I have been having intermittent starting problems. When I go to start the car, it cranks for a few seconds, makes a thunking noise then cuts out. Then I try again, and it cranks for about 7 seconds before starting. And sometimes it starts up right away. I dont think it is the key.

I checked the voltage of the battery with a tester, and I got about 9.5 v, assuming my tester is correct.

Any thoughts, anyone?

 

I AM STILL HAVING ALL SORTS OF STARTING PROBLEMS WITH MY 01 MAXIMA, BUT YOU MAY NEED TO HAVE YOUR CPU REPROGRAMMED. IT HAS HELPED SOME PEOPLE.

 

Yes I have this problem too. Do a search as we have talked about it in the past. Just a nother little glitch we have to contend with....

 

I have searched and read all the other threads. I talked to my step dad who knows a good deal about cars, and he is of the opinion, and so am I, that the problem is the battery. If it was a constant problem, it would probably be a sign of more serious problems, but the fact that it is intermittent leads me to believe it is the battery. I am going to buy a new battery tomorrow, so I will post the results.

 

Turns out it was not the battery. My intermittent problems became a constant problem last week. Every time I started the car, it choked. Then would have to crank for about 10-20 seconds before finally starting.

I went to a mechanic, and he turned the key and immediately identified it as the bendix spring in the starter must have bent. So he put in a brand new starter, and the problem is gone.

Now I turn the key and the engine starts like a dream.

The dealer told me it was probably a solenoid, or a relay, or bad wires, or a bad fuel filter, etc, etc, etc. NEVER TRUST A DEALER. They are the biggest scam artists out there. They would have charged over $600 for a starter. I paid $370.

 

is your car still under warrenty? if so.. dealer should have paid for it.

 

42k miles, so the basic warranty is up, I did not buy an extended, and the 60k powertrain warranty does not cover the starter. It seems the only thing it does cover is the block, heads, and trans case. And I bet the dealer would argue about even that.

I have come to understand why Nissan is always rated last when it comes to dealer service.

When GM puts a REAL engine and standard trans in the Grand Prix (and improves quality) I will be the first in line. (yeah, like that will ever happen...)