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