Crank no start issue?

DUWHOP31

MEMBER
2007 NISSAN MAXIMA
3.5L
6 CYL
2WD
AUTOMATIC
250,000 MILES

My car will crank but not start and i'm not sure how to find out if it could be the alternator or starter. (I don't think it's the starter because I can hear a click when I am trying to start the car) I know it's not the battery because I checked the voltage with a multimeter. The alternator is in a difficult location where I can't really get to it to check it and to be honest I don't know how to check or where to check the voltage of the alternator. Any help/ suggestions would be appreciated.

3 Replies

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
109,758 POSTS

Hi,

If it cranks, it isn't the starter or the alternator. Chances are you either lost fuel to the engine or ignition spark.

Here is what I need you to do. See if it will start using starting fluid. If it does and then stalls, we know it is a fuel-related issue. If there is no change, I need you to check for spark at the plugs.

Here is a link that explains how to check for an ignition spark:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-check-for-ignition-spark

Let me know what you find or if you have other questions.

Take care,

joe

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Saturday, March 11th, 2023 AT 9:52 PM

DUWHOP31

MEMBER
151 POSTS

Yesterday I took out the spark plugs and ignition coil.
I cleaned them and put them back in. Then I tried to crank it up and it didn't almost crank over or make that cranking noise. I could hear the clicking noise like either the starter and/or maybe the fuel pump and tried to jump it off just for a minute, but it didn't try and crank up but all the interior lights, etc, work and headlines are not dimming out. So, I'm not sure what it is or what I can try. Idk if this helps but right before this happened, I replaced my drive/alternator belt and pully, but I was able to start it right up like always and drive it. The next day I drove it to Walmart and came home and when I went to leave again that's when it wouldn't crank or turn all the way over.

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Saturday, March 18th, 2023 AT 10:09 AM

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
109,758 POSTS

Hi,

If the starter isn't engaging, I need you to check the two wires that go to it for power.

At the starter motor, there will be a black wire with a red tracer that is a heavy gauge wire. It should have power at all times. I need you to confirm that for me.

Next, at the starter there will be a smaller gauge wire that is black with a white tracer. That wire should have power only when the key is in the start position. Have a helper turn the key to start and see if that has power.

I attached the schematic below for you.

Let me know what you find.

Joe

See pic below.

Image (Click to make bigger)