Wont Start AGAIN. Different than last time though

Tiny
TYAZZ
  • MEMBER
  • 1995 NISSAN QUEST
  • 6 CYL
  • FWD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 170,000 MILES
Van wont Start, no crank.
Power to everything
Small Black wire at solenoid gets 12v w key turned to start
Battery good


Initally, the van wouldnt start because of a break in a wire going to the neutral safety switch. I took out the battery box, air box, and most air hoses to get to the wire. Reconnected it, and the van cranked. Put everything back in, and now the van wont crank. Somewhere along the line, something went wrong.
Tuesday, January 3rd, 2012 AT 8:39 PM

12 Replies

Tiny
FIXITMR
  • MECHANIC
  • 9,990 POSTS
Make sure battery connections are good both ends of cable. If starter has ground and hot to main posts and small post is getting signal from key then it should work? Try rapping on starter while key is at start?
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Wednesday, January 4th, 2012 AT 2:44 AM
Tiny
TYAZZ
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Tried all that. Tried crossing the terminals of solenoid with screwdriver when key turned to start. Connections are all good. Only thing I can think is maybe some rust or corrosion is weakening a connection or opened up a wire somewhere while wrenching around. Where can I find a schematic to start testing all parts of the circuit?
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Wednesday, January 4th, 2012 AT 10:13 PM
Tiny
KHLOW2008
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If you have battery voltage to the starter and solenoid and it won't crank, you have a failed starter.
The brushes are worn resulting in no continuity in the circuit.
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Friday, January 6th, 2012 AT 7:55 PM
Tiny
TYAZZ
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I took it out and had it tested at autozone. It passes the test. Could it still be bad? But I noticed something today. When I shift to reverse or drive, the neutral safety switches buzzes for a second or two. Could that be the problem? Or a problem in general?
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Sunday, January 8th, 2012 AT 8:35 PM
Tiny
KHLOW2008
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Yes it can but you tried bypassing the ignition and neutral switches and the starter did not crank, that is a different story.
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Monday, January 9th, 2012 AT 3:29 PM
Tiny
TYAZZ
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So you're suggesting to replace the starter?
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Monday, January 9th, 2012 AT 3:38 PM
Tiny
KHLOW2008
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Remove the end cap of the stater and check the carbon brushes. If they are almost worn, some knocking around would make the starter work but it is going to fail anytime.
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Monday, January 9th, 2012 AT 5:38 PM
Tiny
TYAZZ
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So if the brushings are worn, replace it. And if they aren't?
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Monday, January 9th, 2012 AT 5:43 PM
Tiny
KHLOW2008
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If they are, you ned to reinstall the stater and retest again to confirm what is at fault, whether it is the wiring or switches.
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Monday, January 9th, 2012 AT 5:47 PM
Tiny
TYAZZ
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It was the starter/solenoid. Never trust the test machine at autozone.
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Saturday, January 14th, 2012 AT 12:36 AM
Tiny
FIXITMR
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Thanks for the reply.
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Saturday, January 14th, 2012 AT 7:20 AM
Tiny
KHLOW2008
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It is not the test machine that is at fault. As I mentioned before, sometimes the starter would test good but it would fail as testing is without load and under normal temperature. On the vehice it is subjected to load and differences in temperature. Furthermore electrical components can work intermittently due to poor contacts and while installing, the solenoid can get twisted out of position if it is not in good condition.

That is the reason on vehicle testing have to be done correctly to get accurate results.

Anyway glad to know you have fixed the problem.

Have a nice day.
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Saturday, January 14th, 2012 AT 10:16 AM

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