My 1998 Maxima just randomly refused to start yesterday. There was click but there was no action.

At first I thought I had a bad battery but then the car had always been charging properly and the lights aren't even dim.

after push starting the car off a slope I drove home and it won't start no more. I whacked the starter with a rod from above (difficult, if you know how crowded the Maxima under hood looks like) it managed to start that one more time and then it is no-start ever since.

How many miles did your starter last? Mine's official death mileage was 259000km....

 

My I30 starter crapped at about 260,000kms. Unless you get OEM, buy a rebuilt from Edmond Starters.

Also check your ignition switch. Those are known to go south along with the starter. I haven't replaced mine yet but I exhibit the symptoms of a failing one.

 

If you can bang on the starter and it works, the ignition switch is not the problem, the starter is. I had to replace my 97's at around 125000 miles/200000kms.

 

Afaik mine is original at 274K.

 

mine died at 224k i believe...wasnt too bad to change once the battery is out

 

yup if the starter works after you bang on it you need to replace it. make sure to check all the connections for tightness before removing. think if you remove the airbox and such that are in the way it's an easy job with plenty of room. believe it's just 3 bolts.

 

Good advice on the switch ... but if he tapped the starter and it worked, unlikely it'll be the switch. Also ... don't buy another starter from anyone, buy a set of brushes. I just picked up a reman set of brushes for my 98' for $18 - no joke! Normally, they run $35 - 40 at most parts places. Look for a place that rebuilds starter motors and they will sell you the brushes. Pull it and rebuild it, it's cake! Save you'r self the $$$$ for a new / reman starter, DIY and not only do you save the $$$, you learn!


Oh yea !!!!!