1990 Nissan Maxima...Won't Start!

[jefftrexler]

Hey there folks. I havn't posted here in quite awhile since I lost my precious '91 Q45 a few years back. Anyways, I picked up a 1990 Nissan Maxima yesterday and it is immaculate inside and out. Well I drove it around quite a bit to get used to it, stopped at a few stores to get some supplies for the car and headed home. Well after having dinner I went to start it back up and it wouldn't start. All the lights come on like normal, I can hear the soft hum of the fuel pump when you turn the key, but it will not start. You turn the key and all you hear is the "ding ding" of the seatbelt warning and the fuel pump hum. I checked the battery connections, all fuses/relays and took the battery out and had it tested at both Autozone and Shucks. Both places said the battery is just fine. I am completely stumped at this point. I started and stopped the engine a few times today with no problems whatsoever. I would greatly appreciate any help with this matter. Thank you!

[elwesso]

I moved this to the maxima forum...

Jeff when you turn the key does it click, or does it just do nothing?

[jefftrexler]

No click. This morning I ran through all the ignition and starter relays/fuses again and they all appear to be good. When I went to Schucks autoparts they recommended that I give the starter a 'tap' as starters build a wear pattern. I have never heard of this. Once again, any assistance with this problem would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!

[elwesso]

I agree with that.... Get someone to turn the key and while theyre doing that hit the starter with something... if it goes, its time for a new starter!

[maxhopper]

Yep, sounds like you are going to need a starter pretty soon. You should be able to pick up a rebuilt unit fairly cheap from Autozone w/a lifetime warranty.

[jefftrexler]

Well I finally got ahold of the previous owner today and he was so embarased. It turned out that he forgot to tell me about the stock Nissan alarm and how it plays with the ignition. With the stock Nissan alarm , if you leave the car sit unlocked for 30 minutes it will disable the ignition. To re-enable the ignition you need to unlock the trunk. After I got off the phone with the previous owner, I went out and gave it a shot. It starts right up and runs beutifully!So for future reference, if you have a 1990 Nissan Maxima with a stock alarm and it suddenly won't start, unlock the trunk and try it again.

I thank you all for your assistance in this matter. It feels good to be back in the Nico community.

[MinisterofDOOM]

I love it when things turn out to be so simple.

I've never run into that on my '93...I guess they got rid of that feature somewhere in between.

Might also be different with my keypad.