Hi, everyone. I've been having problems starting my 1994 Maxima GXE lately and was wondering if someone could give me some suggestions. Some background: 173k miles, tune up last year (had stalling problem while braking which we BELIEVE was caused by bent/blocked seal on sensor), runs great otherwise. THe problem started about two weeks ago when I ran into the grocery store (parked on curb with power off and hazards on) and when I came out, my car wouldn't start. I took out the key, turned off the hazards, double checked the A/C was off and that the car was in park. I put the key in again and tried...no luck. Repeated the above and it started. About a week later, I was running errands and on the third stop, my car didn't start again. I basically did the same procedure: took out key, checked that it was in park, and then it started after about three tries again. Yesterday morning, running out the door to work, of course, my car didn't start and no fiddling could make it. Got a tow (took couple hours) and the local Nissan dealer said it started fine for him. Wouldn't ya know. They kept it overnight and it started fine on all tries today, too. THey say they don't think it's the starter, or corrosion on the battery. Basically, they told me they can't do anything until it happens where they can see it. So, any ideas?!? I miss my car! Thanks so much!

 

does it try to crank and makes a grinding noise, or does the key just turn and there is nothing? Mine wouldnt crank until the 3 try and it made a grinding noise, it turned out it was the starter. Just trying to help

 

It doesn't crank at all...key just turns all the way. THere is a noise from engine, like a very light humming. As if SOMETHING is trying to work in there! Thanks for the help.

 

That humming is the fuel pump. Or, at least, it should be!

 

Next time it wont start on the first try, stop everything, get a hammer or heavy pipe, extension, etc, and give the starter a few solid hits. Don't go crazy, just firm shots. THen try to start..when starters begin to go bad, this is how to teach 'em..for a while. I had an old subaru that did this for about 6 months before it would respond no more to my pummeling. So your mechanic was "pretty sure" it was not the starter..why was he pretty sure? Did you ask how they tested it. At my old job, the same machine that would test batteries and charging system could test starters too. Keep a heavy object with you like I described above and give it a try next time.

 

I have had the same problem happen a few times in my 91 GXE. One thing that worked for me was to drop the shifter into neutral, and it started right up. Could be coincidence ???

Pete

 

Soemtimes when i try to start my 1990 Se i have that same problem. I turn the key but nothing really happens, but all i do is move the wheel a little right to left and make sure the gear shift is in park and it will start right up. So if you have the problem just try moving the wheel a little and make sure it is all the way in Park.

 

Yeah, like the other guys said, it's not really a problem, all you have to do is push the shifter all the way up into park to make sure it's all good and it should fire right up. If that doesn't seem to help, put it into netural. Amazingly the nissan dealer didn't let you know this. Go take your car back.