I've had a number of different people look into this problem and nothing has helped, so I'm hoping someone here knows the answer....
I have a 93 Pathfinder (automatic) that has trouble starting about half of the time. When I turn the key, all I hear is a click, then nothing. The engine isn't trying to turn over or anything, just silence. My method for starting it when it does this is to just turn the key rapidly, over and over again. Sometimes it only takes a few turns, sometimes twenty or so. Eventually, it always starts.
I replaced the ignition switch, and that wasn't the problem. I had the starter rebuilt, but that didn't help. The battery is fine. The relays are fine. Does anybody know what the problem is? I know one other person who had this problem, but they never got it fixed. Anyway, any help would be much appreciated. Thank you.
You need to put a meter (set for DC voltage, 20 volts (at least) maximum) on the starter wire (AT THE STARTER) and verify the starter is still getting power when the key is turned. I don't know if the solenoid is also part of the starter, but if it is, you need to also make sure it receives power when the key is turned as well.
This is generally how all starters work... they must have power to both the starter solenoid/relay and the starter motor to crank the engine. On some GM's the solenoid is also the power relay and part of the starter motor assembly, and pushes the motor shaft onto the flywheel to engage the starter, so you have both solenoid and starter wires to check. On some Ford's, the relay is up on a firewall, and the starter pushes itself onto the flywheel, so it only has one power wire.
Most starters also have a ground strap - you can test it out by verifying it NEVER has more than 1-2 volts on it when cranking, because it's supposed to be well grounded at all times. Sometimes it's case grounded, so you'd just attach a test lead to the starter case metal and verify it stays at ground (0 volts).
If you find something does not have power, it's time to start tracing the wires back. A loose connection will often work and test as good until you stress it by trying to start the engine, then it disconnects (and may actually overheat or catch fire).
Also, note what the voltage is during cranking. It shouldn't drop much below 10 volts on a warm day...
My Pathfinder has suffered this problem for the past 2.5 years. Two Nissan dealers have inspected the vehicle, and are unable to locate the problem.
The car has also had 3 starters in 2 days replaced by Nissan. They tried blaming it on my stereo equipment, which is properly fused, at 3 points to be exact. As I can see, I am not the only one who has this problem. I have read of other Pathfinders doing this. I have written to corporate about it, and they have nothing to say.
Should have listened to Consumer Reports magazine years ago when they said that this vehicle has had a history of electrical problems.
edit: I should also add that after the starter was replaced the second time, it had one occasion where it was stuck running while I was down at school! The damn thing kept running even after I took the key out. Eventually it started smoking after 10-15mins of it running. Ultimately, it drained my Optima Yellow Top Deep Cycle. My service advisor Andy was received my piece of mind while this was happening. It had never done this before. It burned up some wires underneath as well.
More than likely, all of these starting problems have to do with the stupid design of putting the starter, especially the contacts, right underneath the oil filter. Everytime you change/have the oil changed, it goes all over it.
I am curious to see the wires that go from the relay inside the cabin, located in the behind the fuse panel. It's the one in the middle that clicks when you try to start the truck. Has nothing to do with it I learned, I was stuck at Wal Mart the other day for 20mins when the truck decided it didn't want to start.
I've had a number of different people look into this problem and nothing has helped, so I'm hoping someone here knows the answer....
I have a 93 Pathfinder (automatic) that has trouble starting about half of the time. When I turn the key, all I hear is a click, then nothing. The engine isn't trying to turn over or anything, just silence. My method for starting it when it does this is to just turn the key rapidly, over and over again. Sometimes it only takes a few turns, sometimes twenty or so. Eventually, it always starts.
I replaced the ignition switch, and that wasn't the problem. I had the starter rebuilt, but that didn't help. The battery is fine. The relays are fine. Does anybody know what the problem is? I know one other person who had this problem, but they never got it fixed. Anyway, any help would be much appreciated. Thank you.
Ok change the starter my 240sx did the same thing get a new starter and the problem should be done with its more expensive to rebuid a starter than to get a new one
Ok change the starter my 240sx did the same thing get a new starter and the problem should be done with its more expensive to rebuid a starter than to get a new one
It's not the starter that is causing this problem. My Pathfinder has gone through 3 in a row, all replaced by the Nissan dealership.
Okay, my $.02. As advised before, you need to shoot the problem, not throw parts at it. Get a volt meter, test for 12v at the battery teminal, terminal block, keyswitch, park/neutral switch or clutch switch, solenoid, batt side of solenoid, motor side of solenoid. It is a simple system. As no one else has reported such a problem to my recent memory, I highly doubt that someone will have the magical answer for you. If the Nissan mechanics have given up on it, get a book and shoot it yourself as it means more to you than to them. 12v is not enough to penetrate the human body (takes around 40v) so you are safe as long as you do not short anything (wedding ring comes to mind). Be safe, think logically, and you can solve this. I have a wiring schematic, if you need one.
__________________
Aaron Ford
95 2WD Nissan PU E
2002 Oldsmobile Intrigue GX
"The hard part about playing chicken is knowing when to flinch" Scott Glenn in The Hunt for Red October
I only paid for one starter. The other two were replaced by Nissan under warranty since they didn't resolve the problem. My vehicle has also been load tested, and all the other BS multiple times.
I've had one of the local Nissan dealership Service Managers call and bitch me out because I wrote to corporate on a survey of how my recent experience went. I said that the service dept. is incompetent, and unable to diagnose my problem. The shit part is that the car never does it when it's at the dealership. After it goes off the lot, it starts acting up again.
As you said, I will troubleshoot the problem myself. Several people have this issue going on, yet no one is able to diagnose it properly.
I agree with arronford. As far as the service manger bitching you out. Now that's another deal in itself. Why do they( the service manager) think these surveys are made. Just to laud praise on the service. I wouldn't think so. Not all surveys are going to come out positive anyway. I think I would talk the Service Manager or the dealer to give you a loaner for 2-5 days and have someone from the dealership depend on it to get to and from work for that time period. I believe it would change their opinion and possibly solve your problem.
I think I would talk the Service Manager or the dealer to give you a loaner for 2-5 days and have someone from the dealership depend on it to get to and from work for that time period. I believe it would change their opinion and possibly solve your problem.
LOL, that is a great idea! Have the service manager himself drive it for a week and see how frustrating it is. I was actually stuck at a gasoline pump last Friday because the damn thing wouldn't start. It wouldn't even do the usual click at least once. So I had to sit there for 10mins at the pump with people waiting behind me. How embarassing.
On Tuesday at Wal Mart, I was stuck in the parking lot for 21 mins before the car would start. I had the entire dash apart trying to diagnose it. People around me were beginning to wonder if I was the owner of the car, or someone trying to steal it. I'm reluctant to take it out on a date, in fear of it not starting when I need it to. How embarassing would that be?
I just wish I had someone with me everytime it doesn't start. Then at least they can listen for where things are clicking in the engine bay, and attempt to diagnose it from there.
I hate it when a vehicle becomes undependable. I would at least try the idea. The Service Manager questioned your integrity with your answering the survey. Now question his. Sort of You've talked the talk now walk the walk JERK( the service manager)
It kind of reminds me of a Volere I used to have. I went through the service department warranty thing. It ended, up after many months of messing around, to be a simple balast resistor mounted on the firewall. scheeeeeeeeez.
Have to agree with the two gentlemen who advocated tracing the problem with a meter. I spent a short time awhile back tracing an intermittent no-start in my mother-in-laws Tempo (no jokes about it not being worth the effort!). Dealer had replaced starter solenoid, a battery cable, and the ignition switch at the usual rate. My meter showed zip to the solenoid -- but juice to the neutral safety switch upstream. The real problem was a slipping shifter cable adjustment which caused irratic n.s.s operation.
I have lost the clutch switch on my '94 Pathy in the past.
I had the exact same problem about a year ago in my 87 Hardbody. I replaced the starter, alternator, postive battery cable, all the harnesses that feed directly off the positive terminal, i replaced the ground cable, basically if the harness went directly to the battery i replaced it. It was a lot of work and quite a bit of money as well as blood, sweat, and tears. The good news is that my truck has had absolutely no ignition problems, stalls, cranking issues, it holds voltage, holds a charge, etc. and has run as perfect as an 87 Hardbody can... Let me know man.
I have been having the same problem with my truck and i agree that the dealership has been unable to locate the problem. I refuse to replace my starter there becaue when i took it to them fro the this problem they charged me 165.00$ to replace a switch. I am lost as well and if anyone ever comes up with an idea or answer, please let me in on it.
I had the exact same problem about a year ago in my 87 Hardbody. I replaced the starter, alternator, postive battery cable, all the harnesses that feed directly off the positive terminal, i replaced the ground cable, basically if the harness went directly to the battery i replaced it. It was a lot of work and quite a bit of money as well as blood, sweat, and tears. The good news is that my truck has had absolutely no ignition problems, stalls, cranking issues, it holds voltage, holds a charge, etc. and has run as perfect as an 87 Hardbody can... Let me know man.
How much time and money was replacing all of that and how difficult was it.
thanks,
tim
93 Pathfinder Starting Problem... help!
94 Nissan Pickup with the same starting problem
Linear Mode
