Got a 97GXE, automatic. When I insert the key and turn no sound, no engine noise nothing. I have to repeat the process from 2 - 3 times before the engine cranks.

Any ideas? 100k just got a major tune-up from nissan. Problem was happening before tune-up

Thanks

 

Did they not check it out at the tune-up?

 

NOTHING? does it have NO POWER? do your dash lights turn on (CEL, Airbag, that stuff)?

When it does work, does everything then work?

My immediate thought is a loose connection in the ignition
But, I think if we have more detail, we can help.

FLO_BOY

 

Hi. No Dash lights at all. However, when it does work everything is fine.

 

I'm gonna go with my first guess -- a loose connection in the ignition.
If it works sometimes (and perfectly when it does), then,
the problem isn't that something is completely broken...

I don't know how comfortable you are playing with your car, but,
I would look into the steering column and see if you find a loose wire
for something...

just my $0.02.

hope this helps!
FLO_BOY

 

Another good place to check is your battery terminal connection - If it's slightly loose then the car will seem completely dead at first, but then if it makes contact everything will work fine..
It's worth a go for the 10 seconds it'll take you to check..

 

Under your hood, at the front drivers side, next to the battery is a fuse box. Pop the top off and switch the IGN SW fuse with the PWR WND fuse and see if that solves your issue.

If that doesn't work, clean your battery terminals and cables, and look around for any thing that might be cut or loose around the driver’s side under the hood.

 

You probably need to have your starter checked. Mine died and I was lucky to get 1 crank out of it so I can drive it to have it replaced.

 

Does your clock and radio presets reset each time after this happens? That would determine if it is a power supply related problem (bat. terminal etc) or a ignition switch related problem.

 

ooohhh -- good point -- go with this one!
FLO_BOY

 

My car did the same thing last night except the dashboard lights come on when I tried to start it. I originally thought it was the alternator not recharging the battery since my alternator was whining a few days ago. My mechanic is looking at it so I'll let you know what he finds.