1999 Maxima starting problem

Q: My 1999 Maxima has a strange problem. Runs great, went the market, came out and tuned the key -- nothing, no lights, nothing, only thing was the CD and cassette tape were ejected. Came back an hour later, started immediately. Two weeks later (today) went to the bank, ran fine on the ride there, exact same thing. It's at the bank now. I have done some research, could it be the battery (I strongly doubt the batter has gone dead)? The other thing I discovered is the positive connection of the battery has alot of blue/green granular buildup. I live in South Florida, it is 90+ today and the car was in full sun When I tried to start it there was lights and sound, then just dim light, then nothing Went back to get the car, started immediately, no problem except clock reset and all radio stations gone. Cleaned the battery's + connection with water & baking soda, fizz, fizz. I am going to hope that was the issue, I will update when I try to start it again later tonight. The connections to the battery are tight, very tight. I put a bottle of the water and a bottle of water and baking soda in the trunk, just in case. I read somewhere that after cleaning the connection throughly I should coat the metal with petrolium jelly? Started the car late last nigh with no problems, it must have been the crud build-up on the positive lead to the battery, or at least I hope so. Started this morning without any problem, thanks Randell.

A: First off, the air filter has NOTHING to do with your car not starting as well as the coolant temp. All you need to do is make sure your battery cables are TIGHT on you battery posts. Good job on cleaning them because that was the first step you needed to do. Now inspect them to make sure that the acid that you cleaned off has not eaten away the battery cable end causing a loose connection. A tight connection is all you need and you'll be good to go.

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