Engine wont crank over

Tiny
DAKOTA JOSEPH FISCHER
  • MEMBER
  • 1997 NISSAN MAXIMA
  • 3.0L
  • V6
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 249,000 MILES
When I try to start the car the dashboard all lights up and the radio comes on but the engine wont crank over. I keep trying to do this for about thirty minutes, eventually it will crank over and it starts right up.

I have tried a new battery a new starter/anti-theft relay. I have a temporary solution and if I disconnect the battery before I go inside, and reconnect it before I am about to leave it will start on the first try.
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Wednesday, June 19th, 2019 AT 8:16 AM

59 Replies

Tiny
KEN L
  • MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
  • 42,468 POSTS
Hello,

It sounds like the start motor is no good. To be sure here is a guide to help you confirm the issue.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/starter-not-working-repair

and if bad this guide will walk you through the repair:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-replace-a-starter-motor

Please run down these guides and report back.

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Thursday, June 20th, 2019 AT 2:29 PM
Tiny
DAKOTA JOSEPH FISCHER
  • MEMBER
  • 2 POSTS
We used a starter tester and determined the starter wasn't the issue and so we started tracing everything through and found out it was the inhibitor/starter cut off relay. So we ordered a new relay and will keep you posted on if it fixes the issue. Thank you for the reply and the useful information!
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Monday, June 24th, 2019 AT 7:29 AM
Tiny
KEN L
  • MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
  • 42,468 POSTS
Good to hear, please use 2CarPros anytime we are here to help.
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Monday, June 24th, 2019 AT 10:12 AM
Tiny
MICHAEL.DYE
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
  • 1997 NISSAN MAXIMA
Engine Performance problem
1997 Nissan Maxima 6 cyl Two Wheel Drive Automatic

Starter turns over but Engine does not start
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Monday, June 24th, 2019 AT 10:13 AM (Merged)
Tiny
RASMATAZ
  • MECHANIC
  • 75,992 POSTS
Get a helper disconnect a sparkplug wire or 2 and ground it to the engine atleast 3/16 away from ground-have helper crank engine over-do you have a snapping blue spark? If so-you have a fuel related problem, check the fuel pressure to rule out the fuel filter/fuel pump/pressure regulator and listen to the injector/s are they pulsing or hook up a noid light. No snapping blue spark continue to troubleshoot the ignition system-power input to the coil/coil packs, coil's resistances, distributor pick-up coil, ignition control module, cam and crank sensors and computer Note: If it doesn't apply disregard it
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Monday, June 24th, 2019 AT 10:13 AM (Merged)
Tiny
ELJER
  • MEMBER
  • 7 POSTS
  • 1995 NISSAN MAXIMA
  • 3.0L
  • 6 CYL
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 190,000 MILES
Due to a defective door switch which causes false alarms I want to disable/disconnect the factory alarm system permanently

please direct me as to the... Wire to cut. The fuse to remove. Or the module to disconnect so as to achieve my goal without of course affecting and interfering with the starter in the vehicle.

Its an 18 yr old car.I don't want to spend a dime or any time and effort on the alarm system. The vehicle has also had some strange starter issues which have persisted even after several starter replacements and i'm trying to take the alarm out of the equation entirely.I know that all the security system really has is a starter interrupt which I believe works through a relay marked "inhibit clutch interlock" if you cant tell me how to disable it entirely how about just the starter interrupt part of it
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Monday, June 24th, 2019 AT 10:13 AM (Merged)
Tiny
SATURNTECH9
  • MECHANIC
  • 30,870 POSTS
You cannot disable alarm systems because it is integrated into the computer.

Lets just replace the door latch instead?

Do you have a multimeter to do some testing? We could troubleshoot the starter when it acts up to see why its inop sometimes. I have a made a feed back light to help trouble shoot interment starter inops.
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Monday, June 24th, 2019 AT 10:13 AM (Merged)
Tiny
ELJER
  • MEMBER
  • 7 POSTS
Ok but just to get this out of my head. The alarm system starter kill relay is closed when the alarm is not triggered correct? So it probably couldnt be a factor as regards this starter issue right?

If that is the case would you check to see if different types of starters were used on the maxima for the 1995 model year. The car will start but once its been running for awhile and shut off it will not restart until it sets for some time then the cycle repeats. The engine has a lurching sound as it is cranked over as if the engine is in vapor lock but I know that it is not. Ive swapped the starter several times because they seem to heat up and fail. Im wondering if its the tooth engagement to the flywheel causing the lurching sound? They keep giving me the same starter as a replacement
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Monday, June 24th, 2019 AT 10:13 AM (Merged)
Tiny
SATURNTECH9
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When the alarm is not going off or set the starter disable should be closed correct. Also when it wont start does the starter work at all?Because you mentioned teeth engagement then were talking about it cools it starts so kinda confusing. Also if its a matter of the starter inop then you could even have a bad neutral safety switch getting hot and becoming inop.
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Monday, June 24th, 2019 AT 10:13 AM (Merged)
Tiny
ELJER
  • MEMBER
  • 7 POSTS
We have 2 identical 95 maximas in the family. So I was able to swap out. The crank position sensor cam position sensor. Ignition switch. Checked the plugs, coil packs, injectors. All are good and once it starts it runs fine
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Monday, June 24th, 2019 AT 10:13 AM (Merged)
Tiny
SATURNTECH9
  • MECHANIC
  • 30,870 POSTS
So it cranks over normal speed just doesn't start?Also you did try removing the gas cap just to see if it starts?Also when it wont start have you checked for a nice blue Spark and what the actual fuel pressure is?
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Monday, June 24th, 2019 AT 10:13 AM (Merged)
Tiny
ELJER
  • MEMBER
  • 7 POSTS
No it doesnt crank over at normal speed but I think I have the solution.I bought and returned several starters from auto zone and o reillys because they failed.I talked to napa and they said there are 2 different starters."8 tooth and one other" I put that one on and it appears to work fine. Incorrect tooth engagement seemed to be the problem

we can end this session now with one more question if you would be so kind

same car 1995 nissan maxima. Runs a little rough at hiway speeds. And plugs and injectors show as good but I suspect the coil packs. Do coil packs either work or not work? Or can they age and work but at reduced spark voltage? Thanks : )
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Monday, June 24th, 2019 AT 10:13 AM (Merged)
Tiny
SATURNTECH9
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Yes the coil packs can fail like that or the coil boots with obd1 like your car its harder to see what cylinders are cutting out.I would also see if the egr valve is sticking open or the pintle spring is weak.
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Monday, June 24th, 2019 AT 10:13 AM (Merged)
Tiny
LISA SINGH
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
  • 1995 NISSAN MAXIMA
  • 6 CYL
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 245,000 MILES
I am purchasing a 95 nissan maxima. When going to test drive the key turned but the car did not start. Nothing happened.

When the owner brought the key she regularly uses and tried to start it, it did after a few times turning the key.

We were told to hold down the brake and turn the key faster in order to get it to recognize the key and start. We did not have much luck, but it did start once or twice for us.

The question is, is this a quirk of the maxima or is this a problem that may be more serious for us later. What type of problem could it be and would it be costly to repair.

The information to this question can help us decide whether or not to buy the car.

Incidently, the mecanic who regularly services it thinks it is a great car. It has been well maintained and taken care of.
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Monday, June 24th, 2019 AT 10:13 AM (Merged)
Tiny
RASMATAZ
  • MECHANIC
  • 75,992 POSTS
Probable causes here could be the ignition switch or the shift interlock control system
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Monday, June 24th, 2019 AT 10:14 AM (Merged)
Tiny
ELJER
  • MEMBER
  • 7 POSTS
Cool tnx for thinking about it.

Ok best way to isolate a defective coil pack on such an ancient car is to disconnect and look for change or no change in idle right? Or is there a more precise way?

Does that also work if it runs a little rough at hiway speeds could the coil packs or boots act differently at higher rpm only? Something hard for me to test?

Or are you saying check egr for that condition " slight misfire at hiway speeds?. Pintle spring is in the egr? If so where is valve and how do I test
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Monday, June 24th, 2019 AT 10:14 AM (Merged)
Tiny
IAMALIGHTHOUE
  • MEMBER
  • 3 POSTS
It's the ignition switch! I got the whole thing replaced with a new key, and it works perfectly!
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Monday, June 24th, 2019 AT 10:14 AM (Merged)
Tiny
SATURNTECH9
  • MECHANIC
  • 30,870 POSTS
Yes unhook a coil and see the difference yes also unhook the Egr valve and and see if the car runs better?
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Monday, June 24th, 2019 AT 10:14 AM (Merged)
Tiny
TIERRARAREBREEDDAVIS
  • MEMBER
  • 4 POSTS
  • 1995 NISSAN MAXIMA
I have a 95 Nissan Maxima that will not turn over for nothing. What happened is my car just cut off out of nowhere before cutting off it had been idling like if I went to slow it attempted to cut off and I would have to hurry up and rev the gas. But it cut of on me one day and never turned back on. After getting it looked at I was told it was my power cord to my car battery so I replaced that and it didnt turn over, I was the told that I needed a new starter because they old one which was brand new burned out, so I replaced that and it still didnt turn over, I was then told it was that I needed a new Cam sensor so I replaced that and still nothing, so I took it to another shop and they told me I needed a new ECM so I searched around for one and after a long time of looking I finally found the right one for my car which was only manufactured for 2 months which was why it was so hard to find, so I got it and took my car to a shop that specializes in engine computers, and they were unable to get it to turn over so I took it to Courtesy Nissan and they were able to flash and install the ECM, even after them putting it in the car STILL didnt turn over so the mechanic told me I needed to get a new crank position sensor I then replaced that and now he's saying he thinks it may be that I need a new engine harness. Is this my last resort? PLEASE HELP
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Monday, June 24th, 2019 AT 10:14 AM (Merged)
Tiny
ASEMASTER6371
  • MECHANIC
  • 52,797 POSTS
Wish we could see it but we cannot. Sounds like a lot of guessing going on.

Did you do the basics? Compression, fuel pressure and spark tests? I would start there and see what is missing.

Roy
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Monday, June 24th, 2019 AT 10:14 AM (Merged)

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