What causes this? Tried to jump start it last night, nothing happened, figured it was the starter, then I go out today and it is as if nothing ever happened. Drives fine, starts fine. Is it just getting old or what?

sorry I am still new to cars, I am starting to learn from hubby, but I can't always understand the terms he is using!!

 

Not sure from your question if you hear ANY noises when you put the key in start. (like the starter motor turning, or the clicking of the starter solenoid)

Assuming you don't hear anything....

Do you have a automatic or manual?

If you have an automatic. Just move the shifter from P to another gear and back to P, in other wards just shift it up and down for a second and back to P. Now try to start it. Sometimes the neutral switch on Park isn't registering.

If you have a Manual xmission:
I have a 99 max and it has not happened to me yet, but I remember having a 87 maxima and the same thing would happen. Just depress the clutch in a few times and try again. the maxima seems to have an ignition system that is timed and relayed by the ecu when you click the key onto start.

 

I 've had the same problemo. It turned out to be a starter in couple of months.

 

A huge number of factors go into the seemingly simple task of having the engine start. So, you need to do the basics first-1) battery, park or neutral cranking, clutch safety switch, starter, ignition switch. Also check fuses, and underhood relays-basically anything labeled starter/ignition, etc. Then check and make sure the wire harnesses to the engine are ok. Then check the function of the cam and crank sensors. So as you can see, there are alot of possiblities... For the most part-battery's, and starters seem to be the most common. If it is intermittent, I'd start to also consider the electrical relays and sensors. good luck.

 

When the car turns on, does it go VEHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH?
If so, regrease teh starter so it lasts longer.

 

its probably your cam position sensor