Two days ago I stopped at the local store, when I got out to my car.... nothing.
Everything turned on like it's supposed to. The engine didn't turn over. No clicks. Just nothing. So I sat there, having faith. Still nothing. I decided to move it to a safer parking spot to let it sit. I pushed it to it's new home and decided to try it. Voila! Started like nothing was ever wrong.

This makes me think -> starter. I just had Nissan replace it.
That makes me think -> Loose wire on the starter?

I have had the new starter close to 2 mos. and I have only had the problem that one time. I haven't had a chance to lift the car and check that out but is that the most likely problem? Is there anything else that it could be? Please help if you have any ideas...

(I'm auto or I would have tried to roll start it.)

 

Something very similar happened to me yesterday at the LSP meet, but it was caused by my own stupidity. I had somehow inadvertantly switched on the security switch there, and I had all my doors and hood open, stuff like that, and when I eventually tried to start it...nothing happened. So then it was pointed out to me how much of an idiot I am, and after closing everything up, and switching the security switch back off everything started fine. This is just one possibility I suppose. Daniel B. probably has some better answers for ya.

 

You are reporting a no-crank problem.

Always do the easy check first. If your vehicle is a 5-speed, make sure the clutch pedal is all the way down when you twist the key to START. If automatic, jiggle the shifter while attempting to crank. Try cranking in both Park and Neutral. If those steps are unsuccessful, consider ...

- discharged battery (dim headlights with engine off)
- weak battery (check voltage at terminals while cranking)
- loose or dirty battery terminal connections at the battery
- loose or dirty battery-to-body ground connection
- loose or dirty battery-to-engine block connection
- bad ignition switch
- bad clutch safety switch (5-speed)
- bad neutral safety switch (automatic)
- bad inhibitor relay
- bad solenoid
- bad starter

You had to shift out of Park to roll the car to that "safer parking spot". This makes me suspect the neutral safety switch.

 

- I checked the battery, no problems there.

- The ignition switch on the other hand...
I've noticed that sometimes I have to turn it harder/farther than usual to get it to go. (potential problem?)

- Neutral safety switch -> could it just have not been all the way in park? Key wouldn't have released if it wasn't correct?

- Solenoid -> should have been replaced with the new starter from nissan, right?

-Starter is new or rebuilt from Nissan dealership.

Do you still suspect the same problem??

Thank you for your help DBM!!!

 

You can have the dealership check the starter. The one that they replaced mine with had a dead spot.I ended up finding it about 5 stops after picking it up. I tapped it with a torque wrench and was able to get it started.

I wasn't real happy when I got back to the dealership and they said that it was the last one they had, and I would have to wait until the next day to get my car back.

 

The "official" name for this switch is the Park/Neutral Position switch. It is located on the exterior of the transaxle housing, facing the radiator. It may need adjustment. Please refer to the Chilton repair manual (page 7-13) or the Haynes repair manual (page 7B-7).

The P/NP switch is not physically connected with the ignition switch, and will not influence the key release.

If you get under the car to check the P/NP switch, also look at the wiring and connector which attach to that switch, and the condition of the shifter cable bushing. If the bushing is deteriorated the shifter control might say "Park" but the tranny says "Almost Park".

Yes.