I have a 95 Maxima that will not crank. Starter is good (had tested). Battery and ignition switch are new. Headlights do not dim or go out when I turn the key. A clicking noise is heard most of the time. It used to finally turn over and start, but not anymore. Any help would be appreciated.

 

4AT or 5MT?

If 4AT, have you tried in Neutral, or while pushing forward on the shifter while in Park?

If 5MT, have you tried pushing the clutch pedal down as far as you can?

Have you done anything, had anything done, or has anything happened to the vehicle between the last time it cranked and now?

 

Yes, I tried it in neutral and pushing the shifter in park. I replaced the battery and ignition switch, but it made no difference.

 

Is the clicking sound coming from under the dash or under the hood?

Under the dash is normal, the ignition relay and you usually don't hear it because of the engine cranking.

 

From under the dash. I can hear the starter spin for a second, but doesn't kick in.

 

If the starter spins for a second or 2, I think the starter has a problem. Sounds like the brushes in the starter motor may be worn and don't always make the connections that they should.

See this thread for troubleshooting tips:

https://maxima.org/forums/5th-genera...rt-thread.html

 

Did what you said in your link. When I put the voltage meter on the starter bolt it read 11.8 volts and when I cranked it it dropped up to 2 volts. Cleaned ground wire and hooked up extra ground from battery to motor. Made no difference. Would you suggest replacing the positive wire to the starter?

 

^+1 The voltage readings sound to be a little low but if your hearing the starter spin for a second or 2 it could also be the clutch in the starter is no good and that it's spinning but not engaging the flywheel.

 

The starter actually does engage the flywheel for about half a second and then spins for half a second and then stops. The voltage meter dropped between 1 to 2 volts when I did this. Just don't know if it's the cable or starter. Hate to spend money on something and have it not work.

 

thats the process of fixing.., but once u replace something, u never have to touch it again and will last you years... once you fix it and get it back to where it was, miles and years to go hopefully.. how many miles u got on yours?

 

It could be starter solenoid, did you try to jump the starter directly from battery positive terminal with a long screw driver? Try to clean the connection between starter solenoid and starter, also, clean the car ground.

 

That was going to be my next suggestion aswell.

 

If it is the solenoid, here's a great video for you:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S7vP...MxKNrRD_ugRjSw