I have the 1997 Maxima SE auto with 110k miles.
It was cold this morning, I was trying to drive the maxi to go work, but maxi didn't started.
I turned the key, only hear one "da" sound then nothing. interior lights and lights on dash board didn't dim down at all while I turn the key. Didn't hear any crank from the starter at all. everything seems normal.
it felt like starting a stick shift vehicle but didn't step on the clutch. (mine is auto)
I pulled the key out then putted it and turn, for few times. The car started it.
after work today, I drove it home, the maxi started right away.

is it the battery connector? ignition swtich? starter?
should I go fix something before I sit for hours wait help?
please give me some advices.

 

could be a bad spot on the starter, check your battery cables first. ive seen vehicles with corrosion or loose terminal fittings do the same thing.

 

It was strange that I didn't hear anything from the starter, but then started right up once it came back..
if it's battery issue, I didn't see the lights dim down while I turn the key, only feel like starting a stick shift without step on the clutch.

 

Check your connections and cables. Starter might be slowly going out.

 

i see it all the time at work, lights etc work fine on the vehicle but when you turn the key nothing happens just like a bad starter. usually the positive battery cable is loose

 

Starter.

 

If this happens again, try wiggling the shift lever or put it in neutral and then try starting the car. Also the ignition switch is a possible cause.

 

Next time it happens, wiggle the key with it in the start position. I'd be headed towards an ignition switch problem, first.

 

if it's a bad starter problem.
the starter will at least crank few times (sound like weak battery) ? or just like nothing happen (none battery)?

 

I had a very similar problem the other day. When you turn the key, try to give the car gas and see if it will start and run. Ended my IACV was stuck closed/open (took it apart and cleaned it, now she runs fine)

 

Thanks for sharing, sorry to ask,, what is IACV? can you give me an idea about it..

 

Idle Air Control Valve. Its very easy to remove and clean. 4 electrical plugs, 3 bolts, and a few hoses to be disconnected..for removal

 

ignition switch. had the same issue in my 96. replaced and starts like a champ everytime. the mechanism gets sloppy inside and produces intermittent connections. sometimes it will start sometimes it won't