Nissan Repair: 1996 Nissan Maxima wont start, nissan maxima, dashboard lights

Question
I have a 1996 Nissan Maxima that had been kind of choking before it starts, but usually it does. Today, however, it just died out and would not crank. The dashboard lights, radio, headlights, power windows all still work, so I don't think it's the battery. My friend thinks it's the starter. We're going to try to fix it ourselves tomorrow, but wasn't quite sure where the starter was on the car. Can you help? If we had to take it to a mechanic, how much does it usually cost to replace or fix the starter? Would you happen to know if there are any diagrams available on line for the '96 Maxima? Any help with this would be greatly appreciated. Many thanks in advance! - Mo

Answer
Hi Mo -

First of all, check all the connections to the battery. Make sure there are no loose connections, or corrosion on the battery terminals. Turn on the headlights, and try to start the car. If the headlights go very dim all of a sudden, replace the battery. If not, then it is probably the starter. It is usually located under the exhaust manifold, or intake manifold. An easy way to find it is to follow the positive side (+) of the battery cable. At the end of it is the starter. Get a hammer and tap the housing of the starter and see if it starts. sometimes, it shakes off the carbon build up and you can start it a few times.

The startter is relatively easy to replace if you have the right tools, and can raise the car safely. Disconnect the battery before doing any starter work.

If you decide to replace it yourself, I can tell you what kind of tools you need and send you diagrams if you give me a fax number or email address.

Hope this helps -
aloha
calvin