We bought our son 1996 Maxima a few weeks ago and since been having problems starting. We replaced the starter and spark plugs this didn't fix the issue. The car turns but won't start and then adventurley will kill battery, or if the car starts after sitting for a while car won't start. We had the battery checked and it is holding a charge. Any ideas of what could be the issue. Any help would greatly be appreciated

For starters, have a scan done to see if there are any codes stored in the computer.

. Check for codes.

. Replace the coil, which often break down under load (heat).

. Ensure spark plugs are identical to the plugs that came in the car.

First my sons 1996 maxima was giving problems starting and the battery kept dying. We replaced the sparks top of the line, had the battery checked which was deemed fine, also replaced the starter.
The thing is the positive wire had some black electrical tape on it from previous owner (my father just noticed it) and then when he tried to start it as we were going to drive it to a mechanic the wire harness came on fire?
Please help any information is appreciated?
Thank you

first my sons 1996 maxima was giving problems starting and the battery kept dying. We replaced the sparks top of the line, had the battery checked which was deemed fine, also replaced the starter.
The thing is the postive wire had some black electrical tape on it from previous owner (my father just noticed it) and then when he tried to start it as we were going to drive it to a mechanic the wire harness came on fire?
please help any information is appreciated?
thank you

This information should have been included in your original post, so I've asked that the 2 threads be merged.

When you refer to the positive wire having electrical tape on it, are you referring to the positive battery cable? Is this the cable that caught on fire or did a separate harness catch fire?

Actually the car caught fire after I asked this original question yes the wire from the positive battery caught fire...

Have you tried putting a new cable on or not yet? I'd do that first and see if it happens again.

That is what we were going to do tomorrow. Then figure out why the isn't starting my father seems to think maybe that wire that had tape on it was the culprit all along??
Can I keep in touch with you after we fix that and if we still have issues?

Absolutely; that's what we're all here for :)

I agree with changing that cable for sure, also check to make sure it have a proper and clean ground, you can also check how much the starter is drawing and the put out from the battery and alternator.

Hi. Right now I am having problems with my 99 nissan maxima too. It won't start either. But I just spoke with a guy. He said check the Security light. I think it on the left side of the steering wheel. He said if the light is turning on and off it is OK. If the light is on and it doesn't turn off then you need to unlock the car so you can start it. It's the same with my car. Starter works but the car doesn't start. The Security system has locked the car. Please check and let me know. Thanks.

HI everyone,
I want to thank everyone for their help. We replaced the wire over the weekend and the car was still not starting correctly so a guy at a local auto parts store thought we should try the fuses and sure enough the car was missing an ignition fuse. We put that fuse in for a few dollars and perfecto the is starting perfectly!!

We thought that something was draining the battery as well but all along it was a ignition fuse... Keeping fingers crossed though...