My 96 Maxima will bump start quickly and easily. The starter motor sounds like it is engaging. Sometimes it starts, other times doesn't. again, bump starts easily. I am sure there is an obvious reason for this. Thanks in advance.

 

We need more information.

Define what a "bump start" is.

So does the engine turn when you activate the starter? Or does it sound like only the starter is spinning fast.

Does bump start mean that you turn the key for a fraction of a second, or do you turn the key until the engine starts in a second or three?

There are different root causes for what I'm asking.

Keep in mind that slang terms common with those is their teens or twenties might not be understood by their grand parents generation. Us older guys have quite a bit of experience, but sometimes can't understand what you mean to say.
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Ummmm is it like Bump and Grind?

 

Does the problem occur more when the engine is cold, or when it is warm.

or if the car has been driven for 20 min or more, then parked for while, like a trip to the grocery store, then started, is it more difficult?

please tell us under which conditions the car is easy to start, then the conditionsame when it's hard to start.

 

A bump or push start as I always called it, is say you are incline and roll the car with the Clutch depressed in first gear. Let the clutch out and the momentum starts in. Or somebody pushes you. Ignition key turned on of course. This car starts easily this way. But turn on key and press starter button and it tuns the engine, but takes a while to start. If it even starts. Seems like either hot or cold. I find this odd.

 

Look at the won't start WTH post next to your post.

You probably need to replace the electrical portion of the ignition switch. Very common issue on our cars. 30 dollar item. Installation instructions are in the stickies.


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It could be the starter is not cranking the engine as fast as it should. Cranking speed needs to be 350 rpm. The Nissan starter is a gear reduction type starter. It uses a planetary gear set for this and the lubrication for these gears dries out and slows the starter down, which reduced the cranking speed.

 

Dennispedia! LOL What a 4th Gen gift! Not that JvG is that bad either!

Thanks for being here guys! It's getting harder to get quality responses lately. And you're at the center of many of them!

 

I had a feeling ignition switch/ starter replacement was the solution. I just didn't understand why. I think I understand a little better now. But I realize, why doesn't really matter. Just fix these parts and it will work (most probably). Clearly, these are two poorly designed features on an otherwise fine machine. Starters and switches seem to be the weakest link. Thanks a lot. I will replace both. And I really appreciate the patience for this newbie.

 

If the starter is cranking the engine, there is nothing wrong with the ignition switch.

 

That's what I thought. But it is confusing. It starts right up with a push. But starter cranks the engine (you can hear it) but doesn't want to fire up. Very strange for me. I understand internal combustion engines. So this seems odd. It runs great when started. Baffling.....

 

I figured it was so odd, that the answer would be easy. We'll try a new starter then, but even that seems weird, cause starter works. No clicking.

 

Test your battery voltage and make sure your grounds aren't corroded and try tightening the ground cable. Check your engine codes and then I'd be thinking to replace the starter

 

This weird with Nissan ignitions being a POS! I own 4 Nissan and my Hardbody pickup in an 86.5 model with 426K and the same OEM ignition switch...the key mechanicals are worn the hell out but the ignition switch has never been a problem....Just the inhibitor relay or starter relay...If you have an automatic maybe it's your park/neutral safety switch installed position....Next time it does this move your gearshift fully forward to fully engage the safety switch.