Nissan Repair: Changed starter in 95 Altima and starts but wont engage, nissan altima, spark plug wire

Question
About 2 weeks ago, my 1995 Nissan Altima wouldn't start, but would make a clicking noise and all lights and radio came on.  I just replaced the battery, spark plugs, and alternator within the past year, so I went straight for the starter.  I replaced the starter and the engine turns over but won't engage.  Any suggestions?  Could it be a faulty starter?

Answer
Hi Tiffany -

A faulty starter would not cause the engine not to engage. There has to be another issue here. Was anything else touched besides the battery when it did not start?

The first thing I would check is your fuel. Open the intake and spray some starting fluid or put a few drops of gasoline if the car starts and then dies off quickly, your fuel pump is probably the culprit.

If it still does not start, check the spark. Pull a spark plug wire and insert the flat part of it into the end of the boot until it connects with the terminal. Hold it about 1/4" away from any metal surface and crank the car. There should be a spark jumping across. (Be carful NOT to touch any metal surface while doing this!)If not, check the distributor cap, rotor, ignition module, or coil.

Hope this helps -
aloha
calvin