So Autozone gave me P100 code after car kept cutting out, driving or not driving. I did the preliminary tests (testing with voltmeter which was good, cleaning old maf with cleaner, etc) but it still stalled. The onboard diagnostics then gave me a 0403 blinking error. I bought a remanufactured Cardone maf thinking I would just change it anyway.
I decided to recheck the code with a personal scanner just prior to installing the Cardone maf and got a 0325 error code. After unplugging the code reader the car will not start. It doesn't turn over, just a little whirring sound. Battery is good because it started a few times just minutes before. Could my ecm be bad because the mil does not light up as a bulb test when in the "on" position? It lights up for me during diagnostics tests though. My antenna is stuck in the up position too for some reason as well as a ticking sound from the engine in the on position. Could it be my security system is messed up and disabling starting. Did the ODB scanner mess me up? Bad starter? Even tried a different working battery, made no difference. Sorry for the rambling. Thanks.

 

"Doesn't turn over, just a little whirring sound" sounds like the starter gear is not engaging the flywheel to crank the engine over. If this is the case, the starter has gone bad.

Blinking 0403 (P0120) is the throttle position sensor. This usually is a car won't idle problem, but it could be a stalling problem.
(page 129 - http://boredmder.com/FSMs/Nissan/Maxima/1996/EC.pdf)

The P0325 code is the knock sensor. Any time you have some sort of engine problem, you will get this code. It will usually go away when you fix the other problem(s). If it is a legitimate code, it does not keep the car from starting and running. Don't worry about this for now.

The Nissan security system if activated will keep the starter from working. Since it seems like the starter is spinning, the security system is not involved.

Don't know what to say about the MIL/SES/check engine light not coming on for self test but coming on for codes. Since the ECU does turn on the light, I doubt the ECU is your problem.

I think the starter is you no-start problem.

For future reference, if you think the MAF is keeping the car from starting, unplug it. The engine will start, but you won't be able to drive the car like this.

 

There are so many issues popping up since its my nephew's car now. The radio/stereo won't power up, antenna stuck up, windows nor wipers work. I had the battery recharged just to be sure. I told him to check the fuses but he hasn't done so yet. Strange all these power issues started after using the obd scanner. Would unplugging the scanner without turning the car off cause all this? Is there a way to check the ECM? Can a bad starter cause all this? I haven't changed the starter yet.

 

I going with starter as well. You can tap (gently on the starter) with a length of wood and hammer and see if she will engage. Even if it does engage, the starter is suspect and will need to be replaced. Pretty easy job on these vehicles.

 

All these electrical problems sort of fit into the main 120 (or 140) amp fuse being blown. This fuse is part of the positive battery cable. It could be the fuse or it could be a badly corroded cable where the wire goes into the connector.

 

Bought a new battery since the old one was not charging properly and put in a new Autozone starter All the electronics seem to be back but still no start. Bad starter again? No even a whir when trying to start anymore. Help!

 

see post #5.

 

So it was a combination of bad battery and starter. The new starter was incorrectly installed but after correcting the hookup all seems good. I just hope the maf fixes the stalling problem. Thanks all.

 

BTW This is my 3rd AutoZone starter failing in 10 yrs