Nissan Repair: 1997 nissan maxima, nissan maxima, car cause

Question
QUESTION: I just looked at a 1997 maxima to purchase for $1,000 it is a clean car the problem I found with it was when I turned the key to start it it had no power to the starter. The owner jiggled the ignition and it started up. When I drove it it wanted to die when I came to a stop. I also had a miss in it. when I parked it the car died and would not turn over. The owner came back out and did the same thing with ignition and it started but would die. He said the dealer diagnosed it as a bad wiring harness and would cost $2,400 to fix. Does this sound correct?

ANSWER: Frank,

No, it does not sound like it needs a harness.  To me it seems like the ignition cylinder and contacts are worn out and loosing contact and that is causing the problem.  I would replace the ignition and see how it does.

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QUESTION: Hi there again, I purchased the car cause I couldn't pass up the deal, anyways I drove the car home and as soon as I parked it the car died. I tried for a half an hour jiggling the ignition key but could not get it to start, I could hear clicking under the dash and a solenoid opening and closing under the hood. When I jumped the starter with a screwdriver I could get the car to start but could only keep it running if I manipulated the throttle. Still can not get it started with the key to this point. Do you still think it might be the ignition switch? Would the ignition switch make it hard to keep running? Or am I destine for a long journey?

Answer
Frank,

There is a set of contacts in the ignition that do the start and run thing as well as provide current to the coil and computer.  I would check, with the ignition key on the current coming from the ignition.  If that is where it is not providing power then you have found the problem.  If there is power then check the relays.  But, I still think the ignition key could be the problem from what you describe.