5th Generation Maxima (2000-2003) Learn more about the 5th Generation Maxima, including the VQ30DE-K and VQ35DE engines.

start issue

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Old Aug 20, 2009 | 08:19 AM
  #1  
Ephraim's Avatar
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start issue

over the past 2 weeks i noticed that it was becoming more difficult to start up, and yesterday it would not start up.

-2000 5spd 94k miles
-alternator: replaced march 2008 from napa
-battery: an evermaxx from walmart, just over 2yrs old (this replaced another evermaxx that died on me after 1.5yrs, so i would guess these are not that quality)
-checked oil levels and they are fine

things noticed before car would not start:
-when turning the key, it sounded like it was struggling to start
-no screeching, no grinding noises, just a weaker start up, it would wind slower and a few times, then it would start
-i figured it might be the battery, so i got a new battery from napa, but before i could put in the new battery, it would no longer start.


at this point i tried starting the car with jumper cables, and it would not start, nothing would spin/no noise from engine/starter.


things noticed now that car does not start:
-swapped out the battery, and car still will not start w/new battery
-engine/starter makes no noise, nothing rolls over as if trying to start. so no grinding/screeching noises
-lights/radio and everything comes on, and there is a slight humming noise when turning the key, but zero engine bay activity (i have not had someone stand over the engine bay to hear a clicking so i need to do that)


intial searching has led me to check these things
1. battery
2. starter
3. CKPS/CPS
4. alternator
5. ignition switch
6. clutch switch


im going to pull codes right now since i have not had a chance to do that yet. any other thoughts?

Last edited by Ephraim; Aug 20, 2009 at 10:52 AM.
Old Aug 20, 2009 | 11:40 AM
  #2  
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Either a bad ground or a bad starter is the most likely problem.
Old Aug 20, 2009 | 12:03 PM
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tailz's Avatar
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Im going to have to say starter.
Old Aug 20, 2009 | 01:07 PM
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xWasX08's Avatar
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From: Springfield, MA
Had the exact same problem.
For weeks, my car would struggle on startup and wouldnt sound as powerful if you know what I mean.

One morning for work, bam, no startup. After it struggled for a while, it went dead, and all you heard was one click when you tried to turn the key and start it.

I tested the battery and the alternator, both checked out good, also check your terminals and make sure there nice and tight/clean too.

But my bet is on the starter as well. Have it tested/rebuilt/replaced.

btw: I ended up paying $120 for a rebuilt starter with a lifetime warranty as opposed to Nissans $430 for parts/labor.

Last edited by xWasX08; Aug 20, 2009 at 01:10 PM.
Old Aug 20, 2009 | 07:16 PM
  #5  
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thanks for the input, ironically enough i had the walmart battery tested and it came up as needing to be replaced, thats why i bought the new one from napa. i have the starter out and ordered one from Dave B at South Point Nissan, $209 shipped + $60 for core return. just need to call and setup return date for starter i took out.

here are the pics: http://s10.photobucket.com/albums/a1...car%20starter/

Last edited by Ephraim; Aug 20, 2009 at 07:22 PM.
Old Aug 20, 2009 | 08:19 PM
  #6  
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From: Massachusetts
my starter went at around 100k miles on my maxima, My friend has a I30 and the starter went a little after 100k miles. It seems to die around 100k miles
Old Aug 25, 2009 | 07:03 PM
  #7  
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new starter will be in tomorrow. will it be as simple as just putting it in, and the gears will line up? or is there something im overlooking?
Old Aug 26, 2009 | 07:06 AM
  #8  
RoM_PmP's Avatar
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I had the sameee problem on my 4th gen last week...brought it to my garage, he couldn't figure it out!
Brought it to my nissan dealer...they said the knock sensor needed to be replaced, wtf how could this be...
I told them to check to starter but nobody would take me seriously...finally order the started, replaced it and boom...problem solved!
So from what ur saying...i'm pretty sure it's a starter issue..
Old Aug 26, 2009 | 07:29 AM
  #9  
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Originally Posted by Ephraim
new starter will be in tomorrow. will it be as simple as just putting it in, and the gears will line up? or is there something im overlooking?
Simple as putting it in. The wiring harness over the top of the starter makes it hard to get at the top bolt. Otherwise it is pretty straight forward.
Old Aug 26, 2009 | 09:41 AM
  #10  
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Originally Posted by Scottwax
Simple as putting it in. The wiring harness over the top of the starter makes it hard to get at the top bolt. Otherwise it is pretty straight forward.
very good, thanks!
Old Aug 26, 2009 | 07:20 PM
  #11  
Ephraim's Avatar
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got the item swapped out, runs like a champ! in my haste i forgot to tighten one of the worm gear clamps post-maf, its all good now though

pics for reference: http://s10.photobucket.com/albums/a1...car%20starter/
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