Hello, recently my max has had some difficulty starting.

When i turn the ignition, it just clicks and clicks.

Sometimes, i have to push the gear shift to ensure it is firmly placed in Park, and then the car will start.

Often times, i have to repeatedly keep cranking until it starts.

I have a new battery. All lights work when i attempt to start the car.

The starter has never been changed..since i got the car fairly new.

Is this a starter issue or something else?

Thanks.. Noela

 

whenever it wont start, put the E-brake on then put the shifter in neutral. if it starts in neutral, its nothing to do with the starter. i would start by checking battery and starter wire connections, if theyre good just wait until it wont start again. if putting it in neutral doesnt allow it to start, most likely the starter. if putting it in neutral starts it, likely a linkage problem

 

How many miles are on the car? If over 100k on original starter, I'd say that may be a strong possibility.

The clicking comes from the starter solenoid.

The gear lever shouldn't affect anything, you can start the car in neutral too.

You can test the starter solenoid using a multimeter and put the positive lead on the positive solenoid lead, ground the negative, and have someone try to start the car. Should read 12volts

If it's less than 12 volts, the problem is likely with the battery/ignition switch. Usually when the solenoid still makes a clicking noise, its usually getting 12 volts but can be less and still making the click.

The other test is removing the ignition switch wire from solenoid, and using a screwdriver to cross the positive and ignition lead. This applies 12v directly from the battery, and should crank the car. If not, it may be a bad ignition switch not delivering enough voltage.

 

i had it on my 3rd gen, the bushing on the shift linkage was worn away and the shifter wouldnt fully engage into park so i got no-starts often and had to rock the entire car back n forth for the shifter to slip into park fully. replaced the shifter bushing and all was dandy

 

Nissan got rid of the bushing with the 4th gen. The car has a cable between the shift lever and the transmission.

 

Thanks to you all for your input.

@chrome91: I will note that and put on the e-brake, shift to neutral whenever the problems occurs next. The issue is that it does happen intermittently - this morning for example, it started ok. But last night, wifey couldn't start it, and i couldn't earlier in the morning.

@D.Stillwell: Definitely, on the original starter - car has 178,000 on it. So, I am tempted to just order a new starter from RockAuto, and then consider installing it when it next happens.

I will consider having the solenoid + ignition switch tests done.

Does the fact that it happens intermittently point to either a starter or a transmission linkage issue?

Thanks - Oyiwaa

 

Wow, 178k on orignal starter. Your solenoid is most likely the cause, sound like it to me. Soon enough it will short out and you will not br able to start the car. I would replace that starter soon.

Before it leaves you stranded at the worst time.

 

Thanks, I am thinking of getting either of these:

http://shop.advanceautoparts.com/p/t...ter#fragment-2

or one of the following from Rockauto -

https://www.rockauto.com/catalog/rac...&parttype=7320


Question: Would you recommend the one from AdvancedAuto - I can have quicker access to it. And secondly, do I need to get one with a new solenoid?

cheers, Noela

 

My 02 SE started doing the same thing. Every once and a while it would only click when I wen tto start it. Then after a couple tries it would start. Once it got to the point I had to bang the starter to get it to engage one day I ordered a new one with solenoid off eBay, I got the closest-cheapest one without a core. The original had ~161k miles on it. Over 3k on the new one without any issues. I noticed right away the new one was much more powerful.

I'd get one with a new solenoid.

 

Buy a brand new starter and avoid the refurbished garbage....trust me

 

thanks - I will look for a new one then --

Do I need one with the new solenoid?

Would you recommend this - it says new: http://www.ebay.com/itm/NEW-STARTER-...79c972&vxp=mtr

cheers, Noela

 

I would NOT buy any starter from eBay.

You need a full assembly with the solenoid since the solenoid is what's causing the starter to short. You may be able to just replace the solenoid on the OEM starter if it's still in OK shape, but I wouldn't. Just do it right and replace it.

For a starter IMO best bet is Bosch or for auto store brands whatever is made in USA. I don't remember where, but I think either Autozone or NAPA or something, they're house brand starters are made in USA IIRC.

Ideally, new starter is best if you want to make sure to avoid trouble later. Remanufactured starters are often known to fail again in a year or three. Main thing is whatever you get, get one with a lifetime warranty.

EDIT: That eBay starter is made by a company called "Rare Auto" hahahaha, it's 99.9% surely made in China. They only give a 1 year warranty. I would STAY FAR AWAY

 

thanks - I ordered this TYC brand:

Same part in Rockauto - but can receive it much quicker through Amazon.


thanks - Noela

 

Got here late, sorry, Looks like Stilwell is on it. One more thing, there is a starter relay in front of the battery in the relay/fuse box. Swap it for another one in the box. It could be suspect.


Sounds like solenoid is sticking. I have had good luck taking it off, and cleaning emory clothing it, and greasing it and putting it back. You've already purchased a new one, so that's that. Good lucks.