Questions and Answers

Maxima Intermittent No Start Q. Dear Vincent Ciulla: I have a 1995 Nissan Maxima GXE, with a 3.0 liter engine, 4-speed automatic. Mileage is 49,000 miles; fuel injection; no ABS; P/S, A/C, and cruise. Recently the car has had intermittent no start. By this I mean, I turn the ignition key and engine does not crank at all.

I followed the instructions in the owner's handbook: checked closure on all doors and trunk lid; tried using the key to open doors instead of remote control; moved shift lever back and forth to the various positions; removed and inserted the key numerous times, etc. If I let the car sit for 45 minutes to an hour and check it again it will start.

Sincerely,
Vincent

A. The first thing we need to determine is if this is a problem with the starting system or the security system. If you look on the starter you will see a small wire (black/red) with a female spade connector. The next time this happens, check for power at this terminal while the key is in the START position. If there is power there then you have a bad starter.Usually a couple of taps with a hammer will get it going again.

If there is no power there, then it might be a bad Neutral Safety Switch, inhibitor relay, theft warning relay or ignition switch. You can get a wiring diagram at the local public library in the reference section and trace back from the starter.

My money is on a bad starter.