1994 Maxima Security System Problem

[retchoo]

My son recently got 1994 Maxima from my sister who has never had any problems with it. We drove it home and parked it. When trying to start a few days later it was dead when I turned the key, but the battery was in great shape. Finally I was setting in the driver’s seat with the key in the ignition and suddenly the dash lights, clock etc. came one and I turned the key and the car started right up. I went to pick up my son at work, parked the car and then again couldn’t get it to start so had it towed home.Today I did the same thing, entered via the door code, put the key in the ignition and it “hummed” under the dash after a few minutes, then the clock and dash lights came on, and then it let me start it up. I drove, and put the headlights on, but the second I tried to put on bright lights the car died. I had to have it towed home again. It seems like the security system is shutting the car down. Why would we have problems when my sister never had any? What do you thing it could be and how much to fix? Is there anyway to disconnect the security system? Thanks, Ed Train

[MinisterofDOOM]

That actually doesn't sound like the security system to me.The antitheft can lock out ignition so the car won't start, but it won't stop the dash lights from coming on or cause the car to die when the brights are turned on.

You can try disabling the security system, though. There's a relay for it under the hood.

The problem sounds more like a battery/charging system issue to me, though. It could also have something to do with a faulty ignition switch, but that still wouldn't explain the car wanting to die when you turned on the high-beams.

You say the battery is in great shape. Did you test it, or are you just assuming because it's newer or something? I'm not doubting you, it just seems like the most likely cause.