Nissan Repair: 1996 Nissan Maxima, nissan maxima, staring problem

Question
My son has a 1996 Nissan Maxima.  He's experiencing an intermittent staring problem which is slowly becoming more frequent.   With the clutch depressed when he turns the ignition switch it won't start for between 2 to 10 tries.  The dash lights all come on and sometimes you can hear a click but starter doesn't engage.  We've replaced the interlock switch and relay.  The problem occurs most often when the car has been setting in the sun for awhile.  When we replaced the relay I listened while he turned the ignition switch and could hear the relay engage followed by what appeared to be barely audible rapid ratcheting sound.  Sounded more like a nylon type sound as opposed to metallic.

Your input is greatly appreciated.

Thanks,
Tim

Answer
Tim,

Sounds like the starter since you replaced the interlock switch and relay.  You can check the starter by bridging the small terminal to the large one on the end of the starter.  If the car starts then you need to check the ignition switch to see if it is defective.  A test light or a multi-meter can be used at the harness where it plugs into the car from the column.