1997 Nissan Altima Car Wont Start, Mechanic trouble

Tiny
RICKYGLEZ
  • MEMBER
  • 1997 NISSAN ALTIMA
  • 4 CYL
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 150,000 MILES
I was driving my car back from El Paso to Austin when I stopped to get gas. I turned off the car, got out, and realized I was too far from the pump. I got back in moved the car 3 feet, and pumped gas.

When I was done pumping gas, I got in the car, turned the key, and nothing happened. The dashboard lights and radio all turned on, but the engine wouldn't turn, not even a click from under the hood.

I tried changing it into neutral, jiggling the gear stick in park, checked fuses, got a jump from another car. Nothing.

finally I had it towed to a mechanic across the street from my job.

The mechanic says the following:

The cables, battery, and starter need to be completely replaced.

He can completely replace the battery cables for $400, (later, he called back to say $700 because I need a 'wiring harness')

He can replace just the terminals and battery for $389.
he can replace the starter for $400.

It seems to me like I am getting taken for a ride, but since I know NOTHING about cars, I have no way of confirming this.

Does any of this make sense? Would replacing the wiring harness fix the problem? How badly is he trying to rip me off?

Any input would be valuable.

Thanks,
Ricky
Thursday, December 11th, 2008 AT 4:52 PM

3 Replies

Tiny
MHPAUTOS
  • MECHANIC
  • 31,937 POSTS
Hi there,

If I was you I would get the car towed out to a different shop, I would be asking for a detailed report on the problem to start with, these prices sound outrageous.

Mark (mhpautos)
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Thursday, December 11th, 2008 AT 5:24 PM
Tiny
RICKYGLEZ
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
Yeah. I called the dealership and they gave me an initial estimate of $450 to do EXACTLY the same thing.

My best guess for why it wont crank at all, from some google research, is.

- bad ignition switch
- bad neutral safety switch (automatic)
- bad inhibitor relay
- bad solenoid
- bad starter

How far off does this sound?
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Thursday, December 11th, 2008 AT 5:30 PM
Tiny
MHPAUTOS
  • MECHANIC
  • 31,937 POSTS
Hi there,

Yes I would be checking the same thing, it is a shame that there are mechanics out there doing this, I would get it out of there asap and get it to someone who will look after your needs.

Mark (mhpautos)
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Thursday, December 11th, 2008 AT 5:37 PM

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