So a couple of years ago my max mysteriously wouldn't start one day, even with a boost. At that time I removed the starter and had it tested and it tested fine. Since I lived downtown I didn't need a car that often so I just parked it.

Fast forward to this spring, and I decided I needed to get it on the road or get rid of it, so just for the hell of it I bought a new battery and boom it fired right up. Weird. So I got 4 new tires since the old ones were in bad shape, changed the oil, bled the brakes, topped up the coolant, and have been driving it with zero problems for a few weeks. Then on Friday, same as 2 years ago, no crank and no start.

Here's some details:
- 1996 GLE automatic
- battery reads 12.5 v
- codes: just knock sensor/o2 sensor
- when turning the key to try to crank, voltage dips to 12.1
- used jumper cable to create another ground, no change
- this is the sound it makes when trying to start:


Thoughts?

 

Try jiggling the key/applying pressure in different directions as you try to start the car. If this works, replace the ignition switch.

Also, your starter solenoid could be bad. Tap on the starter with a long pole and see if the Max fires up then.

 

Try placing the transmission in Neutral rather than Park, the PRNDL switch may be going bad. The starter may just be shot too.

Post after testing each comment.

 

 

Most likely one of those three things, ignition switch, starter solenoid or transmission switch. I'm going to guess starter solenoid. They can test good but still fail occasionally as they continue to die. Check the other simply things first as suggested above.

 

I have a similar problem. When I turn the key, I get a click. I try it again, it used to work. Its been doing that for about a month. Now, its taking more and more clicks.
How do I figure out if its the switch or the starter. I do have the original switch and the original starter on my 1999 SE.

 

I'd go with the ignition switch 1st. I had a similar problem, it got worse over time, and all other trobleshooting didn't fix the problem. The 4th gen ignition switch is notorious for going bad.
Do a search for ignition switch replacement. Should get plenty of hits. Easy to remove and install a new one. I actually just put a little electrical tape around the metal bolt and it reduced the slop so now it cranks and starts every time.

Good luck with your troubleshooting.

 

Thank you 93SCMax. Did you hear a click under the hood with a bad ignition switch? I have seen the video of replacing it but parts cannot be returned once installed so I am trying to make sure its one of the two switches (ignition or Parking one) before I go for a starter replacement.

 

Put car in neutral. Praking brake on. Attach a jumper wire to the smaller of the two starter terminals. Touch the other end to the positive terminal of the battery.

The starter is good if it cranks normally. Bad if it just clicks.

Make sure that battery terminals are clean.

 

See if this helps: https://maxima.org/forums/4th-genera...ml#post8875419

 

I heard no click under the hood when I had the ignition switch failure. Clicking may mean a bad starter solenoid or low battery cold cranking amps.

Good link from DBear for the ignition switch issue.

 

Thank you guys. Still need time to troubleshoot. I was out of town. Just got back today. Will tackle the troubleshooting tomorrow. I think its the starter. I will try to do what is suggested to test the starter.

 

Closing out the loop. Got a brand new CarQuest starter from AAP yesterday evening. This AM, slammed it in. Ran into some issues with the trigger connector and one of the bracket bolts holding the hoses right above the starter snapped while installing back but its all in and it is fine. Car starts like a champ with the new starter. It was the starter due to the clicks.

 

So, I got the old starter bench tested at AAP and it works fine. It only clicks in the car. AAP guy said there is no load and that is why. I was under the impression that the solenoid was bad but I have no idea. The core charge is $12 so for now, I have kept the old starter. Any ideas?