Hey can someone maybe give me a hand. My 99 maxima is having a starting issue. The motor is just running sounds like it’s not engaging. Took the starter out then I benched tested it and it works fine but when I installed it back into the vehicle it sounded like the solenoid was not engaging the starter. Took the starter out got a new one just for the hell of it since I had it on warranty but then I still had the same issue. Check the voltage going to the starter and solenoid and everything seems like it’s correct but still sounds like the solenoid was not engaging and the motor is just running. Looked at the fly wheel and the teeth looked fine with no breaks or cracks. Then I bench tested the starter multiple times worked fine now I’m feeling like it’s engaging and just spinning the motor but not making contact with the fly wheel. Rotated the fly wheel by hand everything seems OK but still can’t find the issue. Hopefully someone can help me out here.

 

When you were bench testing the starters, did you notice if the starter gear was thrusting out from the starter?

A possible problem could be that the starter is not aligned properly. If the starter were to somehow be angled, the starter gear would miss the flywheel.

 

I didn’t notice anything like that happening with either of the two new starters that I tried.

 

1. Set park brake and put car in neutral.

2. Put a screwdriver on the small wire and the top large nut.

The starter should spin. It should turn the engineas well.

Tell us what happens.

 

I already bypass ignition system. I put power directly to the solenoid and starter motor sounded like the solenoid engaged and then the starter motor was just running but wasn’t cranking the engine over

 

I would remove the starter.
I'd take it back to the parts store to have them test it.

it's possible that they sold you a defective starter.
It happens.