Ephraim

iTrader: (15)

over the past 2 weeks i noticed that it was becoming more difficult to start up, and yesterday it would not start up.

-2000 5spd 94k miles
-alternator: replaced march 2008 from napa
-battery: an evermaxx from walmart, just over 2yrs old (this replaced another evermaxx that died on me after 1.5yrs, so i would guess these are not that quality)
-checked oil levels and they are fine

things noticed before car would not start:
-when turning the key, it sounded like it was struggling to start
-no screeching, no grinding noises, just a weaker start up, it would wind slower and a few times, then it would start
-i figured it might be the battery, so i got a new battery from napa, but before i could put in the new battery, it would no longer start.


at this point i tried starting the car with jumper cables, and it would not start, nothing would spin/no noise from engine/starter.


things noticed now that car does not start:
-swapped out the battery, and car still will not start w/new battery
-engine/starter makes no noise, nothing rolls over as if trying to start. so no grinding/screeching noises
-lights/radio and everything comes on, and there is a slight humming noise when turning the key, but zero engine bay activity (i have not had someone stand over the engine bay to hear a clicking so i need to do that)


intial searching has led me to check these things
1. battery
2. starter
3. CKPS/CPS
4. alternator
5. ignition switch
6. clutch switch


im going to pull codes right now since i have not had a chance to do that yet. any other thoughts?

Scottwax

iTrader: (8)

Either a bad ground or a bad starter is the most likely problem.

tailz

Im going to have to say starter.

xWasX08

Had the exact same problem.
For weeks, my car would struggle on startup and wouldnt sound as powerful if you know what I mean.

One morning for work, bam, no startup. After it struggled for a while, it went dead, and all you heard was one click when you tried to turn the key and start it.

I tested the battery and the alternator, both checked out good, also check your terminals and make sure there nice and tight/clean too.

But my bet is on the starter as well. Have it tested/rebuilt/replaced.

btw: I ended up paying $120 for a rebuilt starter with a lifetime warranty as opposed to Nissans $430 for parts/labor.

Ephraim

iTrader: (15)

thanks for the input, ironically enough i had the walmart battery tested and it came up as needing to be replaced, thats why i bought the new one from napa. i have the starter out and ordered one from Dave B at South Point Nissan, $209 shipped + $60 for core return. just need to call and setup return date for starter i took out.

here are the pics: http://s10.photobucket.com/albums/a1...car%20starter/

madmax17

my starter went at around 100k miles on my maxima, My friend has a I30 and the starter went a little after 100k miles. It seems to die around 100k miles

Ephraim

iTrader: (15)

new starter will be in tomorrow. will it be as simple as just putting it in, and the gears will line up? or is there something im overlooking?

RoM_PmP

I had the sameee problem on my 4th gen last week...brought it to my garage, he couldn't figure it out!
Brought it to my nissan dealer...they said the knock sensor needed to be replaced, wtf how could this be...
I told them to check to starter but nobody would take me seriously...finally order the started, replaced it and boom...problem solved!
So from what ur saying...i'm pretty sure it's a starter issue..

Scottwax

iTrader: (8)

Simple as putting it in. The wiring harness over the top of the starter makes it hard to get at the top bolt. Otherwise it is pretty straight forward.

Ephraim

iTrader: (15)

very good, thanks!

Ephraim

iTrader: (15)

got the item swapped out, runs like a champ! in my haste i forgot to tighten one of the worm gear clamps post-maf, its all good now though

pics for reference: http://s10.photobucket.com/albums/a1...car%20starter/