So I got a new starter not too long ago on my beloved '97 Maxima. She still runs GREAT but...sometimes, I'll put the key in, turn it and nothing happens. I know the battery is fine I can turn on the radio and the lights come on, etc. But the starter won't even turn over. NO idea what to do but I want to see if it's a simple fix before I pay a friggin mechanic 50 bucks to just look at it. Some people have said maybe check the solenoid....no idea what that is (heard it on War of the Worlds, though) so I've been looking it up on how to find it and check it but I have no idea what it looks like, where it is, if it's not the solenoid, then what else do I check? So the starter doesn't even turn over but it's a new starter and when I first try to turn the key, it DOES make this weird kinda weak wheeze sound. Any and all help would be great!

 

What brand of New starter did u buy. I have had horrible experience with advanced auto with starters and alternators. Few cases with auto zone.

 

I am having a similar problem on my '97 Maxima,did you try pressing the gas pedal while turning the ignition key? If the engine starts by doing that we have the same problem but i still have to figure out what is causing it.

 

Try this first, the Solenoid is the part he shorts with the screwdriver.


Not a Maxima but the processes are generic anyway.


Not a Maxima, and the Solenoid is remote, but the function is the same.

 

The ignition switch is a common failure item.

 

Ignition switch, and sometimes slop. Try taking the ignition switch out of the column (but leave it connected) and start the car with a screwdriver in the ignition slot. If it starts every time, it's probably slop. There's a lot on the forum about that, just search for "slop." If you still get the same problem, try a new ignition switch - they're pretty cheap.