Nissan Maxima Won’t Start – What Could Be Wrong?

The Nissan Maxima is a great family van for getting from point A to point B. However, it will not start, making it difficult to get you and your crew to your destination. What could be wrong? Not to worry, we’ve laid out the potential culprits in this article!

Any of the following could be the cause of your Nissan Maxima not starting:

• Dead/Faulty Battery
• Dead Battery in Key Fob
• Unstable Battery Cables
• Corroded Battery Terminals
• Faulty Alternator
• Faulty Fuel Pump
• Damaged Spark Plugs
• Immobilizer Error
• Blown Fuse
• Starter Motor Failure
• Faulty Starter Solenoid
• Negative Starter Relay
• Fuel Filter Clog
• Clogged Air Filter

As you can see, there are a number of causes for your Nissan Maxima won’t start. Some can be easily diagnosed on your own, while others need a mechanic’s inspection.

In this article, we’ll look at the roles that each of these components plays and the warning signs that may point to them as the source of the issue. As we discuss additional frequently asked questions concerning issues with the Nissan Maxima, so please keep reading.

Nissan Maxima Won’t Start – What Could Be Wrong?

If your Nissan Maxima won’t start, it can seriously ruin your day. You can arrive late for work or to pick up the kids from school. Before calling a mechanic, there are a few things to check first.

Dead/Faulty Battery

One of the most common reasons why cars won’t start is a dead/faulty battery. No matter how many times you try, your car will not turn over if it is dead or faulty.

Try jumpstarting your car to see if the problem is with the battery. If it starts after being jumped, the problem is most likely with the battery. If it still doesn’t start, it could be one of the other problems on this list.

Dead Battery in Key Fob

Your Nissan Maxima’s key fob battery may be dead. Instead, use the key fob to press the push-to-start button. Normally, the battery will have sufficient energy to start the vehicle.

Then, get a new key fob battery from your local Honda dealer.

Unstable Battery Cables

Battery cables that are loose or rusted could also be the cause of your Nissan Maxima’s starting problems. Before going on to other potential issues, make sure the cables are tidy, tight, and corrosion-free.

Corroded Battery Terminals

If your Nissan Maxima’s terminals are corroded, it could have electrical problems or fail to start. The battery wires must be unplugged, and the terminals must be scrubbed with a wire brush and baking soda. When you’re finished, tighten them to make sure they’re reattached properly.

Faulty Alternator

Your Nissan Maxima typically won’t start due to a broken alternator. Your alternator likely needs to be replaced if the battery charges but drains quickly. It’s possible that the alternator has stopped working or that it’s providing the wrong voltage.

Faulty Fuel Pump

If you’ve tried all of the simple fixes and nothing works, it’s likely that your Nissan Maxima won’t start due to a faulty fuel pump. When you try to start it, a bad fuel pump may make a whining noise.

Damaged Spark Plugs

If you’ve tried everything else on this list and your Nissan Maxima still won’t start, worn spark plugs could be the problem. If your spark plugs are worn, it can result in poor gas mileage and a loss of power. As a result, you must replace them as soon as possible.

Immobilizer Error

An immobilizer is a device that prevents a vehicle from being started without the proper key. It is common in vehicles with advanced security features. However, if it is faulty, it will not allow you to start the vehicle.

A flashing security light on your dashboard could indicate a security breach. This can be reset by disconnecting and reconnecting the battery cables for thirty seconds.

Blown Fuse

A blown fuse can be at blame if the battery’s cables and terminals are clean but the issue still exists. To check, see the list of inside fuses in your owner’s manual. To inspect it, locate the one that belongs to the electrical system and take it out of its socket.

Starter Motor Failure

A bad starter could prevent your Nissan Maxima from starting. Possibly, if it rolls over but doesn’t catch, this is the problem. A damaged starter could produce noise but fail to engage.

Faulty Starter Solenoid

If the solenoid fails, your vehicle will not start. The solenoid is in charge of sending power from the battery to the starter motor.

If you turn the key and hear nothing (not even a clicking sound), the starter solenoid may be faulty.

Negative Starter Relay

A faulty starter relay is another cause of your Nissan Maxima not starting. The relay is in charge of supplying power to the starter from the battery. If the relay fails, your Nissan Maxima may not start, or if it does, it may take some time to catch up.

Fuel Filter Clog

If your Nissan Maxima runs out of gas, it will not start. So, before you do anything else, fill up the gas tank. If you’ve already filled the tank and it still won’t start, you should check the fuel filter. Over time, the filter can become clogged with dirt, preventing the car from running properly.

Faulty Fuel Injectors

If your fuel filter is fine but your Nissan Maxima still won’t start, the fuel injectors must be replaced. This is because injector nozzles can become clogged or have debris in them that prevents them from working properly.

Final Thoughts

When your van won’t start, it’s not a pleasant situation. You can, however, diagnose some problems on your own by beginning with simple components such as the battery and battery cables. When you feel overwhelmed, it is time to seek assistance from a certified mechanic you trust.