I have exactly this symptoms
Dan Levine
“I have a 1997 From what gather.These Nissan Maxima's are known for bad ignition switches.Is this true?In order to get my car to startup I have to wiggle like crazy with the key.Been like this for 2 yrs.Now it's becoming worse to start.I never changed the ignition switch.Is it known for the key ignition to go bad or just the ignition switch??”

But this answer
bordmder
“Dan Levine Generally what you're describing is a typical symptom of a bad ignition switch. Pull it out and start it with a screwdriver, see if it'll start every time like that.?”

And then this
Dan Levine
“boredmder It was the ignition switch.The plastic hole on the switch for the tumbler gets warn from metal on plastic use.I just simple placed a piece of duck tape over the tumbler turning thing and re-installed the switch.Works like a charm now lol.?”

Should I try tape first too or go to junkyard and bring a ignition switch.

 

Don't use duck tape, it will eventually slide out. Try this: https://maxima.org/forums/4th-genera...ml#post8875419

 

You could try the tape I suppose.

The ignition switches do fail. I've replaced mine at least twice during the past 10 years and 100k miles.

New switches are thirty bucks or so.

Dice new ones don't last forever, why would you want to drive to the junkyard to buy a used switch which will fail sooner than a new one?

I could understand if you want to sell the car soon.

 

That guy at youtube even said that some guy at ".org" with name DBear recommend electrical tape at metal part.

 

So you are that one.

 

Well I "fix" problem. Open it easy. Was possible to se at plastic part strong 1/16 dent left by metal tong. I just role aluminum foil and put at that place. Work for now. I will let you know if it fail.

 

So the problem was mechanical instead of electrical.

Your solution was creative and free. Thanks for letting us know.

 

Why I like talk how I'm smart all what I did here was Google "Nissan maxima ignition switch bad" and post at this forum. There was video what to do, how to fix and what are symptoms. So no much at my part.