1998 Nissan Maxima Logo
Posted on Jun 16, 2009

Maxima will not do anything but click once when I turn the key.

The car has had some problems starting for a couple of months. Before I had to hold the gas peddle down then release it for my car to start while trying to crank it. Now today when I tried to start it the car makes click noise when I turn the key. The battery is new and the lights and radio work fine so I don't think it is the battery. Tried to jump it and it still wouldn't do anything.

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  • Posted on Jul 24, 2009
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Honestly i believe your engine has seized!

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  • Posted on Jul 22, 2009
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I have this problem right now also. Here is the deal as I see it. I have a 97 Saturn SC2 automatic (nuuf said!).
Against my intuition I let the guy at Autozone talk me into a battery, though I suspected the solinoid or the starter motor itself.
Put in the new batt and nothing but a single loud click. I took the new battery back and used the refund money to get a new starter.
I put it in and still just a loud click. I have cleaned the terminals and torqued the cable at the batt and starter.Because the solinoid clicks when I turn the key I am asuming (for now) that the ignition switch, neutral saftey switch and the "Startguard" (the little electric key you have to put in for your car to start) is good. In my knowlege, it has to be the main battery cable that runs from the battery to the starter. Next I'm gonna go out there and turn my key to the on position and connect a jumper cable from the battery directly to the starter solinoids high current side to confirm or bust my suspicion of the bad positive (red) battery cable. I will let you know how it goes.

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