i have a 95 maxima gxe. Tonight it was driving fine stopped for an hour to do some shopping and got back to the car and it wouldn't start. didn't turn over at all. Had power and even with a jump it wouldn't turn over. Then 1 hour later i tryed again just for fun and it started no problem. got home and tryed again and it sounded like the starter was working really hard bogged down. It sounds like the starter is shot am i right? if so ne1 know what it costs to replace? or is a a DIY? thanks

 

You are reporting a no-crank problem.

Always do the easy check first. If your vehicle is a 5-speed, make sure the clutch pedal is all the way down when you twist the key to START. If automatic, jiggle the shifter while attempting to crank. Try cranking in both Park and Neutral. If those steps are unsuccessful, consider ...

- discharged battery (dim headlights with engine off)
- weak battery (check voltage at terminals while cranking)
- loose or dirty battery terminal connections at the battery
- loose or dirty battery-to-body ground connection
- loose or dirty battery-to-engine block connection
- bad ignition switch
- bad clutch safety switch (5-speed)
- bad neutral safety switch (automatic)
- bad inhibitor relay
- bad solenoid
- bad starter

The starter is an expensive item so I would check the other items before
spending the money on a replacement.

 

Remanufactured units are available for $140 (Brand X) up to $360 (Bosch).
If done by a shop the labor charge ought to be one hour.
This is a job which can be done by the home mechanic.
No need to jack the car, the starter motor is accessed from above.

1. Disconnect the cable from the negative terminal of the battery.

2. Remove the air intake duct and the air cleaner housing assembly.

3. Disconnect the battery cable and the solenoid terminal connection from the starter solenoid.

4. Remove the starter motor mounting bolts and remove the starter from the engine. These bolts may be really tight!

For more information, go to http://vbxmaxima.8m.com/starter.html

 

I think there's one on ebay right now pretty cheap.

 

Since it is going to take a little while for you to get the starter, next time you have to go somewhere and the car won't crank, tap the starter with a wrench or something and try it again...it should catch....if worse comes to worse and you have a 5spd you can always 'pop the clutch' (push start) it