Turn Key Multiple Times to Start
03-31-2006, 06:26 AM
#1
Turn Key Multiple Times to Start
I think something is wrong with my ignition. I turn the key to start and nothing happens. Engine doesn't crank or anything...everything just dead. I can usually twist the key back towards me and turn it again and it will start but somethings it takes 3-4 times for this to work. I dont' want to get stranded one of these days. So I'm wondering exactly what the problem is? It sounds similiar to the igition switch problem described here http://forums.maxima.org/showthread.php?t=200696 but not exactly the same, as it's really not a jiggleing as just a turning back and forth of the key. Once the car is started it runs perfectly.
Any thoughts as to what the culprit might be?
Any thoughts as to what the culprit might be?
03-31-2006, 06:29 AM
#2
Senior Member
Join Date: Jan 2002
Posts: 874
The ignition switch issue manifests itself in lots of different ways...in every case, there's some "trick" to get the car started.
Does your car go into the "on" position correctly? In other words, do all of the systems run when the engine is not turning (all of the idiot lights should come up on the dash)? If they all come on, it's probably your ignition switch. If nothing else happens, it could be something else (a relay perhaps?)
Does your car go into the "on" position correctly? In other words, do all of the systems run when the engine is not turning (all of the idiot lights should come up on the dash)? If they all come on, it's probably your ignition switch. If nothing else happens, it could be something else (a relay perhaps?)
03-31-2006, 06:33 AM
#3
Originally Posted by MaxKlinger
The ignition switch issue manifests itself in lots of different ways...in every case, there's some "trick" to get the car started.
Does your car go into the "on" position correctly? In other words, do all of the systems run when the engine is not turning (all of the idiot lights should come up on the dash)? If they all come on, it's probably your ignition switch. If nothing else happens, it could be something else (a relay perhaps?)
Does your car go into the "on" position correctly? In other words, do all of the systems run when the engine is not turning (all of the idiot lights should come up on the dash)? If they all come on, it's probably your ignition switch. If nothing else happens, it could be something else (a relay perhaps?)
So it's definetly the ignition switch then?
03-31-2006, 06:46 AM
#6
Member
Join Date: Dec 2005
Posts: 65
Ignition switch
I had the same problem of my maxima. First, I thought it was the switch but it wasn't. It was the ignition cable. You probably need to go the dealership to buy the ignition switch cable. It costs around $45. It should solve the problem. Good Luck!
03-31-2006, 06:53 AM
#7
Originally Posted by C MAX
are you a auto if you are check your neutral safety switch. you can do this by moving the shifter around while trying to start the car and it should turn over.
03-31-2006, 06:55 AM
#8
Originally Posted by colinchan167
I had the same problem of my maxima. First, I thought it was the switch but it wasn't. It was the ignition cable. You probably need to go the dealership to buy the ignition switch cable. It costs around $45. It should solve the problem. Good Luck!
03-31-2006, 10:40 AM
#10
Newbie - Just Registered
Join Date: Jan 2006
Posts: 8
I would like a little clarification on this subject as well.
My 97 does the same thing, you have to turn the key 2-3 times before it starts.
All the idiot lights and radio come on when the key is turned but it won't start.
is the search function off limits to noobs? I can't search, I am denied access.
My 97 does the same thing, you have to turn the key 2-3 times before it starts.
All the idiot lights and radio come on when the key is turned but it won't start.
is the search function off limits to noobs? I can't search, I am denied access.
03-31-2006, 12:13 PM
#12
Its the electrical portion of your ignition switch. Happened to me a while ago also. Its not too hard to do yourself, or you can take it to a show and it should be under $150.
03-31-2006, 06:59 PM
#14
Member
Join Date: Dec 2005
Posts: 65
Did you replace the ignition switch first before you found out it was the cable? And how does a cable go back, was it crimped or something? I'm just wondering where I should start. I'd hate to buy both parts when all I really need is one.
I thought my switch was bad so I went to dealership and bought one. It was around $250 brand new. Before I install the switch, I was thinking let try the cable first, because it is hard to change the switch. I installed the new cable and the car started up easily. I will suggest you to buy the switch itself first, and try to install cable only, if the car starts up, the problem will be the cable not the switch, if it doesn't you may have to change the switch too. OK...if you find out the problem is the cable, put back everything like how you buy it from the dealership, and tell them you bought a wrong part, you just need the cable only, not the switch and see will they exchange for you. I did the same thing and they let me exchange the cable and refund my money. But it has to be a same day. I hope it will help you and you understand what I try to say. Sorry, my english sucks.
I thought my switch was bad so I went to dealership and bought one. It was around $250 brand new. Before I install the switch, I was thinking let try the cable first, because it is hard to change the switch. I installed the new cable and the car started up easily. I will suggest you to buy the switch itself first, and try to install cable only, if the car starts up, the problem will be the cable not the switch, if it doesn't you may have to change the switch too. OK...if you find out the problem is the cable, put back everything like how you buy it from the dealership, and tell them you bought a wrong part, you just need the cable only, not the switch and see will they exchange for you. I did the same thing and they let me exchange the cable and refund my money. But it has to be a same day. I hope it will help you and you understand what I try to say. Sorry, my english sucks.
04-01-2006, 11:24 PM
#15
say... if u turn the key all the way to start, where it usually cranks and it doesnt do anything but then you wiggle the key up and down a couple times it while at "start" position it cranks?
Is this the same issue.. bad switch?
My car has been doing this for over 2 years and i just learned the trick to getting it started, had to teach this to my wife as well but i would fix it if i knew what the problem really is.
Dave
Is this the same issue.. bad switch?
My car has been doing this for over 2 years and i just learned the trick to getting it started, had to teach this to my wife as well but i would fix it if i knew what the problem really is.
Dave
04-02-2006, 10:06 AM
#18
Hey, I have basically the same problem as you, and figured it would be best to ask here instead of starting another thread. sometimes the car fires right up, other times it takes 2-3 tries. but in my case, i can hear a click from under the hood every time i try to crank. since i'm hearing the click, does that still mean my switch is bad? i'm just not sure if i should replace the switch or the starter. i'm leaning toward the switch, though. thanks everyone
04-03-2006, 07:04 AM
#21
I replaced the ignition switch over the weekend and it fixed the the problem. My car starts with the first turn of the key now. No more 3-4 turns to get it to start. Thanks for the help everyone. The part was only $33 from the dealer and took less than an hour to install.
04-03-2006, 08:09 AM
#22
i think maybe it could be a connection to the altenator or starter. i had this happen to me on a rainy day, but it took more than 3 or 4 times to start the car, i thought it was the starter, so went out and purchased it, and when i did, the weather got better, and i went back to my stranded car tried to start it and it started right up, later on i popped the hood and checked the connections and sure enough there was exposed wire that was connected to the altenator which probably had made a short and thats why the car wouldnt start. i called pepboys while this was all happening and they said that it could be the engine. what tards. ( dont ever go get service done at pep boys )
04-03-2006, 11:15 AM
#25
man i have the same problem.....so either the ignition switch or ignition cable?
the thing is also.....when its not turning over. i hold it, and sometimes within 3-4 seconds, it starts up. that's a long time, but that' the only way it'll turn on.
it happens about once a day, sometimes once in 2 days, but it does happen.
so most likely ignition switch?
the thing is also.....when its not turning over. i hold it, and sometimes within 3-4 seconds, it starts up. that's a long time, but that' the only way it'll turn on.
it happens about once a day, sometimes once in 2 days, but it does happen.
so most likely ignition switch?
04-03-2006, 11:17 AM
#26
Originally Posted by Maximus_95
man i have the same problem.....so either the ignition switch or ignition cable?
the thing is also.....when its not turning over. i hold it, and sometimes within 3-4 seconds, it starts up. that's a long time, but that' the only way it'll turn on.
it happens about once a day, sometimes once in 2 days, but it does happen.
so most likely ignition switch?
the thing is also.....when its not turning over. i hold it, and sometimes within 3-4 seconds, it starts up. that's a long time, but that' the only way it'll turn on.
it happens about once a day, sometimes once in 2 days, but it does happen.
so most likely ignition switch?
09-05-2012, 03:00 PM
#27
Member
Join Date: Jan 2009
Location: Thomasville, GA
Posts: 270
Did the search function to dig up this thread.
My car is starting to do this too.
What I mean is:
When I goto turn the key, I get nothing. But if I tap the shifter(auto) further up, while it's in park, then try, it cranks right up.
Would the neutral switch not be engaging the shifter, or is the switch headed out?
Also, possibly a separate issue:
I also want to check out the brake stop switch(brake lights work) and cruise switch because my cruise light comes on(the switch on the dash), but it wont engage on the steering wheel(It use to work).
My car is starting to do this too.
What I mean is:
When I goto turn the key, I get nothing. But if I tap the shifter(auto) further up, while it's in park, then try, it cranks right up.
Would the neutral switch not be engaging the shifter, or is the switch headed out?
Also, possibly a separate issue:
I also want to check out the brake stop switch(brake lights work) and cruise switch because my cruise light comes on(the switch on the dash), but it wont engage on the steering wheel(It use to work).
09-05-2012, 05:57 PM
#28
Senior Member
Join Date: Jan 2002
Posts: 874
Good luck. And thanks for digging up an old thread. It's been ages since I've been on Maxima.org.
09-06-2012, 09:54 AM
#29
Look on the brake pedal arm and you will see a piece of metal attached like a letter T across the arm. On each end of that metal piece is a plastic bumper that contacts a switch. One is for the brake lights and the other is for the cruse control. You are most likely missing one of the plastic bumpers, the one for the cruise control.
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