So i have myself a little bit of a problem. My car won't start, but it has power(already tried boosting it). We just got a nice blizzard so my car has snow everywhere,a little in the engine bay, ice all over the car. So i was wondering if my starter has suddenly died or if ice screwed up my security system, because it wont even try to turn over.

 

The only thing that turns the cold engine is the starter.

Measure the +12V from the motor solenoid (supply wire from battery, under rubber 'boot') as someone starts. If u get all the time full voltage, starter is kaputt.

- Otherwise, main ground bad, maybe.
- Or the starter motor solenoid [u hear clunk if it works] gets no +12V as u turn the key: a. gearbox inhibit switch or b. its relay stuck or c. bad ign sw.
U can bypass this circuitry by giving the boost directly to the motor, or by shorting the contacts with screwdriver [do not be afraid -but- u lose driver end to nice arching] if its possible to reach there...

If the solenoid 'works' =makes clunk -noise, it means solenoid coil is ok. However, its other function as relay, connecting the +12V from batt to starter coils do no make contact inside the solenoid. Or the starter motor itself is faulty (brushes stick).

Quite often hitting the solenoid or the starter endplate(some steel rod tool & hammer?, while turning the key to start pos) the contacts will be realized... Take care not to hit solenoid plastic parts, they'll chip off. If u're railroad man, do not try this...

---> still theres the possibility that batt cablin/grounding is oxidized and voltage drops at starter motor to 6V or less as u start. Test the voltage with 10$ multimeter.

See nissan specific gnd info at my web page.

 

have you tried starting the car in neutral?

 

Well whatever the problem was it is gone for now because the car started right up this morning even after sitting in the -25 C weather for two days so i'm happy. I guess i'll get someone to take a look at it. I'm still mad i had to take the loser cruiser to work yesterday but ohwell.

 

Dont maddy, Be hhhappy. That one did start...


"guess i'll get someone to take a look at it. "

Let that someone be u... I wrote 'some poems' for nonstarters on my website. Luki luki and buy some tools.