So far my Maxima (97 SE Auto, 59400 miles) has undergone 4 transmission repairs, changed all boots, changed both wheel bearings, p/n switch, and I don't remember what else, all this under warranty. The transmission problem (grinding noise) I had was finally corrected. But I've been dealing for a long time with another problem and no one is able to fix it. The car simply won't start every once in a while. The starter won't turn and no noises. If I move the car or sometimes only jump back on the seat the car will start. It does this randomly so I can't recreate the problem when the mechanic is present.

Well finally on monday (after a year with this problem and 3 different mechanic shops) the car wouldn't start at all; even rocking the car wouldnt work this time. So I said to myself this is it, now I can find the problem. I called a guy who owns a nissan service shop (got good references) and got my car towed to his shop. He said it was the starter and replaced it with a remanufactured starter ($250). So I said this is the end I finally have a totally dependable car.

Guess what? This morning the car wouldn't start. I jumped back on my seat and the car starts with no problem. I'm thinking I don't need a mechanic but an exorcist.

 

GreenSE,

You are about 600 miles shy of the 60K tune up. Maybe you have an intermittent coil problem/loose wire?

This month, nissan is offering a 100 point inspection at the dealerships for free.... why not take advantage of the offer?

 

Could you elaborate on the intermittent coil problem/loose wire?

The problem was present when the car transmission was being repaired under warranty. All the shops I mentioned before were dealerships or Nissan authorized service shops (since the car is in warranty I got the starting problem checked for free). So far the shift cable has been adjusted, inhibitor switch replaced, and now the starter. None has been able to pinpoint the problem.

 

That most sucks! I also have a '97 SE M/T. I was hearing a noise like "glug glug" about a year ago. At first, it was very faint. Then It got louder & louder. I brought the Max into the dealer (as I have the ASP extended warranty) & they told me a gear was busted. Maybe it was the previous owner who drove the car like nuts & didn't know how to shift properly. Either way, the tranny was replaced outright. Thank goodness for ASP!

A few months back, I found one of the plastic fan blades had fallen off from a rad fan motor. IT had simply melted right off off the metal motor hub & the other was well-off center. The only logical conclusion was that the motors overheated & needed to be replaced. Once again, the ASP saved my bank account! Both rad motors and fan blades ended up getting replaced.

The '97s aren't as trouble-free as the car review guides make them out to be. Hopefully someone is able to find some answers to your Max's problems. Good luck!!

 

Besides the obvious of checking your battery terminals, I would think that the neutral/park switch is not adjusted properly. Next time it doesn't start, try wiggling the shift lever.

 

ALL Nissan dealers are offering a free 100 point inspection? Is this nationwide? Do I just have to call my dealer and ask for the inspection?

 

Already tried that, didn't work. That was my original thinking, something related to the p/n switch or shifter cable. The Nissan service "technicians" say everything is fine and have tried adjusting everything.

I talked to the one that changed the starter yesterday to tell him the car is not fixed. He said to take the car to the shop again but that the starter was faulty. How come I have exactly the same problem?
I think my starter was fine and know he wants me to pay for additional repairs.

 

Do you have a lot of keys on your keychain? It could be a bad ignition switch.

 

It is generally easy to diagnose a starter problem. If you hear a click sound but no crank, I would check the battery terminal connections (is there corrosion or intermittent contact) at both the battery and the starter, and if it seems okay, then the starter motor is shot. This type of diagnosis should have been performed by your mechanic already. If the car cranks and cranks but will not turn over, it is generally a fuel or spark problem.

Since it is unlikely that your new starter is defective, time to look elsewhere for the starting problem. The park/neutral position switch is a good place to start. It is also possible your ignition switch is worn out. Do you have a heavy key chain with your car keys? All that weight will wear out the inside of the ignition cylinder, which is made of brass.

 

Well I guess my keychain load is about normal (not like a janitors keychain if thats what you mean). An intermittent starter wiring problem would make more sense to me. That could explain why the car starts after I move it right?