1997 Nissian Maxima Gets Stuck in Neutral

There are a couple of possibilities here. First, have your mechanic check the neutral-start switch to make sure that it has not gone intermittent. If it has gone intermittent — sometimes working, sometimes not — it is possible for your Maxima to act just as you describe. The neutral-start switch keeps the engine from starting unless the clutch is depressed. This way you don’t rip up either your engine or transmission.

Next, since you say the clutch pedal is loose, have the mechanic check the cable and linkages that attach the clutch pedal to the throwout bearing and clutch plate. If the cable is stretched or has loosened up it is easy for your Maxima’s clutch pedal to seem loose and even to rattle around.

Ironically, it isn’t the pedal that is loose. It is the linkage. Quite possibly, it may be the clutch cable itself. If it stretches inside its carrier, it can easily make the clutch pedal seem as if it is loose. Again, have your mechanic look over the clutch cable and readjust it if it is lose.