Here is a real maxima motorhead problem!! IMy 96 maxima wouldnt crank over so I replaced the battery and then the starter and everything started and was running fine for about 2 weeks. Now it won't crank again,there is power to everything, I took the starter and had it tested twice and it tests great. I put it back in and I turn the key and the fuel injector makes a noise but there is no other noise or movement of engine. I replaced the ignition switch and the 140amp fuse under the hood. I cant think of anything else to replace. HELP, any suggestions? The Nissan dealers had told me they normally take thiers to someone to have the electrical system checked?!?!?

 

yea check for starter ground and engine ground with a 12 volt test light u can get one at auto zone for 1.99 or something like that

 

If there was a problem with the engine ground, would the car still start if you were to pop the clutch to get it started?

 

dats if he has a 5spd, did u clean out ur injectors?

 

It is an automatic, I checked the ground with a volt meter. If I did it right it checked out ok. Any thing else?

 

Starter relay?

 

What is a starter relay? I have had another person say something about that. Is it called something else? If I knew what it was or where it is I will check it out!!!

 

There are two relays you could check:
1. Inhibitor Relay (assuming you have an automagic transmission) - This is in the engine bay relay box on the drivers side of the engine bay... the relay box should have marked which one is which.
2. Ignition Relay - This is inside the car - on the driver's side. Look for it near where your left foot would rest when driving.. there should be 3 relays there.

If you still can find either one let me know, I'll try to get you pics.

Try to swap out the mentioned relays with equivalent ones that aren't needed for startup - e.g. sunroof, A/C etc.

 

BTW, it could also be your inhibitor switch if you have an automatic or clutch-inhibitor switch if you have a 5-spd - this will prevent your car from starting too...

 

guys ur not posed to check the ground with a volt meter only with a test light when ur playing around with the starter or starter relay, but JHR are u saying that it turns over or not cuz if the starter turns the motor it obviously isnt the starter its something else

 

sell it
jk lol

Kenny

 

I recently bought a starter from Pep boys in NJ. It didn't work. I brought it back and they tested it and said it was fine...long story short, it was not fine. The bendix gear would spin, but would not move over. the bendix gear must move over to engage the flywheel. Spinning is not enough. If the person who checked your starter doesnt' know the difference you may simply have a bad rebuilt starter....good luck.

 

to what ^^^ said... the starter maybe spinning but the solenoid may not be correctly engaging the bendix gear.

 

I FIXED IT!!!!
The starter did not turn. I found the Inhibitor Switch has a fork or a yoke that that the shift linkage (that has a prong that sticks out from it) fits into, was broken and it wasnt in park and didnt move when you moved the stick shift. I bent the fork and the linkage arm and now it moves in and out of park and it starts with no problem.
Thanks for all your suggestions. It runs great again!!!!

 

Glad you got it fixed.

 

My gf has starting problems and she recently got the code for a Inhibitor switch. Can you tell me where it is exactly? Thanks.

 

Before you fixed the prob, when you turned the key, could you still hear the solenoid click?