Basic Mechanical Questions

Gmq · 10-01-07, 08:39

Should be a breeze for you guys! Trying to figure out a few problems with my sisters first car.

First, if every now and then when she puts the key in the ignition and turn the key and she gets nothing but a faint click, no tick tick tick tick tick(which I figure would indicate a starter problem), nada, but turn another time or two, it eventually starts as normal, what's likely the problem?

Second, if when she turns to the left, and put pressure on the right side of my car, she hears a decent amount of high pitched, grinding/scratching type noise coming from the front right wheel well, what's this likely to be? Axle? Wheel bearing? what are all the other possibilities?

Third, her rear driver side window doesn't stay up, you can pull it up alright (seems to be on track), but it gradually just falls back down with the bumps in driving. What's likely to cause this?

Thanks everyone.

truzoom · 10-01-07, 09:24

What kind of car?

For the 2nd question, most likely a bad wheel bearing or cv joint?

And for the rear window, I think you can actually repair this problem yourself with a few hours on a Saturday. I'd recommend picking up a Haynes manual to find out how to remove the inner panel to get access to the window track.

Gmq · 10-01-07, 09:26

95 nissan maxima se.

protojason · 10-01-07, 10:22

On the first question, Is the car a manual transmission? Perhaps she isnt fully pressing in the clutch so it fails to start. I know on my car that happens....just a shot in the dark I guess since it doesnt seem to be the battery (tick tick tick tick) and it starts the next time...

Not much help on the other two problems. For me, noise on turning on previous car turned out to be something called 'CV boots'. (my car was known as the 'clack clack' around my circle of friends because that was the noise it made taking sharp turns)

Third question: My girlfriends windows on here pontiac transam had this problem. The motors both went out, and over time the windows would slide down, but you could shove them up and be good for another day or two. I was able to replace one motor but it was kinda of a pain in the a**. The other one we just ghetto/blocked in the upward position with a bolt.)

Good luck mate.

jason

Quote:

Originally Posted by Gmq

Should be a breeze for you guys! Trying to figure out a few problems with my sisters first car.

First, if every now and then when she puts the key in the ignition and turn the key and she gets nothing but a faint click, no tick tick tick tick tick(which I figure would indicate a starter problem), nada, but turn another time or two, it eventually starts as normal, what's likely the problem?

Second, if when she turns to the left, and put pressure on the right side of my car, she hears a decent amount of high pitched, grinding/scratching type noise coming from the front right wheel well, what's this likely to be? Axle? Wheel bearing? what are all the other possibilities?

Third, her rear driver side window doesn't stay up, you can pull it up alright (seems to be on track), but it gradually just falls back down with the bumps in driving. What's likely to cause this?

Thanks everyone.

jesselyons2002 · 10-01-07, 10:39

Do you know if the maxima has a alarm JW, Cause that clicking sound could be from relay from the aftermarket alarm or the one of the circuits relays on the car. Or is can be the starter solenoid going bad. or there might be a bad connection where the cables meet the started.

Now on to the fenderwell. Have you checked the bushing there and the cv boots and willows ??? Is there any tears.

the other pc · 10-02-07, 08:49

Quote:

Originally Posted by Gmq

...every now and then when she puts the key in the ignition and turn the key and she gets nothing but a faint click, no tick tick tick tick tick(which I figure would indicate a starter problem), nada, but turn another time or two, it eventually starts as normal, what's likely the problem? ....

My truck was doing exactly that a few weeks ago.

Turned the key, heard the click, none of the lights dimmed but starter didn’t engage or crank. After a few tries it would eventually engage and crank strong.

It was a bad starter. My mechanic said it was a common failure mode for certain Nippon Denso starters.

PC.

94BlkStang · 10-02-07, 08:57

Quote:

Originally Posted by Gmq

Should be a breeze for you guys! Trying to figure out a few problems with my sisters first car.

First, if every now and then when she puts the key in the ignition and turn the key and she gets nothing but a faint click, no tick tick tick tick tick(which I figure would indicate a starter problem), nada, but turn another time or two, it eventually starts as normal, what's likely the problem?

Second, if when she turns to the left, and put pressure on the right side of my car, she hears a decent amount of high pitched, grinding/scratching type noise coming from the front right wheel well, what's this likely to be? Axle? Wheel bearing? what are all the other possibilities?

Third, her rear driver side window doesn't stay up, you can pull it up alright (seems to be on track), but it gradually just falls back down with the bumps in driving. What's likely to cause this?

Thanks everyone.

1) could be either the starter or the ignition switch

2) wheel bearing or axle

3) sounds like the window has come disengaged from the horizontal bracket that mounts the window to the regulator. It's about 6-8" long and grooved for the bottom of the window to slip into and grab onto. Silicon can be used to keep it attached bit it sometimes entails taking the window completely out to make sure good adhesion is made.