Occasional 1995 Maxima Starting Problem (Electrical????)

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Xtx99 - 02 May 2004 19:02 GMT

I have a 1995 Maxima that occasionally has starting problems (1 to 5
times a month). The problem seems to occur more often in cold weather. It
does not seem to matter if the car sits overnight or has just been running.
The large capacity battery is only months old.
When I put the key in the ignition and turn it all the way, it doesn't
engage my starter (but all the normal dashboard warning lights come on). If I
turn my headlights on, they don't go dim when I'm trying to start the car. It
"seems" that my key wants to turn just a little farther to engage the starter.
When the problem happens, I repeatedly put my key in the ignition, turn it all
the way, and pull it out (and sometimes turn the steering wheel a little).
Eventually (3 to 15 tries later), the car will just start as if there was no
problem.
Any suggestions on what the problem might be? (defective ignition key
switch, relay, etc.?) Thanks for any suggestions.

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David Efflandt - 02 May 2004 20:15 GMT

> I have a 1995 Maxima that occasionally has starting problems (1 to 5
> times a month). The problem seems to occur more often in cold weather. It
[quoted text clipped - 10 lines]
> Any suggestions on what the problem might be? (defective ignition key
> switch, relay, etc.?) Thanks for any suggestions.

My 95 SE (purchased May 94, 108K miles) is doing the same thing, only not
as bad. I just have to turn the key one or two more times. It is almost
like the starter contact in the ignition switch is not making good contact
(or maybe the clutch switch). My battery is less than a year old and
neutral switch was replaced some time ago when backup lights failed to
work.

If you have an automatic see if it works any better in neutral than park
(maybe faulty neutral/park switch).

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Al Moodie - 03 May 2004 13:31 GMT

> I have a 1995 Maxima that occasionally has starting problems (1 to 5
>times a month). The problem seems to occur more often in cold weather. It
[quoted text clipped - 10 lines]
> Any suggestions on what the problem might be? (defective ignition key
>switch, relay, etc.?) Thanks for any suggestions.

Here's a check list posted by Daniel B. Martin in this newsgroup in
2001:

------------------------------------------------------
You are reporting an intermittent no-crank problem.

Always do the easy check first. If your vehicle is a 5-speed, make
sure
the clutch pedal is all the way down when you twist the key to START.
If
automatic, jiggle the shifter while attempting to crank. Try
cranking in
both Park and Neutral. If those steps are unsuccessful, consider ...

- discharged battery (dim headlights with engine off)
- weak battery (check voltage at terminals while cranking)
- loose or dirty battery terminal connections at the battery
- loose or dirty battery-to-body ground connection
- loose or dirty battery-to-engine block connection
- bad ignition switch
- bad clutch safety switch (5-speed)
- bad neutral safety switch (automatic)
- bad inhibitor relay
- bad solenoid
- bad starter
----------------------------------------------------------

Al Moodie.

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95-96maximas - 29 May 2004 03:16 GMT

Well guys - first of all there was a secret recall for the 95 starters
(maybe 96 also). It first evidences itself by making a noise - as if the
car starts w/o oil for about 10-30- seconds. Then it goes downhill from
there. Depending on how you are with the dealer or zone manager you MAY
want to call NISSAN and ask if they can help. I paid only 1/2 the price
of the starter AND no charge for labor!

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2cents - 06 Jun 2004 05:27 GMT

Our 95 maxima slow start when cold problem was fixed by replacing the
ignition switch wiring harness that has the switch that is turned by key.
Ordered through autozone. Actually was a Nissan part. Had the problem
for about a year cause Nissan wanted $800 to 'start' looking for a
solution to the problem. They first wanted to change the starter and go
on from there.

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David Efflandt - 06 Jun 2004 22:41 GMT

> Our 95 maxima slow start when cold problem was fixed by replacing the
> ignition switch wiring harness that has the switch that is turned by key.
> Ordered through autozone. Actually was a Nissan part. Had the problem
> for about a year cause Nissan wanted $800 to 'start' looking for a
> solution to the problem. They first wanted to change the starter and go
> on from there.

Sounds like maybe what I need. Sometimes I have to turn the key a few
times before it will try to crank. My 95 SE 5-spd is 10 yrs old
(purchased May 94).

But it just started missing under load Friday, then check engine light
started blinking, and now steady (maybe another bad injector).

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2cents - 06 Jun 2004 05:33 GMT

Our occasional cold start problem was fixed by replacing the ignition
switch harness.... it would start always when the engine was warmed up but
would occasionally not start quickly when cold. Turns out the computer
looks for a 'start' signal that should appear just before the starter is
engaged.

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