Sadly my 1996 Maxima won't start. I've checked the battery and its good, the engine turns but it just won't start. Also, I've noticed that before I start the car but with the key turned, there's a strange buzzing sound coming from somewhere near the battery. Has anyone had this problem? If so, what could the problem be? Thanks!

 

Sounds like the starter spins, but the selenoid does not kick in. Easy repaired. Remove the starter, then check the operation of the selenoid. This part can be replaced separately from the starter. Wait, try relubing it. Detail procedures at www.motorvate.ca

 

Thanks! I'll give it a try and post again. Do I have to remove the starter to get to the solenoid?

 

The solenoid is attached to the starter, you'll probably find it easier to remove the whole unit, and then once it's out of the car, remove the solenoid from the starter

 

If engine turns (cranks) it should fire; with fuel and spark that is. I would go after that buzzing sound since it might be a lose electrical connection. Put key in ON and look under hood for arc-ing. Might see a small stream of white smoke, or electrical arc if you park it in the dark. Good luck.

 

check this thread: its more specific about the selonoid operation:

http://forums.maxima.org/showthread.php?t=267833

you can remove the starter, the battery, and test the starter/solenoid operation on a bench. (Cramping the starter in a vise is recommended)

 

Thanks for the help everyone! Does anyone have a detailed diagram of the wiring that is going to the starter? I am checking for loose wiring before I go ahead and pull out the starter, hopefully its a loose or bad wire, saving me a lot of time in the freezing weather.

 

I had the buzzing sound too when my starter died, seems it was the starter that was making the noise because after it got fixed the buzzing went away. It would come one when ever I turned the key to the On position

 

Did it require the replacement of the starter or just a rebuild?

 

I noticed the slow battery drain and car not starting. When in on potion I hears buzzing coming from within the transmission where a strong magnetic sits to collect metal shavings. I thought wait theirs current moving through that magnetic in the key was in the on postion. I looked a little further up and say a battery cable connect to the piece of metal and another thing I notice was that same peice of metal was touching the bolt to the transmission. I disconnected the battery and wedged a flat head between the two spaces. Once I Had the car hooked up again the car cranked right away. No more battery drain either and the car seems to have more power.

 

It sounds like you have a bad ground.

Clean your ground wire junctions with sand paper and break cleaner.

The magnet in the transmission is a permanent magnet. (Regular magnet. Not an electromagnet. It would not be the cause of your problem. Good exploratory work.

 

I've taken the Transmission pan out before the magnet can be remove easily by hand. I know it's not an electromagnetic but if you run current through magnets they act funny especially if their shaped like loops.