Expert: Sean Halliday - 2/22/2007

Question
Thank you for your response. Can you also please tell me what are the symptoms of an ignition switch going bad? Is ist possible it may be that as well.

Thanks again,
N
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The text above is a follow-up to ...

-----Question-----
I have a 2001 Nissan Maxima and I tried to start this morning, it started to turn and chug a bit but then it died. I have to jump start it. I then started the car after an hour when I got to work and it started just fine.The battery is about 1 1/2 year old and I just got the alternator replaced a few months back. Can you please tell me what to look for before I take it to the mechanic.

Thanks,
-----Answer-----
Could still be a bad battery or faulty alternator.Test the charge with a meter,should be 14.5..........13.5.approx if its low such as 12.00 or less its your alternator.

Answer
Symptoms usally are the car wont turn over or the dash lights will not come on.Key fails to turn or come out of the ignition but im prety certain it isnt your ignition as the car isnt old enough.Ignition failure is more common on older cars.I have seen faulty new alternators and new batteries...so check both again and see.