I have a 1999 Maxima, 55k miles, lately when I go to start my car it takes a long time to start. Motor turns but takes a while for it to actually start. The other day it wouldn't start at all...I let it sit for a while..tried it again and it barely started. Doesnt happen all the time..but enough to warrant fixing. Could anyone lease tell me what might wrong. I read some things about starter coils going bad to bad battery connections. Brought it to a mechanic and he said it could be either the starter coils (the dealer told him this) or perhaps a bad computer. Anyone experience this same problem? I dont mind paying money to fix it but I would like to know exactly what it is..the mechanic just wants to start somewhere and work his way down and down my pocket..no way! please help!

 

I forgot to add that I never changed my battery or spark plugs since I purchased the car new. Should I replace these two items before anything else? Thanks in advance for any help.

 

first thing first, drive to autozone and let them check your battery for free. if the battery is good, take out the starter (easy job) and let autozone check it for free too.

 

I have the same problem but it started after conversion did you get your issue resolved?

 

I have the same problem but it started after conversion did you get your issue resolved?

 

battery-
alternator-
starter-

theres your checklist, make sure everything is wired up properly too eheh

it is about time to change your plugs, fuel filter, and that kinda stuff

but attend to the battery first

my battery went dead at about 40k miles
alternator was replaced by warranty at 60k
starter- still on the original

 

Call a friend. Jump start the car.. If it starts that means its the battery..

 

You have a good crank so it's not our starter or battery.

Things to check:
1)Clean your throttle body - Goto www.motorvate.ca for detailed instructions.
2)Check your ECU for any error codes. See link on the top of this forum entitled, "Help my Check Engine Light is on." You might have a code stored without a light on.
3)Check your Engine Coolant Temp Sensor - You'll need a Haynes manual to do this.
4)Check both crankshaft sensors (POS & REF)- Haynes manual
5)Check the camshaft sensor

6)Your at the mileage of a major service. Might want to give that a go as well. Plugs, Fuel Filter, PCV Valve ect.

 

Thanks for the help guys..but no one mentioned starter coils....this seems to be a common problem with Maximas..could this be an issue as well? anyway I know my mechanic and he can get me a whole pack for 140 bucks..should I replace the coils as well?

 

You seem to be getting the starter motor and the ignition coils confused. They are two seperate things entirely.

From my experience here for the past year..
- It was mainly the 95-96 models that had starter motor problems.
- 97-99 models did have a problem with a random ignition coil goin bad. But that should not be affecting the engine start.

If I remember correctly, there was a TSB on 97-99 models regarding a faulty alternator. This could be your problem, as it would lead to very low battery power eventually.

Good luck

 

How can i find out if I have a faulty alternator?

 

If you have a good crank, your electrical system is working correctly. That means your alternator, battery and starter are in good shape.

Ignition coils will cause a misfire when your car is running and should also set the check engine light. Even with a bad coil pack, your car should start right up only on 5 cylinders. I don't think thats your problem.

Clean the throttle body and check the cam, crank and engine coolant temp sensors. Those are the items that need to be working in order for you to have proper ignition when you start your car. We've seen the crank sensors go bad, which gives hard starts and NOT thorw a check engine light. I'd start there if cleaning your TB doesn't help you out.

 

njmax...

actually my "service engine soon" light has been on for a while. does this mean it may not be the bad sensors you were talking about? my problem really sucks..because my car starts with no problem sometimes. its very sporadic..which makes it difficult to test. thanks for all the help you guys are giving me..

 

Its prolly your Knock Sencer go to a mechanic gonna cost like $180

 

hey guys..been wanting to post the solution to this problem for a while and finally got around to doing it...anyway the problem with my car was one of the crank sensors...it was like a 50 dollar part...some idiot mechanic wanted to change all the ignition coils....my advice is to just go to the dealer when you have a problem like this ...cheers!