Quest: Help w/ Starter vs Start Kill, vs???

Hello,

I tried to do a good deed...by lending my parents the 96 Maxima (~80,0000 mi) to use on a trip. Now, they are stuck in the middle of "nowhere" (Humbolt Redwoods National Park) and the car won't start. With a possible 25 mile tow to the NEAREST service station ....I was hoping someone here might be able to help.

My guess is: It sounds like the starter called it quits...or it is the battery cables, or the start kill is activated. What do you think?

This is all I know (Understand the source: very tired, and now irrational parents):

1) The car has been fine with no electrical problem. 2) The car won't start. 3) There is corrosion around the battery cable, do not know how much. 4) A Ranger came, they tried jumping the car, didn't work. 5) Thinking the alarm wouldn't reset (start-kill), they disconnected the battery (I have no idea why, I wasn't there). Tried jumping the car again. Didn't work. 6) Don't think Check Engine light on. 7) Alarm never sounded 8) Interior/dash lights work, but, NO power at all to starter.

Is there some way to reset the alarm? I only know that the "key in the door" is supposed to do it. Sounds like the starter is a problem with 4th gen Maximas? Do they just go like that, w/ no warning? On my old RX7, I could just hit it, and it would start. Will that work? Where is it?

This is going to be a $200 repair whether it is a battery cable or a starter.... but being the only mechanic....it might end up being a $1000... Any help would be extremely appreciated...

Thanks in advance Lucas

Reply to
Lucas
Loading thread data ...

Standard tranny? Check the connections at the the clutch pedal for CLUTCH MUST BE DEPRESSED to start operation.

Auto tranny? Wiggle the shifter. Could be funky contact at the NEUTRAL SAFETY SWITCH for starting.

Reply to
- - ¿ - -

MotorsForum website is not affiliated with any of the manufacturers or service providers discussed here. All logos and trade names are the property of their respective owners.