1997 Nissan Maxima SE or GLE, unsure from North America - Comments

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.

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!

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!

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.

Bought my 97 Maxima in 98; now has 156,000 miles; have bought 3 CV Axles, 3 starters, replaced McPherson struts once, and I did have a single AC problem. Mechanic added Freon, still didn't cool. So, I turned off everything, waited a few minutes, cranked the car and turned the AC back on and it's been working for 4 years.

On cruise-control at 65 on trips, I can get 32 mpg; around town 23 and on two-lane at 50, I get 25.

Love this peppy ride; but it's maroon and gets SO hot inside that I tried frying an egg in front seat.. 1 hr. 30 minutes and it was crispy. Now I let my home-made bread rise there, always perfect.

GREAT car and I have pictures of Max in the family album right along with the grankids.