Nissan Repair: 96 Maxima, turning the key, dash lights

Question
QUESTION: battery good, terminals clean, lights and all elect. works good... Sluggish about starting last few times and now will not even click or start?  I tapped on the started to no avail..  Thanks

ANSWER: Hi Jay -

Van you tell me how you checked the battery and starter? It will help in the diagnosis. Sometimes the battery checks good, but fails under the load test.

How about the starter, that can also fail under a load test.

When you turn the ignition on, do you have the instrument panel red idiot lights that come on?

When you jump start, does it start up?

Please get back to me -
aloha
calvin

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: will not jump start... Battery has 12.7 volts(new)  all dash lights and headlights are on and strong,  also cked alternator at Auto zone ...cked good...

ANSWER: OK

How about the lights on the dash. When you are turning the key as if to start it, do the lights turn off, or stay on. If it stays on, then it could be ignition switch. If it turns off, then check the power to the starter while the key is turned (the small terminal). If there is power, then I would say it is the starter.

Also ensure all the large circuit fuses are OK. This is the one in the box on the fender inside the engine compartment.

Let me know -
aloha
calvin


---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: the red lights on the dash stay on when I turn the key to start it....

As I mentioned before...

The last few times I started it , it turned over sluggish and quite a few times before it started....Now it will not start at all,,How do I ck the power to the starter..Thanks,
Jay

Answer
Hi Jay,

From what you say, looks like the starter. While someone is turning the key, check power to the small wire going to the solenoid. When the key is released, power should be gone as well.

If all checks out as above, then replace the starter.

thanks
calvin