Josh_9096

I have a 96 maxima and sometimes it will turn over just fine and start. but most times the starter will turn the car over and then stop with a grinding noise and start again. almost like its struggling to turn it over. it also takes a while for the car to start when it does turn over. some days longer than others. I replaced the battery because it was old and dying. I also had the starting and charging system checked at parts store. they said it all worked fine but of course the starter didn't grind when they tested it. help please!!! PS. no codes on. scanned it anyway and nothing came up.

DennisMik

iTrader: (2)

You probably need a new starter. The starter motor probably has worn out brushes that are losing contact with the commutator. If the starter stops cranking and then starts cranking again, it wouldn't be the battery.

Josh_9096

I was thinking the starter but why is it making a grinding sound?

DennisMik

iTrader: (2)

Don't know for sure, but a couple guesses are:

If the starter motor is losing power, the gear that meshes into the flywheel may be disengaging and re-engaging.

Another possibility is that the planetary gear set in the starter could be making the noise.

You can remove the starter and take it to an auto parts place for testing. However, be aware that 75% of starters that cannot start the car at all, are reported to be good. Basically, if the starter motor spins and doesn't blow up the tester, they tell you it's good.

Discouraging, isn't it?

Josh_9096

OK. I might replace it this weekend depending how expensive they are but yea, kinda sad to get a false positive for testing.