1999 Nissan Maxima Car not Starting

KUGS09

MEMBER
1999 NISSAN MAXIMA
6 CYL
FWD
AUTOMATIC
93,000 MILES

I recently had the alternator replaced and put a new battery in place. The car had worked for about 3 months and now it has died once again. It seems as if the car is trying and trying to get stared, but just can't start up. What would you do next?

6 Replies

BLUELIGHTNIN6

MECHANIC
16,542 POSTS

Is the battery still at full charge? Have it tested and the alternator as well. Something could be draining the battery.

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Thursday, November 27th, 2008 AT 7:25 PM

KUGS09

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4 POSTS

I had the new battery from August checked and it was completely dead. So, they gave me a new battery since it was under warranty and still the car continues to not start. I'm thinking it might be something electrical or the starter.

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Thursday, November 27th, 2008 AT 7:48 PM

BLUELIGHTNIN6

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Does the engine try to crank over at all or does it just make a clicking noise?

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Thursday, November 27th, 2008 AT 8:06 PM

KUGS09

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4 POSTS

No clicking. It sounds like it wants to start up, but its not making the right connection somewhere.

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Thursday, November 27th, 2008 AT 8:28 PM

BLUELIGHTNIN6

MECHANIC
16,542 POSTS

Starter is not the issue then.

If the engine cranks but will not start it could be a spark related or fuel related issue.
You need to check if you have proper spark from your ignition system.
Pull off a spark plug wire and crank the engine to see if it is sparking. If it is, then the spark should jump a large gap and be bright blue in color( not orange). If it is an orange spark it is not hot enough to ignite the fuel. Replace plugs and wires if this is the case

If spark is ok, check fuel pressure with proper gauge.
There should be a shrader valve on your fuel line going to the fuel rail or on the fuel rail itself which contains a plastic cap on it.
Remove the plastic cap and push down the shrader valve with a pen. If no fuel comes out then you probably have a fuel issue.

Post your results of the tests and I will follow up.