I have a 2003 Maxima, it has a peculiar issue. When I try to start the engine, I get a click and no rotation of the engine. Tried starting it in Neutral and same thing. With the engine off, I put it in gear and rolled the car a couple inches to rotate the engine. Back in park, I turn the key and it starts right up. Tried this 2x's and each time the same. Seems like the pinion gear is not aligned to the flywheel or just doesn't want to engage?????

 

I'd say just a coincidence as with an automatic in drive, rolling the car a few inches won't turn the engine over or move the flywheel.
Check bat volts and connections at battery, but probably new starter time. Could always check readings at the starter with a mm.

 

Likely it's gonna be the battery. I would recommend to take your battery to local autozone for a free battery test, to see if it has gone bad. That would be a start before you tear into getting the starter off. Autozone also do free testing on starter too btw. So I'm certain it's gonna be your battery that's on the way out.

 

+1 Have the entire starting system checked instead of throwing parts at the car.

 

Here is a thread on diagnosing a no crank situation.

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