Engine not cranking over

JONATHANBROWN

MEMBER
2002 NISSAN ALTIMA
2.5L
4 CYL
2WD
AUTOMATIC
100,000 MILES

Went to the store car started and ran great. The next morning it wouldn't start. Thought it was the battery. Tried to jump start it; nothing just clicking. Changed the starter, same thing just clicking.

Tuesday, July 7th, 2020 AT 6:50 PM

4 Replies

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
109,885 POSTS

Hi,

Is the clicking coming from the starter? Are you sure the battery terminals are clean and tight?

The starter places a heavy load on the battery and if the connections are loose or corroded, it can cause this. Do me a favor, here is a link that explains how to load test a battery at home. It's really simple to do. Try this and let me know the results.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/car-battery-load-test

Let me know what you find.

Joe

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Monday, May 17th, 2021 AT 6:46 PM

JONATHANBROWN

MEMBER
2 POSTS

Already checked the battery and tried to start the car with the battery charger on the battery. Same thing, no start. I took the battery out when I changed the starter so that would have reset any security issues, I think. There were no codes that came up when we checked the computer. There was an odd burning plastic smell earlier in the day while we were driving, but I can't find any burnt wires and all the fuses look good. Same with the spark plugs they all look good.

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Monday, May 17th, 2021 AT 6:46 PM

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
109,885 POSTS

The burning smell has me concerned. I need you to confirm something for me. I need to confirm that the starter is getting the correct power. On the starter, there is a large wire that comes straight from the battery. It always has 12v. There is a smaller wire that only gets 12v when the key is in the start position. I need you to confirm that both of those things are happening.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/starter-not-working-repair

Let me know.

Joe

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Monday, May 17th, 2021 AT 6:46 PM

KEN L

MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
48,363 POSTS

It sounds like the starter relay (ST relay) is not working correctly. here is a guide to help check it with the starter wiring diagrams so you can see how the system works and the relay location as well:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-check-an-electrical-relay-and-wiring-control-circuit

Check out the diagrams (below). Please let us know what happens.

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