1996 Maxima won't start

[Jagman3]

The car wouldn't crank this morning thou all the electrical (lights, radio, ect) were working. I checked wires, ground connection, starter connections, and fuses; all appeared to be fine and the car still didn't crank. Disconnected the battery for five minutes, reconnected and the car immediately started. Any ideas on what electrical system would be reset by disconnecting the battery that might keep the starter from engaging? I changed the ignition lock assembly 5 months ago and replaced the starter around 12 months ago. Any help is appreciated.

[Sentientbydesign]

Was your battery connection corroded?

[familyman6]

I have a 98 Maxima and last week it would not start either. Sounds similar to your problem. It was a very hot day and I had driven it for about 20 minutes and stopped for gas. When I tried to start all lights came on and all power was fine. Turned the key and nothing. Checked several different things and tried to start numerous times but nothing worked. Called my wife and she looked a few things up on Google. I removed the gas cap and tried again. I think it was a coincidence but it started. Got home, turned it off and then was able to start it again. It has started fine for a week now until today. Same thing, all power but nothing happened when turned the key. Looked at several things again and tried to start probably 20 times but nothing. Then for no apparent reason it started. I have seen several things about the inhibitor switch and others about a relay on the firewall.

Did you ever find a resolution to your problem? Any thoughts or suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

[allensteiner]

i doubt the OP will be coming back to answer your question...anyways, did the starter "click" like it wanted to start or no noise at all? cel on when you drive? might be a bad relay/fuse or a bad starter solenoid.

[maxhopper]

With the 4th gen Maximas there is a problem with the grounding wires that can contribute to a hard to start problem. See example of grounding issue here http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OIpAaHfsuxU

I had this problem after swapping a new motor and transmission in my Max. The tell tale sign is if you try starting the car with the door open, and the courtesy door light dims or goes out while trying to start the car.

I attached a 2 gauge wire directly from the negative battery terminal to one of the starter mounting bolts, and applied dielectric grease to all the bell housing bolts (threads and shafts) I could get to. (That is in addition to the grounding kit I already had installed.)

[familyman6]

No, the starter is not clicking at all and the engine does not try to turn over. The cel is on and has been for about 2 years now. I had it checked a while back and was told that it indicated something with the Oxygen Sensor. Was told not to worry about it. I don't really have a reason, just a hunch, but i am leaning towards the inhibitor switch. It is the switch that will only allow the car to start if it is in park or neutral. Do you know of anyone that has had experience with it?

[allensteiner]

nope, i have an at and no problems starting. i had a bad battery in the past but that was it.

[tothemax]

i had the same issue on my 96 it the ignition switch if you angle the key the right way it starts right up. you just have to make contact with the pins. it may take a couple trys but it should work. it is the worst when the its hot outside

[DevonD]

well my first 96 Maxima had the immobilizer system in it. I didn't even know I had it till I accidentally knocked the chip out one day and the car wouldn't start. The chip plugs in right under the dash near the OBDII plug or by your left knee. Without the chip plugged in the car will not start. Look around on and under your floor mat and see if it has fallen out. mine would rattle loose every now and then. plug it back in and the car should start.

If your car doesn't have the immobilizer though then its a different problem. the car I have now I sometimes have to turn the key 2 or three times for it to actually do anything. I think the pins or something must be worn down.

Welcome to Nico! And I also see your from Alberta. I didn't recognize the name of your town though? Where is it in relation to Calgary?