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She gotta 1997 nissan maxima. she says that sometimes it takes about 3 or 4 tries to turn on her car. she also said that when it turns on and its just idling for about couple minutes the car will shut off on her by itself. anybody know whats the deal is? she changed her altinator not too long ago but its still having problems.

Thanks.

 
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does this look like a maxima site

 
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if you not gonna post something that could help me and my friend out, dont bother posting. i know damm well this isnt a maxima site. doesnt hurt you or anybody else to ask a simple question.

 
Rep Power: 453

when you say 3 to 4 times before it starts do you mean it cranks for 3 or 4 seconds before it starts? Also what does the car do before it shuts off?

 
Rep Power: 425

Wiggle the shifter (if auto), the contacts are probably dirty/corroded and its not sensing the car is in park. My Mom had a 93 Max, same problem and its intermittent. I'm sure you could alcohol the contacts off and get it to work better, but shaking it a little did the trick. The guys on maxima.org may know the exact root of the issue.

 
Rep Power: 337

ok first. don't listen to the guy who said this isn't a nissan site. i hope you can use some of this list
1. spark plugs
2. spark plug wires
3. ignition coil
4. bad fuel filter
5. VACUUM HOSES- i think its this one from what you described about the car shuttin off on its own.
6. bad alternator/battery
7. clogged fuel lines/ injectors
if i can think of anything else, ill tell ya. good luck

 
Rep Power: 320

bad fuel pump, or bad fuel pump valve

try turning the car to the run postion (where the radio and windows and all that work, but the car isn't actually running, but all the lights in the dash are on). Let the car set like this for about 5-10 seconds, then try and turn it on. If this works, the return valve in the fuel pump is broken.

Other than that, I think everything has been mentioned