hello maxima friends...

I'm stuck on the ohio turnpike as I type this from my PDA phone.

I pulled over for a break, got back in the Car, won't start. Battery seems ok (headlights, interior lights, etc. ok) but when the key is turned-- nothing. It doesn't even try to start, just a click that I could hear down by the fuse box. I removed the cover, and sure enough there is a blue colored plug looking think (solenoid?) that I can feel clicking when the key is turned.

waiting for AAA now, no fun... any ideas would be much appreciated.

thank you

 

Starter or ing switch failed. It's an easy test with a test light or voltmeter. Both part are fairly common failures on 4th gen cars. If you can find the switch wire for the starter, you could try and "hotwire" it if you have some wire. You could test it if you have the tools. Find the starter there are 2 wires. 1 large constant power and 1 that is about 6" long and terminates in a plug (this is where you want to test) use a test light or VOM (volt/ohm meter)
connect to side from the wiring harness and turn the key you should have 12v when the key is turned (it should go away when you release the key) If you have some wire you could try and bridge the starter side to the + terminal (note if the switch has failed the starter will run as long as the connection is made) just touch the wire to the batt if there is a large spark your starter is junk (if there is no spark recheck the connection if the conncetion is good the starter is junk) if the starter runs, switch the key on and start the car. NOTE if 5spd make sure car is out of gear before testing.