Friend has 99 maxima. Car wants to turn but it won't. Just wah wah wah. Mechanic replace fuel filter and alternator and an o2 sensor for some reason. Spraying starter fluid got the car to start so I assume it is a fuel delivery issue. I believe they ruled out fuel pump somehow. Is there a common fix with this car here? Im thinking the mechanic is just throwing parts at it.

Thanks in advance for any help.


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The alternator was a ripoff. If the battery can crank the engine over, it is working and charges the battery. The alternator is not used to actually start the car.

What could be the problem is the ECTS, Engine Coolant Temperature Sensor. If it is indicating a higher than actual temperature, the ECU will not tell the fuel injectors to inject enough gas for a cold engine.

Another problem could be one of the crankshaft sensors, more likely the one on the flywheel.

That's why you don't get several opinions before hitting the mechanic. If the car is cranking then it's not an charging issue. Change that mechanic if he's making you spend unnecessary $$$

Is the security light blinking or just solid red?

Mechanic just said she needs all new injectors at $80 a piece. How can she test if its those sensors previously mentioned?


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sounds like someone is just throwing parts at your car. I would recommend another mechanic.

At least a mechanic that will tell this girl the code the car is throwing.


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I should have given a better story. 99 max 200k miles. Cars a/c has not been working for about 2 months. One day the headlights were left on and when they tried to jump it, it just did not start. Has not been able to start without starter fluid since then. And apparently there are no more codes to read (odd).


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+1. Find someone you can trust, even if it means they are a top-dollar mechanic in your area.

I'm a noob, but "wah wah wah" with no action makes me immediately think of fuel delivery. For me, I'd replace both the fuel pump and fuel filter if they are both original, but then I also plan on keeping my maxima for some time and don't mine proactive replacements, so would be upset if the issue persisted after doing so.

Edit: It is also possible your starter is not getting enough juice or that it's going bad. I've read AutoZone will test starters for free, so that's something you can look into.

O and also, one time at a red light the car would not move with the gas pedal depressed lightly. Then it TOOK OFF after pushing down much more.


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Electrical is not a problem. They attempted to jump the car with zero success.


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A jump not starting the car only rules out the battery (unless by "jump" you talking about dropping a manual into gear after getting it moving i.e. a roll start, but I'm assuming you are not). There are just more links in the chain. If the wiring, solenoid, or starter motor are not up to snuff, a jump is moot.

If a jump without success = not an electrical issue, then I would indeed be looking for a different mechanic, unless he somehow managed to connect the jump leads directly to the starter motor and had tested the motor performance.... which usually involves removing the starter from the car and is referred to as testing the starter.

Just some thoughts from a noob. Do with it as you will. To reiterate, I suspect you are on the money with a fuel feed thought.

So she could try and roll start to test the starter lol


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O nvm its automatic


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Something to look at:
http://forums.maxima.org/4th-generat...ont-start.html

Ok so no codes... I would check fuel pressure since it could be a fuel issue. Your pressure should be around 42-44psi...

THIS. I think your anti theft (NATS) has triggered. If the red security light is staying on solid while trying to start, then your ecu is locked down. Dealer or good locksmith to "unlock" it.

the mechanic sucks and is all about the money get a new mechanic find one that is trust worthy and wont screw you over

i have a good mechanic and there's things he will admit he cant fix sometimes. there are steps you take to eliminate certain problems w/o replacing the parts, but if they're not sure some mechanics will replace the part. i think this guy is taking you to the cleaners tho, good luck.

make sure the security system is letting you start the car

I had it happen to my Nissan.

Had to have the car towed to the dealer. 5 minutes and $115 later (Hour of labor) it was good to go again.

Read the owner's manual for the security system. It is part of the anti-theft feature.

He said it starts with starter fluid so it's not the nats causing this issue,

The way the NATS works is it cuts off the spark to the plugs thus is does not fire. Had my share of experience with this wonderful NATS ... In this case it is firing so it is not a security issue.

Damn i was banking on NATS but it cant be that I suppose.


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NATS was the problem. She got it fixed and is good to go. She was about to spend $400 just for injectors and I told her what you guys said. Thank you all for the help! Never would have figured that out.


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