96 Nissan Maxima, Manual Transmission

Car cranks up fine... it's just the getting to that point that is the tough thing to do.

When I go to start the car... I have to put the key in, push upwards on the key (pretty hard), and then turn the ignition to start the car. When turning the key regularly, there's no clicks or any signs of engagement.

Why I want to fix it:
- Fiancee will be driving this car
- Her hands are not as strong to push/pull upwards on the key while starting
- Scared I may break the key in the ignition

My Diagnosis... YOUR OPINIONS ARE WELCOME SO PLEASE HELP!
- Possibly bad harness in the ignition area
- Faulty Ignition switch
What do you guys think?

 

Replace the ignition switch.

 

Dayum... I thought I've been on the org long... you joined in 2001!? I have my 97 Maxima just sitting here on the side. Not driving it much as I have my 91 Celica AllTrac to drive around during the summer. I think I'll just pull it off the 97 and try it out on the 96 I just picked up.

And no... I couldn't just let her drive my 97 setup cause the Exedy Stg 2 and pressure plate is just way too hard for her. Plus I have a spare 5 spd tranny just laying around so I might as well use it.

 

See my posts 13 and 18. http://forums.maxima.org/4th-generat...ml#post7075437 Sounds like it may be the same problem.

 

Sweet Deal DBear. I just tried the ignition switch from my good working maxima and no dice. I'll have to try your little shimmying trick to see if that does the trick. *Fingers crossed*

 

Had the exact same problem on my '95 Max. Turned out to be the 'Ignition Switch"(in the steering column). It's a $70 part and takes about 20-30 minutes for a mechanic to replace.

P.S.-I'm pretty sure it's not the starter or anything related, because the previous owner of my car had EVERYTHING replaced and still didn't fix the problem until I changed out the ignition switch!!

 

FWIW the ignition switch is only ~$30 if you buy it yourself (even from the dealer) and don't pay the shop markup, and it only takes 5, 10 minutes to replace. Hope you didn't pay much in labor...