Need Help Car wont Start . Please Help

[vinh512]

Hello i'm new and need some help . I bought a 2001 Maxima and the car wont start . When i put the key in and try to crank it there's no sound . And when i take the key back out some of the dash light stays on after i remove the key . Does anyone ever had that problem or know whats wrong ?

[loystock]

Please check the following-Shifter in PARK or Neutral (may sound stupid but it does happen)-Battery no-load voltage should be >12.5 VDC. If not. try jump-starting the car.-Check/clean the battery connectors (could be corroded). Ensure tight connection-Check continuity of the 30Amp Fusible Link (on the positive side)

If all of the above are Ok, then the Starter Solenoid may be defective or you have an open circuit between the Safety Switch (Park/Neutral) and the starter solenoid.

[vinh512]

Where is the 30amp Fuse Located ? . I did all the rest except checking the Fuse . Thanks for the help i appreciated .

[loystock]

If you follow the positive side of the battery connector, it will go to the fuse box (for 99 I30, beside the battery, maybe different for 01Max). The 30A Ignition Switch fusible should be there. Once you found it, you might as well check the other fuses, Main Battery and Battery Ignition, etc.

[vinh512]

I checked all the fuse it seems fine . What would make the dash light stay on after key is removed from the ignition . Its the ABS , Air Bag , and and some other ones .

[loystock]

You have a very weird problem. Did you buy a 'dead' car or the problem started after you bought the car. A satisfactory SMOG check is required before a car can be sold or ownership transferred (except between immediate family members or to a junk yard).

Please indicate the condition of the car before you have this problem. The 01 Max is equipped with NATS (Nissan Anti Theft System) which disable starting when not using an authorized/registered key.

[vinh512]

Yea i bought the car like that . I got it for a really good deal . I was looking to fix the car up . . The weird problem is why the dash light stay on after i remove the key from the ignition . Thats what i'm trying to figure out . I 'm looking to replace the whole motor if i have to . But i wanted to fix the dash light problem first .

[loystock]

Without knowing the history of the car, it may not be easy diagnosing current and future problems with it. Check the vehicle security system. Close the hood and trunk and then lock all the doors. The Security lamp should be steady for @ 30 seconds (pre-armed phase) and then start flashing every 2.5 seconds or so (armed phase). If not, you have a problem with the security system. It's also possible that the key you have are not recognized by the ECM which prevents you from starting the car (NATS).

The dash lights are only powered when the ignition switch is in ON or START. They must turn off when the switch is OFF or key is pulled out. There could be a problem with your ignition switch circuit.

Please download a copy of the FSM (Factory Service Manual) and go to EL (Electrical; Systems) chapter and look at the wiring diagram.

[vinh512]

Thanks for the advice . One more question if i replace the ignition switch and it comes with a key already . Do i nee to reprogram anything ? Can i just replace the ignition switch like that or is there more to it with the (NATS)

[loystock]

Re-programming of the ECM is required since the new ignition switch key will not match the stored info in the ECM. Please download a copy of the FSM to get a better understanding of your car.