Starting issue please help!!!:(

magic · Nov 5th, 2007, 11:44 AM

Hi all,

I have a 93 pathfinder SE 4x4, Auto trans,

I have a starting issue, I have replaced the starter and at the first shot its started, started a few times after and now when im 15 mins away from home, NOTHING!!! all lights are on, a boost doesnt help, i banged on the starter ... whatelse could it be??

thanks

coolnesss · Nov 5th, 2007, 02:15 PM

Perhaps a re-tightening of the electrial cable to the starter would be a good first step.

magic · Nov 5th, 2007, 02:22 PM

Did try re-tighting but will try again... Thanks coolness!!

any ideas for 3rd step?

c.troutman · Nov 6th, 2007, 05:57 AM

sounds like some tightening of all connections should do the trick.

boogyman · Nov 6th, 2007, 06:57 AM

Sounds like a ground cable. Had the same thing happen and I ended up redoing the ground cable on the battery.

**88pathoffroad** · Nov 6th, 2007, 11:40 AM

Could be: ignition switch, safety relay, starter solenoid wire corroded or damaged, poor battery cable connections or corrosion in the cables....

cakedaddy · Nov 6th, 2007, 04:57 PM

starter switch may be the best place to start. Your symptoms sounds like the exact of my old datsun 510. $20 part and 15minutes of labor, but that was on an old 510.

Zilverado · Nov 11th, 2007, 04:51 PM

I may be a little late chiming in on this one, but make sure your battery connections are clean and solid. I had a similar issue with mine last year, and was on the verge of replacing the starter when I read somewhere that these Pathys are very sensitive to not having enough juice delivered to the starter. Lights and accessories can still function, but there is not sufficient amperage to crank the starter. I cleaned up all my battery connections, and whalla - all has been well since.

krmiller70 · Nov 16th, 2007, 10:36 AM

On the subject of pathfinder starters!, I have an 89-with a 5 speed manual tranny. Lately I've noticed that when i turn the key the starter will engage and turn the motor over with no skipping or grinding on the ring gear. HOWEVER !!! other times such as when the motor doesn't light off right away, as soon as i hit the key i get a grinding noise that sounds as if the starter gear is only partially engaging? It skips and grinds until it engages. Someone mentioned in this fourm that the location of the starter is directly under the oil filter. And since I usually take it to have the oil changed I suspect the probably let the oil drain all over it. Is it possible the solinoid is sticking due to oil gunk or is the starter on the way out??

Thanks,

krmiller70

**88pathoffroad** · Nov 18th, 2007, 10:22 PM

The solenoid is sealed but the rest of the starter motor itself isn't. Oil buildup is a common problem, it's too hard to get in there and cover the starter when changing the filter.

krmiller70 · Nov 19th, 2007, 08:10 PM

Hey thanks for the info, Any other ideas ? espessialy with the intermitent grinding. After i looked at a photo of the starter it occured to me that maybe the shield that covers the solonoid mybe there for just that reason. To deflect oil during changes. Any way its been hard to get someone to work on it,unless I go to the dealer and they want between 4-470.00 bucks to change and they wont promise that it will solve the problem. I'd do it my self but don't have a lift or a place to do it.

krmiller70