Nissan Repair: 90 Nissan Maxima wont start, starter solenoid, internal fuse

Question
QUESTION: My car drove fine one day and then the next day it would not start. When I turn the ignition I get nothing, no clicking sound or anything. I took the starter, solenoid and battery off and had them tested at Auto Zone and everything passed the test. I checked my internal fuse box and all of the fuses are okay. I checked the fuse box under the hood and they all are fine. I did see one big fuse Engine Cont and I did not inspect it. I also checked the clutch to make sure that it was plugged in and it look fine too. I have had no problems starting this car at all and now I have no clue as to what to do. Any help would be appreciated. Thanks!

ANSWER: Aloha Keith -

When you turn the key, do you at least get lights on the dash board? If so, there are certain lights that come on. When the key is turned as if starting the car, do these lights go out?

When you turn your headlights on, does it illuminate?

Please get back to me so we can continue the diagnosis. Also, if you have a circuit light tester, that would be very helpful from now on.

Thanks
let me know
calvin

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

QUESTION: Aloha Calvin! its been a while since i have been to the big island out there. I did check everything, but I also ran across the problem. I saw that a button was cracked on my floor and when I went to inspect it I noticed that the clutch was missing it. I tried putting it back together and turn the ignition. The car finally made a spinning sound. I assume its the starter or something. Anyway I am going to try to put the button on the clutch better to see if the car will start. Any idea's on the spinning sound or anything I should do now?

Thanks again.

Answer
Hi Keith -

That spinning sound is the starter turning. So, this tells me that the starter is OK, but the solenoid is not engaging the starter to the flywheel.

Get a circuit tester light and connect the probe to the small terminal of the starter (ground the other side). Have someone turn the key as if to start the car. If there is power, then the solenoid is not working, and will probably have to replace it. If there is no power, then it could be that button, a disconnected wire, or a fusible link around the fuse box in the engine compartment.

Hope this helps -
aloha
calvin