ScottS

iTrader: (2)

Wife has a 99 Maxima SE auto.

She mentioned the past few days the car was not starting well. Yesterday, she was out and phoned saying it would not start. While I was on the phone she got it going. Later she called and said it will start again. I go to see what it up.

It will not crank. I checked out the battery and it was good (~12.7) With her trying to start the car the voltage did not drop much more. Still above 12. Lights are strong, do not think it is the battery cables. I checked the fusible links, they appear fine.

We left the car there so I could check the Hayes and our forum for ideas. It still would not started today.

A friend mentioned the iginition switch. I remember reading in the forum about a starter relay as well. I hoped to check the relay today. However, I could not find it. Not sure if it is in the passenger side box or the one in the front. Which box is it in? What is it called? Where in the box? Some of the writing on the covers is gone.

At the moment I have not been able to see the starter. Once I find it, can I check for power at the starter, then know if it is the starter or up stream from there?

Thanks for any advice and comments.

Nopike

iTrader: (2)

Fist of all make sure the cable connections at the battery are clean, you would be surprised how many people have starting issues due to that.

If that is not it you have to start suspecting the starter and get it tested.

Nopike

iTrader: (2)

There is a solenoid/ relay in the starter motor that may be failing if you jump the two thick red (I think) wires of the starter motor you bypasss the solenoid and are providing power directly from the battery to the starter. You can try that but be careful.

ScottS

iTrader: (2)

I was pretty confident in the health of the connection at the battery. I have cleaned it up not long ago. But I will check it to be sure.

Leo_Koneval

iTrader: (4)

I am not sure if Volvo's and Maxima's use the same parts... I am thinking Alternator, sparkplugs, and batteries

I was forced to rely on my amateur knowledge of engines to fix a volvo I had before the Maxima, and ever since I've gotten the Maxima the only time I had to ever look under the hood was when I was rewiring my lights God Bless these cars, they are damn near indestructable

CRiME

iTrader: (21)

Some members have had starting problems on their 99's that were caused by the immobilizer system. Search around for more info. IIRC, the red security light would stay lit while trying to start the car. Is that happening in your case?

ScottS

iTrader: (2)

I saw that was a possible problem. My search lead me to believe that the engine would still turn over in that case, but not fire up. No positive on that though...

pmohr

iTrader: (26)

Correct.

If you jiggle the key, does it start up?

ScottS

iTrader: (2)

I have not but I will try it. Though I have tried to start it lots. Also attempted to start in Neutral vs Park.

I read about a starter relay? Any idea where that is?

Edit: To answer my own question "the relay you want is in the panel right in front of the battery and it is labeled inhibitor,.." I found buried in a post by Blackmax1924

ScottS

iTrader: (2)

Also found searching for iginition switch pulls up way more usefull posts than starter...

ScottS

iTrader: (2)

Tested the Inhibitor Relay, it worked fine. Test the power at the relay, that was good as well, indicated the iginition switch is good. Guess it is the starter...

TLMNICK

iTrader: (1)

I'm thinking you just need a starter.....If you hear absolutely no clicking or anything when you turn that key..then the starter solenoid is probably dead.

97SEdriver

iTrader: (3)

that would be my guess,

mine started for a while, then one day just quit working on a cold morning

TLMNICK

iTrader: (1)

Before my starter died, I could tell it was dying slowly. It would crank, but it would stutter in between and sound funny.

myke321

I had this problem with my 96- I would turn the key and the dash lights would come on- but not crank. It was the elec ignition switch.

thegreat1dev

it's your security engine immobilizer. when it is activated, the fuel is cut off from the engine. it will crank but not turn over. good luck

thegreat1dev

oh nvmd. urs wont crank. check starter. autozone will do a free check.

JSMax

iTrader: (13)

hey scott... any luck yet?

Give me a holler if you need any help with the r&r.
jasen

ScottS

iTrader: (2)

Put the new starter in today. Started up fine.

wcs1885

If she has any problems, especially during a cold winter... try pressing the gas a little and it'll start up. Mine usually sputters or doesn't start up during those cold days unless I turn the key and press the gas a little. Maybe that'll help...

Maximum-Maxima

Sounds like a starter problem, the started is located under the air filter box you have to remove that and you'll see it. My car had the exact same problem seemed like the starts were getting worse and it just gave up one day. I replace the starter and boom she worked like a charm and still is.

JSMax

iTrader: (13)

did you even take the time to read this thread or just put in your two cents to get your 15 post count?

Two threads above yours the o.p. stated that he fixed his problem.
but hey... thanks for coming out.