So. . . it won't start

[linewar]

Saturday, she stranded me at Taco Bell, replaced the battery, still nothing - not a sound when I turn the key, then I climb under and mess with the starter, and she starts. Then, Monday, same thing at the grocery store. Messed with the starter, and - nothing.

 

Have been doing some research today, and it seems it could be the security system OR the starter. The key fob I used to have is gone and I have been using the key to open it and the door lock button when exiting.

 

So, what say you? Security system, or the starter?

[linewar]

Just got home and decided to try it again. Now, I get clicking when I turn the key. The "Security" light on the dash was off until I unlocked it, then it started blinking. That makes me think it's the starter, not the security system. However, I did have some problems in the past with the alarm system - once, my wife locked it with the door button, then when I unlocked it with the key fob, the alarm went off. But I don't think I'd get a clicking like that if it was the security system - I think it wouldn't make any sound at all.

[silverton]

If you tap the starter while having someone hold the key to start, does it turn over? I'm going to guess your starter is going out.

[silverton]

Where do you hear the clicking? Is it from the starter? I dont believe the factory alarm has a starter kill, unless the alarm is activated.

 

If its from the starter than it most likely needs to be replaced.

[devonianwalk]

Sounds like the starter is going limp.

Edited November 28, 2012 by devonianwalk

[linewar]

The click (hearing it from behind the wheel) is coming from the engine bay; I think it's the solenoid clicking. Time for a starter change.

 

Anyone ever done one on theirs? Is there a how-to somewhere?

[96Pathfinder4x4]

It's pretty easy to get too. Should be 2 wires and 2 bolts, like most starters.

 

You can take it to your local Autozone/Kragen and they will test it for you. (or at least they used to...call first)

Edited November 30, 2012 by 96Pathfinder4x4

[silverton]

It'll probably be easier on your R50 than it is a WD21 since the oil filter location is different. But you'll more than likely have to shimmy it out the front.

[linewar]

Seems like it was the starter. A buddy came by yesterday and helped me pull out the old one; we brought it to Auto Zone and had it tested. It passed, but sounded kinda weak, so I bought a new one and we installed it. Fired right up.

 

Here's a concern, though: the starter I replaced was obviously not the original. In fact, it looked as though it couldn't be more than 2 or 3 years old. I do have the leaky valve cover on that side.(driver's side valve cover doesn't look that bad - yet) Other than that oil leaking down onto the starter, could something else be causing it to go through starters?

[96Pathfinder4x4]

Starters burn out...just a fact of life.

Do you make short errands? Some people have a habit of starting and shutting off the car frequently (pizza delivery, for example).

 

P.S. It could have just been a faulty solenoid...these days, there aren't too many starters where you can replace just the solenoid...or they just don't sell the replacement.

[linewar]

I drive mostly around town, but it's not exactly a lot of start-and-stop. I'd say pretty average.

 

Oh well. Next project is the valve cover gasket and knock sensor relocation. Then timing belt, then save for new front half-shafts, Warn locking hubs, OME lift, and rims - Procomp or Cragar I reckon. I'm also assuming I'll get in there and see some 16 year-old bushings that need to be replaced. . .

[silverton]

Oil will kill a starter. Especially with the horrible VG30 oil filter location. I'd say it not being a nissan starter would be the deal breaker on its life span. There is a reason why parts from autozone and shucks are cheaper than OEM.