1997 Nissan Maxima not sure what the problem is or what cat

STORM3767

MEMBER
1997 NISSAN MAXIMA
6 CYL
FWD
AUTOMATIC
167,000 MILES

I have a 1997 nissan maxima and it was recently in an accident and the front bumper was ripped off. The bumper was put back on and on the way home we noticed the battery light was on which it wasnt befor the accident. The car died a little after that and everytime we tryed to jump it the car would only stay running for a couple of minutes befor dying again. We just recently bought a brand new battery but the car still wont start and even though the batteries new the horn and the radio dont work. When you turn the key all the lights in the dash come on and the clock turns on but it wont turn over it doesnt make a clicking noise or anything. We were told it was probley the alternator and then it we were told it was a ground wire but we dont know for sure what it could be.

1 Reply

MIKE H R

MECHANIC
3,094 POSTS

Did anything else get dented or bent in the accident? It could have broken a ground wire or another wire or pinched one. A good place to start is at the starter. Check all the wires going from the battery. When you said that you jump started it and it ran for a minutes then I would think the altinator is not putting out voltage. If it did not have a problem before the accident I would check each wire in the front end of the car. Check the ground wires. Even though it might look all right make sure it is getting a good ground.