Hey guys, I need some help!! My 2003 Max won't start, it seems like it's not even turning over/catching. All the lights/stereo are working just fine, it just won't catch ignition it seems. Before I have it towed 25 miles to the nearest Nissan dealer, does anyone have any suggestions or know what's going on here? Thanks a TON guys!!

 

is it in park or neutral? Are you pushing the clutch in? Basic stuff first, lol.

 

Just because the radio and lights turn on doesn't mean your battery isn't mostly dead...the starter takes more power than radio/lights etc. First take the battery to the local auto store or jump start the car and see if that works....

Or could it be that your "immobilizer" key isn't working...do you have a different key you could try (valet key?)

 

hehe ya, its in park (it's an automatic)...keep the suggestions coming guys, thanks...anyone else had this prob before on the 2003?

 

the AAA guy came and said it isn't a battery prob bc the headlights are bright as can be (maybe he's wrong tho?)...as for the valet key, ya i tried that too thanks for the ideas tho!

 

Do you have a service engine soon light on as well?
Check out this thread http://forums.maxima.org/showthread.php?t=287721
Let us know what happens.

 

Shift it all the way down then back up to make sure it engaged in that gear. I did that once with my old car the little red thing looks like it's in D but it could be in Reverse. Next try and move your connections on the battery. Make sure they're tight maybe even just wiggle it bake and forth to just get a better connection.

 

Very true. Just try jumping it. It couldn't hurt.

 

I had this problem too i called up my friend Don from unexpected Creations and he seemed to know what it was...i told him the symptoms and he said that it could be the alternator??? if im not mistaken he said these cars are notorious for this? is this true? for you Maxima guys that would know more about this? what do you think? so or no? but then i got my buddy to jump start it and it started right up it happened almost 2 months ago from now and it hasn't bothered ever since...

 

what about that recall...

have you taken it in for the cam sensor recall yet?

I think that would only cause the car to stall, but maybe it's your problem?

(I really don't know, its just something else to think about)

-vq

 

YES, THANK YOU!! whew, I shifted it out of park into neutral and it started fine...it makes little sense, bc in the 2003's the "park" nitch on the shifter is clearly no where near the other gears, BUT it worked!! Thank you to ALL who helped!!

 

I knew it. That's exactly what it sounded like I've done it before. It does look like it's in P but it's just the little red indicator not the gear. I'm just glad you were able to get such a good response from everyone.

 

If the car is still under warranty, or even if its not you might want to get it checked out. The problem could happen again but worse and somewhere where it is very inconvenient.