YACT: my car wont start, need help

[KrillBee]

The last few months, sometimes I would turn the key, and my car would turn on the electrics but the start motor wouldnt engage. But usually after the 4th try the car would start.

Now today when i turn the key, nothing happens, the radio still comes on, but like before, the starter motor makes no noise and nothing happens.


If at all possible, I do not want to take the car to a mechanic, i want to fix it myself to save money. What could possibly be the problem?

 

[Vic]

Year/make/model/mileage please.

Although my opinion blind and upfront is a dead starter motor. If that's the case, fix it ASAP or you'll lose your battery and alternator prematurely as well.

 

[KrillBee]

95 Nissan Maxima

 

[compnovice]

Probably the starter...

Ask some one to crank the car while you hit a few blows to the starter with a hammer (hard but not too hard)

 

[Colt45]

solenoid for the starter mebbe

 

[illusion88]

Also check the battery. Make sure there is acid in there. If it is low, fill it with water (to about 1/4" below the top).

A buddy of mine had a problem with his pickup and we thought it was the solenoid. Turns out.... the battery was low.

 

[Gamingphreek]

Solenoid/Starter

When you try to crank the engine over give the starter a quick tap. Also, if it is a manual transmission and you are in a bind, you can roll start it.

At any rate barring something weird going on, you should replace or solenoid/starter.

-Kevin

 

[olds]

Simple things first, check the cable to the starter. Make sure there is no corrosion and that it is tight on both ends.

 

[KrillBee]

I replaced the starter because i found that it was making funny noises, but that still didnt fix the problem.

then i decided to pay a professional to diagnose it and found out that it was the ignition switch and also the park/neutral relay wasnt working that well either.

now my car runs like a champ

 

[Modular]

Originally posted by: KrillBee
I replaced the starter because i found that it was making funny noises, but that still didnt fix the problem.

then i decided to pay a professional to diagnose it and found out that it was the ignition switch and also the park/neutral relay wasnt working that well either.

now my car runs like a champ

Heh, generally that's something you don't want to replace on your own anyways...especially in a car with an airbag.