Did this ever happen to your Maxima ?

Question

Symptom: 2-3 times a week my '95 Maxima GLE won't start. Have to turn the key 6-7, sometimes 20 times, even go away for 10 minutes, come back and retry before it cranks. Other pertinent information:

- All lights, power windows, radio, power antenna, etc work just fine.

- Battery is not the problem - I have new one.

- Starter is not the problem - I have a new one.

- While turning the key I hear a relay click under the dashboard every time.

- I tried a spare / second key, got the same behavior.

- When it won't start, shifting from Park to Neutral makes no difference.

- Once it cranks, the engine works great, it's a joy to drive this car.

- It just reached 80K miles.

Anyone had this experience ? If so, what was the problem ?

John Bates · Accepted Answer

Check the ground cable comming from the battery to the engine. The groundcan be good enough for everything else but when the starter draws alot ofcurrent, it may have to much resistence. Does it have a starter relay?

Bob G. · Answer

I suspect that you have a defective new starter or solenoid on it.    Thatclick that you hear may just be the relay that sends the big amps to thestarter, not the solenoid that triggers the start mechanism.  I've nevereven looked at my starter, but in principal, this may be the answer.Bobiam

Phil Lynch · Answer

I had the same problem in my 95 SE and it was the starter. I was told this is a problem with the 95's.

noyap · Answer

Or possibly the ignition switch itself!difference.

Gershon Shamay · Answer

Thanks for the suggestions so far, but I do not believe it's the starter.The symptom began with the previous starter. Believing that's where theproblem is, I put it a new one. Still the same exact symptom. There's about0% probability that both starters are bad in exactly the same way. Thesolenoid is part of the starter on this car.I strongly believe it's a different component, but which one ?

B.McNeill · Answer

The generation 3 (89-94) had a similar problem: Starter relay.  They don'tcall it by that name.  Maybe interrupt relay or something.  Could also beyour transmission park/neutral switch.  I don't have a shop manual for thegeneration 4, but in generation 3 it was a rather large relay, blue, andlocated on the battery side of the engine compartment on the side of theengine compartment.  I diagnosed it by having the wife try to start it whileI rapped the relay with a screwdriver.

JuLy · Answer

Are u sure... u dont have problem with STARTER MORTOR ????My Maxima same thing happend ... i replace STARTER MORTOR  and CRANK SHAFTSENSOR + RESET ECU  ... PERFECT>..

JuLy · Answer

I'm not sure if STARTER and STARTER MORTOR is the same thing...but like I said... same thing happend to me... if I couldnt get it start...i have to wait 5- 10 mins.... therfore.. have your STARTER MORTOR replace.... and check your CRANKSHAFT SENSOR >. "pleaase let me know if this work"!!

JuLY

David · Answer

It may be low, but it's much greater than 0.  I'm sure I'm not the only one whohas seen similar.

clarkl · Answer

My 96 Maxima has the same problem.Have you had yours fixed? Please let me know what's wrongwith your Maxima.ThanksClark

clarkl · Answer

I just have my 96 Maxima diagnosed at an auto shop. It's the starter causing thestart problem when it gets hot. That's why it works fine after waiting for awhile. I've replaced the starter myself and the problem is gone.

Did this ever happen to your Maxima ?

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