Im new to the forums and I have my first car, a 1996 (4th gen) Nissan Maxima SE, and the thing won't start. I want to avoid taking it to a shop because, being a teenager, I don't have the money to pay a shop. I have a cousin who's a car guy who can help me fix things, and he's teaching me how to fix up my own cars, but im out of ideas on what to do on this thing. I've had the battery checked, cleaned all connections, cleaned and re-positioned the ground wire, checked all fuses and relays, checked and replaced all the spark plugs to be sure, i've replaced the fuel filter and double checked fuel flow and pressure through it, replaced the crank sensor, and still nothing. The engine cranks and cranks and cranks, even backfires a little and chugs, and it gets so close to starting up, but it just won't start. I've tried hill starts, jump starts, and starting fluid as well to no avail. The last thing im down to is checking the timing (my project for today) and hoping to god it doesn't need a new timing chain. Any other ideas?

Thanks guys

Check your timing.

Try checking the SOLENOID wires they might be clogged with debry and dust,disconnect and brush or use wire cleaners (you can get that from autozone).

OP, you should've posted this the 4th Gen discussion area ... not the Garage and Workshop Area

As for your problem, have you checked the Idle Air Control Valve? Mine occasionally sticks and my car will not start unless I give it a little bit of throttle/gas when I first start to crank it

Try getting your alternator checked out. It's worth a shot! If it turn on and than off or if you need to jump start it every time you turn it on its probably the alternator. Also, it's possible that its the starter.

There are lots of things to check if your car is not starting so first check the starter its working ok or not. After that check all the Wiring, sensors, battery, alternator and fuel pump if all working fine so you have to go a car care center because they will only identify the issue.