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I had a problem on my 95 SE 5MT where the clutch "switch bumper" failed. At one point, I think part of the old switch had broken off and was keeping the clutch from completely releasing. Since the clutch would not fully release, it was like driving a old "semi-automatic" fluid clutch type transmission. I recall smelling the clutch burn.
The clutch switch bumps against a plastic switch bumper. If the bumper has deteriorated, the switch will not be triggered when you press in the clutch to start the car.
To fix the issue, I found a nylon screw at my local Ace Hardware with a head that was wide enough to cover the bumper hole. As I recall I used the nylon screw with nylon washer and possibly stainless nut to make a new switch bumper. Since the screw threads are nylon, I could trim the length to perfectly fit in the bracket.
It cost less than $4 for the parts and I never had another problem. If the switch bumper goes on the 99 SE 5MT, I will use the same approach.
There could be a clutch fluid related problem. Can you check your clutch fluid level?
Another item to rule out would be the clutch slave cylinder.
For check engine light (CEL) codes, I have an OBDII scanner I purchased from Harbor Freight for $49 to scan, report, and reset codes. I've scanned and reset many codes with this scanner over the past 4 years.
If your friends learn you can scan and reset CEL codes, they will keep you busy.
I had a problem on my 95 SE 5MT where the clutch "switch bumper" failed. At one point, I think part of the old switch had broken off and was keeping the clutch from completely releasing. Since the clutch would not fully release, it was like driving a old "semi-automatic" fluid clutch type transmission. I recall smelling the clutch burn.
The clutch switch bumps against a plastic switch bumper. If the bumper has deteriorated, the switch will not be triggered when you press in the clutch to start the car.
To fix the issue, I found a nylon screw at my local Ace Hardware with a head that was wide enough to cover the bumper hole. As I recall I used the nylon screw with nylon washer and possibly stainless nut to make a new switch bumper. Since the screw threads are nylon, I could trim the length to perfectly fit in the bracket.
It cost less than $4 for the parts and I never had another problem. If the switch bumper goes on the 99 SE 5MT, I will use the same approach.
There could be a clutch fluid related problem. Can you check your clutch fluid level?
Another item to rule out would be the clutch slave cylinder.
For check engine light (CEL) codes, I have an OBDII scanner I purchased from Harbor Freight for $49 to scan, report, and reset codes. I've scanned and reset many codes with this scanner over the past 4 years.
If your friends learn you can scan and reset CEL codes, they will keep you busy.
Where can I find the switch bumper? Where is it located in the 95?
Where can I find the switch bumper? Where is it located in the 95?
It is located on the clutch pedal up under the dash up by the hinge where the pedal swings.
If you follow the metal part of the clutch pedal up under the dash from the rubber pedal you can see a switch that bumps against a plastic bumper when the pedal is pressed toward the floor. The bumper will crack and disintegrate over time. If the bumper it not present to press against and engage the switch when as the clutch pedal is pressed to the floor, the car will not start.
The symptom for a broken switch bumper is like trying to start the car with your foot off of the clutch pedal -- basically nothing happens.
I picked up the car from the dealer after school today. Immediately I went out to get some things to finally start making this thing look cool
I plan on tinting the tails all red, so I went and bought the vht spray and sand paper. Also got the device to charge my AC. And finally got a bulb for my drivers side fog light. Last thing is to get a window regulator and then I'll be ready to mod.
Even better, not only is the last day of school tomorrow but it's a half day! (And my birthday).
First thing I'm thinking of is the STI lip. Really love that look.
Looking forward to summer. Build thread coming soon(ish).
The prices I see in Ohio are easily $1,000 less than the going price for a 5-speed Maxima in my area -- that is IF you can find one. I've found a Maxima 5-speed will usually cost $700 more than a comparable automatic in this area.
:
Here's a 98 5MT on Craig's List below for price comparison purposes.
This seems to be the going price in my area for the miles and condition.
When I first got my 95 SE (Max#1) some four years ago, I had to buy the little scanner in the picture because my OBDI based EcuTalk tool would not work.
I actually like what you did with the tails. nice.
Above mentioned replacing the amber turn signals in the front with clears, I'd think the black is the way to go since it would match the car and give a cleaner look. Link
I'm not sure of the quality of those specific ones but you get the idea. But maybe that could look weird since you have the fogs...
Also maybe take the car to an upholstery shop and have them take a look at that front seat before it gets real damage on it. Rare color like that will be way harder to replace than repair.
I actually like what you did with the tails. nice.
Above mentioned replacing the amber turn signals in the front with clears, I'd think the black is the way to go since it would match the car and give a cleaner look. Link
I'm not sure of the quality of those specific ones but you get the idea. But maybe that could look weird since you have the fogs...
Also maybe take the car to an upholstery shop and have them take a look at that front seat before it gets real damage on it. Rare color like that will be way harder to replace than repair.
Lets see a picture of the engine bay!
Haha I will get an engine bay picture once it looks nice.
So is this primarily going to be an art project or a reliable car?
Cut the guy some slack. He's young and it's his first car. Priorities are probably "show" before "go."
Looks like you have big plans for the car. Keep at it, stick to your vision and keep browsing these boards, and I'm sure it'll turn out nice. Did you ever fix the starting problem? I had that issue on my 2005, and it was fixed by replacing the crankshaft sensor. Scan for codes if you have any. Another possibility is a grounding issue. Check and clean (sandpaper) all of the grounding points on the car. Good luck with the build.
Have you changed all the fluids and bled the brakes? It would be a shame to not be able to stop one day. I would prefer a car that has been serviced and rock solid dependable, but ugly to a museum exhibit that I and a girlfriend cannot trust to get home safely in.
I am an older guy...... been there, done that. Yes, a pretty car attracts the girls. Yet a car is a transportation device. Something that will get the owner around dependably and safely. I have seen friends loose their car to bad brakes. I had my first car overheat due to a bad hose. A first car can be a good learning experience.
I wish the original poster all the best. Rather than have an art project, make the car dependable, AND DRIVE IT.
Cut the guy some slack. He's young and it's his first car. Priorities are probably "show" before "go."
Looks like you have big plans for the car. Keep at it, stick to your vision and keep browsing these boards, and I'm sure it'll turn out nice. Did you ever fix the starting problem? I had that issue on my 2005, and it was fixed by replacing the crankshaft sensor. Scan for codes if you have any. Another possibility is a grounding issue. Check and clean (sandpaper) all of the grounding points on the car. Good luck with the build.
You can clean the crank sensor. It's a simple magnet that gets dirty with metal shavings from the starter/flywheel gears grinding.
The ground cleaning is very sound advice for a car that is 1 year shy of being 20 years old. Good grounds means happy computer, which means fast, and powerful, and clean emissions car.
Cut the guy some slack. He's young and it's his first car. Priorities are probably "show" before "go."
Looks like you have big plans for the car. Keep at it, stick to your vision and keep browsing these boards, and I'm sure it'll turn out nice. Did you ever fix the starting problem? I had that issue on my 2005, and it was fixed by replacing the crankshaft sensor. Scan for codes if you have any. Another possibility is a grounding issue. Check and clean (sandpaper) all of the grounding points on the car. Good luck with the build.
Yeah it was actually the Crankshaft position sensors that I replaced and now the car starts fine. When I bought the car me and my dad changed and replaced all of the fluids and got an oil change.
Just recently we replaced both rear rotors. Me, being naive on all of this, while my dad did all the big work like that, I fixed the small things.
I started troubleshooting here and there and a few fuses and bulbs later my interior dome lights work, interior illumination lights work, driver side fog light now works, and cig lighter works. Also changed the passenger window motor so now everything works now.
You can clean the crank sensor. It's a simple magnet that gets dirty with metal shavings from the starter/flywheel gears grinding.
The ground cleaning is very sound advice for a car that is 1 year shy of being 20 years old. Good grounds means happy computer, which means fast, and powerful, and clean emissions car.
It just a rusty wire or screw that mounts the wire to any metal part of the engine or body.
In the picture below the 2 brown wires are ground connections. They are in good shape. On your car you may find connections that look like this but are very rusty. So you would unscrew them, scrape off all the rust, then screw them back in again. Done. You've cleaned up a ground connection. Our cars have many, like a hundred of them, but you can concentrate on the engine ones to get the most performance back.
I was looking at hondas but just two days ago i decided to go with a maxima. I had a 3rd gen and i just figured a newer 5spd would be so much worth it.[/QUOTE]
I would look at an 02 6spd, i got one and the gear ratio is fantastic! plus you can pick one up with a clean title for $3,500
don't you need clear light for reverse to be legal?? pretty sure you do.
Most likely, although it doesn't seem like a big deal to me. Im more concerned with cars I see driving around with tinted headlights. Worst case scenario, you print a picture of a stock max, bring it to court as proof, and bye bye ticket
Crazy how time flies. I sold the car almost four years ago after I just graduated high school.
Here it is is waiting for the new owner in July 2015
Picked up a way nicer 95 from California the next day.
Did some minor stuff to it and that’s what it looked like September 2015
Sadly i wrecked it in Dec 2015
I was a freshman in college so I didn’t really need a car on campus so I just focused on school for awhile and just drove my parents spare car for the last 4 years.
Now, I’m 21 and moved to my states capital for my first post college job at a media agency. Funny how that worked out as I always had a camera in my hand when I was sixteen taking pictures of my Maxima lol.
I wanted to fulfill my childhood dream of getting s 350z now that I can afford it but with all of the camera gear I have to lug around it just doesn’t make sense. That being said, I’m looking into a G35/G37 sedan 6MT. Hoping to find one SOON because I miss having a car I cared about and took care of. I miss shifting gears too haha. So the four year sacrifice of driving boring cars so I can focus on class is now coming to an end.
I didn't say I was old. I just have 40+ years on him. I think having to sign up for Medicare was a shock I wasn't ready for. I feel great! Just had my check up today and all is well.
I didn't say I was old. I just have 40+ years on him. I think having to sign up for Medicare was a shock I wasn't ready for. I feel great! Just had my check up today and all is well.
I reached that milestone in April.
I recall a Country song from the early 1980s.
"I'm much to young to be this darn old"
Then I realize that the early 1980s is almost 40 years ago.
05-28-2014, 12:33 PM
Cut the guy some slack. He's young and it's his first car. Priorities are probably "show" before "go."
You can clean the crank sensor. It's a simple magnet that gets dirty with metal shavings from the starter/flywheel gears grinding.
Good grounds means happy computer, which means fast, and powerful, and clean emissions car.
p.s happy b-day man......
