starting problem

its 97 nissan starts sometimes batterys great battery wires not loose when it doesnt start the gauges wont turn on either dont no if it is a relay or what i could use some peoples knowledge thanks

could be the alternater

I had the same problem on a '93 model. Turned out to be a relay. It was located behind the battery. I could hear it clicking if I was under the hood and somebody was turning the key.

thanksill check it out