Last week I went out to start my ever reliable 2000 Maxima and much to my surprise, when I turned the key, not even a groan. Nothing, nadda, zippo.....figured battery stone dead....yanked it out ran down to Sams Club purchased there best....install it....Voom, off I go ....2 days later..
guess what.....turn key, nothing, nadda, zippo....

I know it was good battery from Sams...so I have father in law jump start and rush it to dealer for a look...they find no problem electrically..
told story to service manager and he mumbles "thats a weird one". also
mumbled something about security system but did not clarify....

Anybody out there experience a similar strange occurence? Am I doomed to carrying jumper cables? Any help appreciated...

 

Typically this means your alternator is dead or dying. Do you hear a high-pitched noise from the engine while driving? Sometimes alternators get loud before giving it up.

Do you have any after-market accessories (alarm, etc.) that could be wiring incorrectly? This could cause a constant draw on the electrical system, slowly killing your battery.

My last car had a bad alternator, and went through a couple of batteries while it worked intermittently. Make sure they ran a voltage test on it.

 

Thanx for thought ....dealer ran diagnostic said alternator exceeded specs.....no aftermarket accessories....

 

this is a problem on 2000 auto maximas. When this happens again, take your shifter and push it into the park position really well.

Then start the car. Sometimes the shifter will get loose and the car will think its in gear. Take it to nissan and tell them to tighten it.

 

Thanks for thought...I tried starting it with park slightly out of position and could not make it fail....liked the thought though....thanks for input..

 

hmm ok? it worked on my old 2k.

 

i have the same problem with my 2k gle. i just got it certified preowned from kings nissan. 1 out of every 5-6 times the car wont start. i just have to move the shifter out of park and then back to park. i went to nissan twice to fix it and they said it is the "crank sensor" and ordered the part for me. i will get it installed on tuesday after columbus day. i hope this fixes the problem. i will let you know though

 

Perhaps the chip in the key. I had a Firebird that did that and found the key was bad. Perhaps the starter is dying or a coil pack. Could be a million different things, good luck man hope you find it quick. Chris

 

Thank you for all input...if it gearshift was not firmly in park,or chip in key is defective, I would still be able to honk horn or have lites would I not??? In this case I have absolutely nothing but a 3000+pound paperweight with tires!! I humbled myself and joined AAA auto club
yesterday...I am hoping it happens again soon as I will have it towed
to Nissan dealer in its disabled condition...appreciate any and all thoughts...

 

hmmm could it be a bad ground? wtf....hmmmm