eric96se

I got 12 volts at the battery and 12 volts to the starter. I turn the key and I still have 12 volts. When I try to start the car the starter won't engage. I'v cleaned the terminals too. Is the starter or starter solenoid bad? Are the Maixima's known for starters going bad?

Eric

f550maranello2

iTrader: (2)

dont measure with a volt meter measure with a 12 volt test light!!!!!!!!!

eric96se

It's a Fluke multimeter. What would a 12v light tester get me the a Multimeter can't?

f550maranello2

iTrader: (2)

just trust me i have a 900$ fluke meter it dont mean anyting, use a test light when when evey u are trying to see if there is a 12 volt source to anything
i could explain it but it will take for ever. its got to do with how the current is measured. trust me

eric96se

I'll give it a try

jbreit

You aer say you have 12V at the starter...but the starter has a solenoid and starter motor connection to be concerned about.

There is a connector on the positive battery post...one lead goes to the starter the other goes the ignition switch and rest of the cars electrical system....put some contact cleaner in both of the connectors and try it again.

My car would start to turn over, then stop, then turn over etc. A little contact cleaner in that connector, plugged in an out a few times to clean the contacts. Then added some grease meant for electrical connections...problem went away.

Maxima's are know for starter problems, but its a grease in the gear head of the motor that dries out over time and "sticks" when it gets cold out.

good luck,
JB

eric96se

Jbreit, I tested the voltage by tapping into the positive lead to the solenoid and had 12 volts. These are instructions from the haynes manual.

f550maranello2

iTrader: (2)

what hes is trying to say is that clean the contacts what i would say is check for engine ground with the test light like i told u not the volt meter cuz i lies.

jbreit

There are two power paths to the starter...1 powers the starter motor, the other energizes the solenoid coil. You need to check both. the 12V to the starter (larger cable) is always hot (+12V). the solenoid coil is only energized when you turn the key. so what I am saying is you need to check for continuity between the solenoid and battery when you turn the key. I am also saying you shoudl clean the connectors on the positive post of the battery...not the post itself...there are actually two separate connectors in that red housing that mounts on the post.

eric96se

I cleaned both pos terminal wires on the battery that didn't help. I'll check the other end at the starter and I will also test for 12volts on the other (smaller) terminal.

boybilly

I had what sounds like a similar problem on the starter but i found that if I tapped the starter with a long breaker bar, it would be OK. This problem happened intermittently. I changed the starter and everything was fine. I suspect that the brushes on the starter were worn and tapping the motor established contact.