I dunno what happened today, I used the car to go to school, then to the dentist and then back home. Later in the evening, I had to go pick up my brother and the car won't start! It's so weird, I used the car all day without a prob and than next startup, nothing happens. when I put the key in the ignition, all lights get on as usual, and radio turns on and when I turn the key to start, nothing. It's not even trying to start. I tried jumping the battery but it was no use. Can anyone help? I need my car so bad this weekend. Thx in advance.

 

Well if all your accesssories work your battery is ok. Definatly your starter. The solenoid had a dead spot. Try tapping the solenoid with a hammer a few times, then try starting

 

Im 80% sure it is your starter. If you can reach down to the starter, hit it with a mallet, hammer, etc. The stock airbox might be in the way...im not sure how easy you can reach it because i have a CAI and it was easy for me. If Hitting it makes it crank, its definitely the starter. If it is, dont have a shop do it. The install is actually pretty easy so u can save a bunch. If the starter isnt the prob i have no idea what is.

 

...Ok I dont know what to think anymore...my car started this morning. That's even weirder than the car not starting. What's the prob with the car? I dont know if I should use it or leave it home and bring it to the garage. And how can I bring a working car at the garage? I need some advice.

 

Aside from the starter/starter solenoid, there may be another possibility.
Some cars have a relay between the ignition switch and the starter solenoid trigger wire. Not sure if this is the case on a max though.

 

This is just a stab in the dark. I once had the same problem with a Ford Ranger. Driving that thing made me utterly despise Ford, but I digress. Anyway, the problem ended up being a bad fuel line, which resulted in about $500 in repairs. This might not be the problem, but if it is, be prepared to empty your wallet.

 

hey my older maxima had the same issue sometimes. my problem was the battery terminal. if you have changed ur terminal, messed around with it or simply neglected it it could be the culprit.

 

I have the same prob..but it i figured it out..with my car you have to really turn the key hard to start..if it's done lightly it wont crank..The good thing is no one else can figure out how to start it besides me..!

 

not true, my old max sits sometimes a little longer than i want it to last week the battery went, i was able to turn on headlights, hi beams, radio, interior lights, door locks, windows, ect... and the car wouldnt start. there simply wasnt enuf cranking amps in the batter to start the car but there was enuf to run electronics.

 

Thx, for the replies. I took my car to the garage and they said that it was the starter (as many of you said it could be) and they give me a price of $175 for a new starter installed.

maximizd97 : the guy at the garage said that it's a very long job and they don't do it because of this reason and told me to go to nissan or something to get it done. Are you sure it's easy to do? Is there a writeup on that?

 

I took out, dissassembled, regreased, cleaned, and reinstalled my starter in 1/2 hour...all you have to do is take off your intake up to the throttle body, which shouldnt be hard or long (~5-10 min). Then disconnect the battery and the terminals going to the starter solenoid (5 min tops). Take the 2 starter bolts out, 14mm and 17mm, with a breaker bar or long rod on a ratchet (~5 min). Then either proceed to replace it (~1 min, just swap) or disassemble and regrease (~10-20 min). Put everything back the way it was in reverse (~10 min). Again, these are estimated times for a beginner. Like I said, I've done this a few times already so I fly through everything because I know what I'm doing.

The guy at the garage probably didn't even look at your car, because if they did, they would probably see how easy it is and do it then charge you a crazy amount for labor, thus screwing you

Trust me, you can do it yourself

 

The starter is easy to replace you just need a breaker bar for the 17mm bolt.