Occasionally Starter won't crank... any idea?
 

OK, I've 96 Max SE 5-speed w/ only 51K miles.
The car ran falwlessly however, from the last two weeks the car failed to start more than 4 times for no reason. When I turned the key the starter doesn't even make any sound. I hear nothing, no cranking sound...nothing then it started somehow without any problem.
I've checked all the wires and fuses and all looked fine. First, I thought it was caused by Alarm starter cut-off, however I bypassed the wire and the problem still there.
This afternoon, the car once again failed to start without any warning. It just seemed dead... when I turned the key the start won't even crank. I opened the hood and tapped the starter couple of times and surprisingly the engine fired like a charm.
What seems the problem? bad starter? but my max has only 51K miles. I've also searched the forum carefully but couldn't find the answer...
Any ideas?? many thanks in advance!

You may have a dead spot in the starter and that could be the reason why it only happens occasionly. I had a similar problem and it was a dead spot in the starter.

Re: Occasionally Starter won't crank... any idea?
 

Did you do any maintenance to your car? Or you just drive your car and change oil?

Thanks for your reply, 97GLEMAX.
Where did your find your dead spot on your starter? Did you find it near the starter or was it located inside of your Max? I think I'm having a problem with bad connection or like you mentioned dead spot on somewhere... because the starter cranks like a brand new unit.
I only hope it's easy fix...
Sometimes, the car won't start for an hour or more then starts fine at first crank... gosh... what's wrong???

I bought a new one:bawling:

Yes, my max was maintained by myself based on the owner's manual and Nissan service manual. The car is in top shape IMHO and drives flawlessly other than starting problem..

what do you mean??? did u buy a new starter??? Oh no! please don't tell me.:confused:

seem like to me for 95/96 max the starter is no good...my earlier max starter died prematurely i think...

oh no... I feared the bad starter.
Is it hard to replace? Is it possible to fix it on your own?
gosh... I thought max was built like a tank.


:bawling:

Have a 97 I30 with 54K that wouldn't start. Turned out to be grease in the starter that had dried out and thickened. Pulled starter and cleaned it real good with CRC Aerosol Electrical Spray and regreased with synthetic grease. Problem gone. Nice write up with pictures on www.motorvate.com Being your car is a 96 with 51K you are about due.
Hope this helps!

karguy, thank your for your input.
I've already checked out that site and thougth about doing the samething on my max.
I've strong feeling about the dried grease on my starter becasue my max has only 51K and MOSTLY stored in my garage!
Hmm.... I love Maxima.org. I could find all the answer and tips in here thanks to you guys.
You guys are awesome! I don't know what to do without you guys and your generous help!
:)

It's highly probable that it's the dried grease syndrome.
I just regreased mine a couple of weeks ago and no problem
since. Started a thread about it. Do a search.

Thanks for your reply, PedalKick.
The starter worked again when I tapped it, so I think you're right.
I'm going to take apart the starter and see what's going on.
I'll post the result within next 2 days or so.

:)

I have the same exact problem at 73800K on my 98. I know someone had a write-up on fixing this, but I don't remember whom it was. I also have to wait until I won't freeze to death to fix the problem...even in my garage it's only like 36 degrees.

36 degrees in your garage? holy cow~ where you at? :eek: