20th Aug 2008, 15:39

Hi.. as I was looking for information to see if anyone else had the same problem as I with my 97 Nissan Maxima. I realized that others do have similar problem. I am having problems starting my car. This is always the case when the out side weather is hot (over 100 F).. living in AZ. So I was concluding that it may be the switch... and base on what I read, YES... this is my problem. Now I know that I will need to replace it. Thanks.

7th Dec 2008, 05:10

Hi everyone! I own a 1997 Maxima GLE, automatic. I currently have 193k miles logged onto her. The car was a gift from my mom after she bought her new car in the summer. The car is a champ, with the exception of a few things, all of which are fixable:

The steering wheel makes a funny noise, almost like a dull clicking noise when its turned at parking lot speeds (like 20 mph or below). It also tends to lean to the left, thus needing to be realigned.

All my windows and my sunroof work with the exception of the drivers side front: it's rolled up, dead. I was told that I need either a new switch or a motor. It's fairly cheap at about $300 from a junkyard, vs almost $600 from the Nissan Dealership.

When the car was given to me, the radio worked, but the CD player was dead. The display was going in and out, the volume control didn't work. In fact, when it did, if I turned right, it turned down and vice versa. The end result of all this was that I replaced it. Now I can play my CDs!

Next is starting the car. When it's real cold outside, the car will start on the first turn of the key, but it takes like 2 1/2 to 3 seconds to catch. The same rings true on hot days (I live in Sacramento and it will easily reach anywhere between 90-105 degrees in the summertime!). I will start the car after it hasn't been driven since the day before, and it will catch, but sometimes, I've had to try it twice. The starter is still stock too.

The transmission is good too, but, when I am just starting to drive the car, like say when I am leaving work or pressing the gas pedal to get up to speed, the car sort of jerks at like 20-30 mph. Not all the time, but sometimes. It's really strange.

Other than these issues, I have never had problems with the digital air display system, the clock, or any sensors besides the oxygen. General maintenance is obviously needed: drive belts, fuel filter, light changes, etc. I drive the car 40 miles a day, to and from work, and I must say, the fuel economy isn't bad when compared to newer cars. The leather has held up well for an 11 year old car.

I don't plan on getting rid of this car for at least another 3 to 5 years. In fact, I plan to drive the car to Monterrey, CA to go see the aquarium. Then I am driving to Seattle! My next car will be Nissan. I am looking at a Titan or a 2008 Maxima.

This car, if you take good care of it, will treat you like royalty. It's one of the best cars I've ever had. I would recommend this car to people out there who have teenagers who are just learning how to drive, or are looking into buying their first car.

10th Dec 2008, 19:56

Just like you guys! I have flick the key a couple times to get the starter to operate. Nothing to me. Evidently the CD thing is not an issue for me. I have a very nice new stereo that plays my CDs mp3/wmas and has an SD card and USB input!

I have the base GXE stick shift model. I bought my 96 this year (3-2008) with 125000 miles. Right now it has 156000. My transmission is dying. Noise in neutral with engine running. And spews transmission fluid. Will need a new trans. Pretty penny here. Also needs shocks (rear wheels bounce excessively; dangerous)

Other than that. All the work I done was 2 driveaxle boots, and front brakes.

15th Mar 2009, 15:40

I bought a 1997 Nissan Maxima SE brand new in 1996. Haven't had too many problems with it. The air conditioner when out when I first bought it, but it was under warranty - not problems since it was fixed. I've had to do general maintenance, and had to replace the CV boot on both front wheels a few times. Had an axle bust on me about a year ago - cost about $300.00 to fix. Other than that, the car has been great. I have 171K on it and drive it 94 miles per day to and from work for the several years. It averages about 24-26 miles per gallon - which I think is pretty good. I highly recommend this car. Just make sure the owner has taken good care of it!

11th Jun 2009, 10:48

I have a 1998 Nissan Maxima SE. It now has 166,000 miles on it. I bought it in 99 with 18,000 miles. It has been a great car over the years, but with one re-occurring problem.

I have had a problem with it not starting. This problem will happen only a few times each year. When I turn the key, nothing happens... no click, no turning of the motor or anything.

I learned from another Maxima owner that he had the same problem. He told me to turn the key to where the radio would come on, pull the automatic gear to 1st, and back to park, and then it should crank. So over the years, I would do this, and it would fix it almost every time.

One time, this would not work, so I got out the car, shut the doors and locked them, and then unlocked them,...and then it cranked right up.

But now, my tricks are not working to fix it. When it won't crank, I will have to leave it for a day or two, and then, for whatever reason, it will crank like nothing was ever wrong.

Does anyone know what this problem is, and what I need to do to fix it? Could it be the starter, or the neutral safety switch, or something to do with the factory security system? I need some suggestions and ideas.

Thanks!

15th Aug 2009, 09:44

I have a Nissan Maxima 1998. Have been having the starting problem for almost 2 years now every summer. Every time the engine does not start, I open all doors and the front bonnet and leave it for 10-15 minutes to cool down. Has worked all the time, but I guess I should get this fixed.