no crank, nothing. I try it again after a few seconds and the engine starts up and runs perfectly. Any ideas about this problem would be much appreciated.

 

Sounds like you need a new starter..

To make sure your starter is the issue,remove it/take it to a local auto parts chain store(autozone/advanced auto/etc.)/Have them test it...

 

Or it could be the battery or terminals. It takes a lot more current to run the starter than the dash lights take. Clean the terminals and have the battery tested also.

 

Sounds like battery to me. But just in case, do you hear a click from the starter relay? Open the hood and door next time and listen carefully... if you hear a single click and then your starter does nothing, your starter is bad. It will probably start after you do this a few times, but your battery will be draining each time.

If you dont have anything to test voltage with, open your door and turn on hazard lights. If the battery is low/bad, you should see the door lights dim a bit when the hazards blink.

 

mine doze the same thing but its my shifter (auto) i have to take it out of park and then shift back to park fast and then it starts. :/

 

There is a sensor there that checks for P or N before allowing a start, you could try replacing it.

 

Actually,this issue sounds more like a worn shifter bushing...

 

yeah, agreed ^^

 

Worn shifter bushing(s) and/or linkage adjustment. If this doesn't get her to start when in park, then replace/check the shifter sensor lock-out switch.

Replacing the bushings (do both front and back) isn't hard and the parts are cheap...just alittle laying on your back to get to the rear bushing.

 

Hey fellas, I had a difficult time starting it the other day, and after a few attempts to jump the battery which didn't do anything. I pushed up on the shifter towards P and it started right up. Took it to Autozone to get an alternator and battery diagnostic. Everything was good, so I guess this rules out the battery, alternator, and starter. I was told, by Autozone mind you, that I needed a neutral safety switch. They were selling it for 200 bones.

Also, after starting the vehicle a couple of times during the diagnostic, which it started without a hitch. I go back out to my car and attempt to start her again. She hesitates, but after fiddling around with the shifter it starts right up. So, I'm leading towards something in the shifter. Is there anyway I can know if its the bushings or this neutral safety switch or anything else, without replacing everything associated with the shifter? ie: does the shifter have any physical symptoms that its having a problem, like feeling loose or something? Also, would a simple cleaning of the connectors on the neutral safety switch solve the problem. I know how dirty connectors can cause a world of problems. Thanks

 

Sounds like you also need to replace your shifter bushings.

Info--> http://forums.maxima.org/showthread.php?t=515936

 

Or you could just live with it. Sure, it's a cheap part and relatively easy (?) to replace. But there's nothing wrong with your Maxima in the sense of performance.

Just do what you did at the Parts store: Push up on your Shift **** or lightly jolt it around.

If it's at the point where you're about to rip the shift **** out... ok, then it's time to replace. But, if it's just a "nusiance", I'd say leave it.

Just a suggestion is all.

 

What if you have the same problems with a stick shift?

 

this happens to me sometimes.. I replaced the starter with a USA Gold brand (its what the local parts store had) last year and it will usually start right up and other times itll take about 3 key turns to get it to start. Maybe once every 2 weeks it will not start at all despite how many times i turn the key, and i do hear it clicking.

 

No my starter does not , i read a post that suggest replacing the Battery I will try that and let you know.

 

before you replace it get it tested. Any auto parts store can test it, your alternator and your starter.

~Alex

 

Thanks, Will do