95 maxima starts sometime's, other times wont.

[medjohnson77]

My maxima is being a pain in the a**! I have checked an sanded down all the grounds, Or atleast i think i have got them all. One on the front of the engine block which bolts in two place's, i believe this is the main ground. One on the transmission back side very small plug in to the transmission. The starter has been checked and even tried a new one. Still the same problem. I hooked a power check tool with the bulb that lights up to the starter cillinod positive line. It gets power most of the time. Sometimes the bulb will not light up. Is there a main relay that can cause this kinda problem? I have not changed out the clutch safety switch yet, but have inserted a paper clip into it and same thing. Starts sometimes, and some time does not. I just replaced the knock sensor on the car and the intake air temp sensor on the main filter box. The engine lights were on so i checked the codes and that's what i came up with. I then reset the code's and the engine light is not on anymore. This is very frustrating. I am getting the car aligned tomorrow so i find out how i did on the radiator support work.

[MinisterofDOOM]

Does the car run okay when it does start?

When it won't start, does the starter even engage and try to turn over or does nothing happen at all?

My car has a problem with the park position sensor that causes it not to start about 1/3 of the time. All I have to do is press the shifter all the way forward (park) so the pps switch gets toggled, and it'll start. That could lead to the same type of problem you're having (starter only getting power sometimes).

I'm thinking it's probably the same problem I have or something relating to the ignition switch.

[medjohnson77]

hello,

car runs great when it starts, as i said just replaced the Intake air sensor and the knock sensor, check engine light no longer on. My car is not a AT, its manual and i am starting to think its something like a relay... I know the starter is not the problem, so when it does not start it has to be lack of getting power to the starter. Any Ideas? My manual trans as a clutch safety switch on the floor board by the clutch pedal but it is making contact with the switch, i have even bi-passed this switch by putting a paper clip in the two prong hole conecting the circut, if i m not mistaken this should tell the computer that the clutch is pushed down all the time, and start if the switch on the pedal is bad.

UPDATE: I have check and replaced the relay and it is not solving the problem. I have re sanded the grounds. The only thing i can think of is that it is the ignition switch on the steering wheel. Has anyone else had one of these go bad? If so what happened?
Modified by medjohnson77 at 8:59 AM 4/4/2007

[JamesKirk]

I have a 97 i30 and have experienced the very same pain. I replaced the starter to no avail. Checked ground points. I have recently concluded that the problem is the ignition switch. The car will start more consistantly when the car (and the switch) is cool. The next time it doesn't start try pressing the key more firmly as you attempt to start the car. That is, instead of just a casual twist of the key in the ignition, press firmly at the end of the twist, as if you would like for the key to go around further. This works for me every time so far. I have even tried spraying canned air (computer keyboard duster) with small directional tube into the switch to help this process. It may indeed help. I am now looking to replace this switch. I think it may involve getting a new key and having my keyless remote reprogrammed. I hope this helps; I know the frustration first hand.

[23Ironman]

I had a '97 maxima that had similar problem of starting sometimes and not others. I replaced the starter and checked all connections, but same problem. Was hard to figure out because sometimes it worked. Finally changed the ignition switch and it did the trick. Part was only $35 and fairly easy to replace. That would be my next place for you to look.

Consult with the repair guide. You can check the switch with a digital meter, but your results may vary. For $35, you might as well replace it while you have the steering column apart.

[medjohnson77]

well,

Here is what it was, the ignition switch was only half the problem it a problem at all. I read on another forum about a guy with the same problem. He put a piece of double over cig. foil over the T-tab that the ignition switch slides on and sure enough, mine now starts every time. Problem solved!

[NgokManLee]

How difficult to replace the ignition switch? Where can I get info? ThanksNorman

[NgokManLee]

My 97 Maxima is other way around, it only starts when the ignition switch is hot (in the summer time afternoon). If you can get some information on how to change the ignition switch, please let me know. ThanksNorman

[NgokManLee]

Can you give me more detail on how to do the trick? ThanksNorman

[JamesKirk]

I am interesting in details of the cigarette pack foil trick, also.

As for me, I just have to turn and hold my key extra firmly. On extra hot days, I even have to use two hands sometimes. Perhaps this causes a slightly different key angle. I have also had to try up to five times in order to get it to finally contact. The hotter the interior of the car, the more difficult the start for me.

[maxhopper]

How difficult to replace the ignition switch? Where can I get info? ThanksNorman

zerothread?id=270130

[1997i30]

So you break the shear screws holding the ign switch and place a foil in between the switch and steering column? Then replace the screws again...won't sanding down the inner ignition switch and steering column area where the ignition switch mounts produce the same results? I mean it sounds like a grounding/contact problem....The delay start is really a pain and scares the heck out of you when it doesn't start right way..sometimes takes longer than other days. With so many owner's experiencing this same problem I hope someone has the exact diagnos..We would all appreciate it!

[1996maxima]

I am having a problem like this when the car gets hot when I turn the ignition switch the car just cranks and cranks until she cools down then she will start again I am now wondering if this is the problem

[Crazy 13immer]

thanks

[MajnoLo]

wowjust brought my 95 Mx to the shop with the same problem. Dead in the driveway. Changed the starter, bypassed the clutch switch, bla bla bla. Nothing. SHop guy turned the key and it started. Amazing. Thank you for directing me to the switch!