scurtis94

I have an 03 maxima 3.5 Automatic sometimes when I go to start it it wot turn over or crank it just clicks but if I keep trying it a couple times it will start what could be the cause of this? And another thing sometimes w I shut NY car off and go to crank it my gas gage is lower then what it was before I turned it off

G3Nis

iTrader: (8)

could be the battery, check the voltage.

scurtis94

Ops I meant to say I have a good battery too!

JonBlz

iTrader: (11)

bad starter or bad ignition switch

scurtis94

I did take the starter to autozone they tested it and said it was good, would the ignition switch let it tart after a couple times of trying? How could I find out if it is going bad with out having to buy the part with out knowing for sure

maxiiiboy

Your battery should have at least 12V, and preferably 12.5V.
However, the symptoms you describe ("it just clicks, but if I keep trying ... ") are the classical symptoms of a failing starter. It looks like you have an intermittent starter problem that's likely to get worse; check your starter connections and harness, and try to bang the starter to free the pinion just in case it’s stuck.
Is this still the original starter? If so, you may want to buy a new one, because one day it's going to fail hard.

scurtis94

Even though auto one tested it three times in a row it could still be my starter? Sorry about all the questions!

george__

iTrader: (1)

BATTERY!

I just replaced mine, it only lasted a year +- 2 months LOL, but now the audio is much louder, subwoofer has more bass, car starts up perfectly and no weird dash lights

maxiiiboy

Yes, it could be - there are people on this forum with the same experience as yours. To find out, try the following:

1. With the engine shut off, measure the voltage on the battery? What is it?
2. Check the fusible link and the cables to the starter. Are they clean and tight?
3. Have a helper start the car while you measure the voltage on: a) The battery, and b) The starter. What are they? (Are you getting 12V to the starter when the ignition key is turned on?)

Child_uv_KoRn

iTrader: (7)

starter solenoid - replace starter

scurtis94

What should they all read ? And I will have to wait until Saturday when my boyfriend will be able to check it out because he goes goes into work when its dark and gets off when its dark and Saturday works half a day thanks for the help I'll get back with you ASAP!

maxiiiboy

Battery should be 12.5V (at least 12) with engine off; you should be getting at at least 9V, and preferably 11.5V on the starter when cranking. However, your starter is clicking but not turning, at least most of the time. This indicates a starter/solenoid problem. Replace the starter ..... but confirm the voltages first.

DennisMik

iTrader: (2)

I am one of those people that had a starter that tested OK according to the auto parts store but would not start 2 different cars .

Here is a link to a thread on how to diagnose a no-crank situation.

https://maxima.org/forums/5th-genera...rt-thread.html

NmexMAX

iTrader: (22)

Grounds ...