Need Help 97 Maxima Won't Start

[gagnon]

This is a long post but I'm trying to cover everything.
Please Help, No car for almost a week. I have a 1997 Maxima automatic with 150k. Monday I drove to work no problems. That night I when I turn the key the car sounds like it's going to start but it didn't. I tried it many times; there is about 3/4 tank of gas. We tried to jump it but didn't work, the battery is 1 year old. I have had no problems with the car, no warning signs, all of a sudden it won't start. Sometimes when i turn the car on (start it) there is something lose by the ignition where I have to wiggle the key to get the radio & wipes to turn on. Oh, and the check engine light is on but it's been on for two years. I finally checked the codes manually by counting the check engine light. I counted them about 7 times each. Two codes came up undefined and told me to check them again so i counted each 3 more times and all the numbers were the same. I got 4 total codes searched the net for all the codes and found them on maxima.org. 0704 = P0450, 0215 = p1446, 0514 = p1402, 0304=P0325 I’m thinking the EVAP sensor code is going off because i opened the gas cap and heard the pressure release. Part of me thinks these may not be good codes anyways because the lights been on for over two years. The Car has always run like a champ, there were no warning signs with this problem. Just won't start.
this is a list of what we tried tonight on the car.
1. I put in a new air filter, just because the old one was dirty.
2. Checked the oil then changed it and replaced the filter. it was pretty much empty. After I drained it there was about 1.5 qts that came from the engine. I knew it was overdue but I’ve never seen it like that. Possibly a slow leak.
3. Pulled the hose from the top of the fuel filter to see if it was dry. There was plenty of gas in there and in the filter. I let the fuel drain from the top hose then i hooked it back up. tried to start the car and it didn't start. then i took the hose off from the top of the fuel filter again. it was full. i then sprayed starter fluid down the tube tried to start the car, it didn't start. I'm pretty sure the fuel pump is working because when i tried to start the car with the hose off gas came spilling out of the filter.
4. Next i tried to see if I was getting a spark from the coils. To do this I unhooked one coil stuck a screw driver down the coil and held it next to bare metal while I tried to start the car. I got NO spark, so I tried a different coil, Again NO spark. I have ONE ignition coil that I replace 1 year ago so I knew I had at least 1 good one. I pulled that one off and got NO spark.
5. I pulled all the old spark plugs and put in new NGK plugs. When i pulled the plugs they didn't look good, one caught my attention and for some reason i smelled it. there was a odd smell to it. i wouldn't say 'burnt' smell but something similar (if that makes since) Reconnected all the coils, tried to start the car and ... it didn't start.
6. took out one of the new plugs put it in the end of the newest coil and tried to see if i could see a spark from the plug. NO Spark. (Now I'm thinking we are checking for a spark the wrong way)
7. started checking fuses. got 1/2 way done and packed it up for the night.
OH, let's cover all the bases. The car at one point was stolen from a previous owner. the steering column was broken. when i put my key in the ignition and turn the car on (start it) there is something lose by the ignition where i have to wiggle the key to get the radio & wipers to turn on. and there is an alarm on the car. my brother has asked me if maybe there is some kind of kill safe on the alarm that could be making it do this. i dont think so because i can turn the car on listen to the radio, turn the lights on, windows, trunk, everything BUT start it. Like I said it turns over and sounds like it’s going to start.
Thanks in advance for your help!

[maxhopper]

It's odd that the FSM doesn't list a 0215/P1446 or a 0514/P1402 code for the 97. http://www.nicoclub.com/FSM/maxima/1997/EC.pdf (Pages EC2 and 3.) There is an 0502/P0505 (IACV) however that could have something to do with the problem.

Provided you don't have the IACV problem, I would start by replacing the electrical ignition switch (accessed in the lower half of the column). If that does not work you may have to replace the ignition key cylinder. If you still have a problem, I would say it's electrical and possibly involves the alarm (if aftermarket).

[loystock]

It's never a good idea to let the CEL on on for extended period as it could lead to more complicated and expensive repairs.

I admire your guts but I'm glad I'm not your neighbor. Letting fuel shoot out from the fuel filter is a FIRE HAZARD which could have burned your car, or even worse your house. You could have use a Fuel Pressure Gauge (@ $20) to check pressure - 43 PSI with Ignition ON but engine OFF (5 secs limit) and 34 PSI with engine running. It's always a good practice to empty the fuel line (pull out Fuel Pump fuse) before breaking the fuel line.

The built-in Anti Theft System in your car only disables the starter and not ignition. If you have aftermarket anti theft/car alarm, you are on your own.

Since none of the plugs is firing, problem may be with the power supply or ground. Make sure the main engine harness ground points (2 ea. near intake plenum) are clean and tight. If ground points are Ok, check Pin 1 of the ignition coil. With Ignition Switch ON, Pin 1 of each Ignition Coil must have Battery voltage. If not, you have a problem with the supply side or the Condenser (capacitor) is shorted or the harness is shorted to ground. Refer to the FSM provided by 'maxhopper' for wiring diagram.

It seems that your Ignition Switch is erratic. Refer to the link below on how to check/replace it. YouTube video courtesy of "boredmder."

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4ykT9uCJXSY

[gagnon]

thanks for all your help. I did find out it was my crankshaft position sensor that was giving me all the problems. Apparently oil traveled the line and got into the electrical connection, the sensor was done after that. I replaced the sensor and cleaned the electrical connection with 'electrical component cleaner'. Car started on the first crank. Just keeping my eye out for possible oil leak.
As for the fule shouting out of the filter, i definitely learned my lesson. I had no clue it flowed with the key only in the on possition.

[loystock]

I''m glad you found the problem. Yes, the fuel pump will run for @ 5 seconds when the Ignition Switch is ON.

[NutriaforBreakfast]

To turn off the fuel pump I am pretty sure you need to pull fuse #32
from the box inside the car

[Thirtyhourpunch]

loystock, I was wondering if you could help me, my 97 maxima, 5 speed won't start. When I turn the key, I can hear relay click, but no start. I got out of the car and closed the door and got back in 1 minute later and no start. Please help, I have to get my car going before tomorrow.
Thank you!

I''m glad you found the problem. Yes, the fuel pump will run for @ 5 seconds when the Ignition Switch is ON.

[Thirtyhourpunch]

Oh yes, I forgot to say, the starter will not engage.

I''m glad you found the problem. Yes, the fuel pump will run for @ 5 seconds when the Ignition Switch is ON.

[loystock]

Oh yes, I forgot to say, the starter will not engage.

I''m glad you found the problem. Yes, the fuel pump will run for @ 5 seconds when the Ignition Switch is ON.

Since you hear the clicking sound, most likely your starting circuit is good but the problem may be with the battery or starter. So first, make sure the battery connections are clean and tight (no corrosion) and that battery voltage is >12,5 VDC. If voltage is low, then there wont' be enough power to crank the engine and the battery has to be replaced. If the battery voltage is good, then the starter is bad or may be sticky and just need cleaning. It's also possible that the Inhibitor Relay (AT) or Clutch Interlock Relay (Manual) is defective. There are other possible causes but start with the simple ones.

BTW, make sure the Security LED is functioning normally - blinking normally and turns off with Ignition ON.