ZeRo MaX

iTrader: (4)

I know there are tons of threads on this but It seems like there are sooo much that you can never find the exact problem. So I spent about 30 minutes doing some research with the search option. Couldn’t find exactly what I was looking for but it did help me cutting some questions away. First off, I have a 97 maxima that I have been driving around for a month or so. It’s pretty old, 139,xxx miles, but I have kept up with maintenance and most of it is highway miles (if that really matters). I tried to start the car this morning but it wouldn’t even click. The radio comes up, light comes on, pretty much everything electrical works except for the starting issue. Now I already replaced my starter around 90,000-95,000 miles. I don’t know if it is the starter again. Would my car start with I jump it? I really want to get my car closer to my apartment so I can try to fix it myself. I don’t think it’s the neither battery nor alternator for the fact my radio and lights are working. What should I do to fix it to be sure it is the starter? Thanks guys!

Max_Out

iTrader: (4)

I think it is indeed your battery just being very VERY weak. it doesnt take much to power lights, and electronics (stock mind you). I would try and jump it. Hope this helps.

-Colin

2da mizzax

iTrader: (4)

starter good + battery bad, a jump will help

starter bad + battery good or bad = jump wont do jack.

If you find out that it is the starter, have a friend come with you, and while he/she is turning the key to start it, bang hard on a long pole that is placed on the starter. should get you up and runningg to get home depending on how bad the problem is.

phenryiv1

iTrader: (19)

^^^^^^^^
Welcome back. You have my email if you have any problems.

2da mizzax

iTrader: (4)

hey thanks for the WB. I'll be on my best behavior!!

Maxgig

iTrader: (5)

I just checked my car thinking that we had a separatre fuse for the starter but there isn't one. Only for the ignition and if it was blown you most likely wouldn't have any lights. I suspect the starter or the wiring connection, when mine died the car had the same symptoms as yours, lights but nothing when I turned the key.

mac_brickcityVQ

i had that problem... it was definately the battery just died out and had to jump it. I had a mean sound system at the time without a capacitor so i had it comin... lol. Now I got 2 caps and a Optima battery.

ZeRo MaX

iTrader: (4)

It might be my sound system then too.... I have bose HU with a 12 inch sub and an amp.... maybe that's the reason.. i'll jump it tonight after work!

Thanks!

ZeRo MaX

iTrader: (4)

SAGA continues....

So the car has been fine for a day basically. Drove it around couple of times and nothing bad happens. Today after work, I stopped at a gas station to get gas, got back in and tried to start the car. No luck. Push the car to a auto shop (NTB) so they can fix it. Voltmeter said its runnin' good at about 12.49 V and tested out ok! Obviously either the starter is messed up or wires and cables are loose. So hopefully it doesn't cost much =(

Max Noob

iTrader: (5)

i have same problem. HU has a voltmeter in it. batt is running at about 12.1-11.8 dc with car off. is that bad? is it my batt? starter was changed 6 months ago. when i had the same problems. new starter helped for a while, but started having problems again about 2 months ago. 1st with cold starts in morning, and yesterday, couldnt start at all. If the car cranks then im good, but it never cranks. its a 5 spd. i hear a click, but no crank. anyone know. ive never really seen an answer on the org.

i get a small shock most of the time when i get out of the car. so mayb ground problem?

2da mizzax

iTrader: (4)

the shock is from your cloth seats and no fabric softner in your laundry. the lick and no turn is most likely your starter (prematurely killed from holding the starter drin the hard cold starts) I am assuming that. The hard starts can be cause from bad compression due to carbon build up, bad plugs (or improperly gapped plugs), clogged fuel filter, dirty TB and IACV along with a few other things.

Max Noob

iTrader: (5)

starter can die in 6 months? egr, plugs(ngk iridium ix) fuel filter and tb have all been cleaned/changed. iacv is the only thing there i havnt touch. i guess ill try it. can someone link me to a nice writeup?

bigpulve+

iTrader: (11)

Check the grounds for the ignition.
make sure you neutral safty switch is fully in or still good.

Max Noob

iTrader: (5)

i have leather.. does leather still shock you from static.?

jhay

iTrader: (2)

Not sure how much troubleshooting you've done. If you have a voltmeter, I beleive the battery should stay above 10Vdc while cranking.

On another note - It might be your ignition switch. Mine is on it's way out. It will give you that "no start" condition. I have to wiggle the key in the ignition to get it going most of the time. Whenever someone uses my car, I always get a call saying they can't start it... Just need to wiggle the key. I was told by my shop it should only take 10 minutes to swap out. I believe there is a write up on this...

the_3d_man

iTrader: (1)

It's the starter dude. Thats a very common way of failing. It will work just fine when you try to start it cold, but drive for a while and get it nice and hot then turn the car off and try to start it again and it will just click
Mine did it. I figured out that 2 of the brushes were worn way down. I had to avoid going anywhere where I would not be able to park the car for at least a couple of hours all week before I replaced it.

slimandy

I've had this same problem but there is no click. It doesn't always not start just sometimes. When it does start its really bumpy like someone is jerking on the car. Then when the heater starts blowing you smell gas. Anyone had and of these problems?

the_3d_man

iTrader: (1)

Bad coil maybe? Does it run rough after starting?
you must have some codes...

euromaxima

iTrader: (1)

I had a problem with my car starting but it was because the factory alarm was armed, after I hit the unlock on the remote a few times it worked fine.