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Starter not working

Tiny
SKINNEYHIPPIE
  • MEMBER
  • 2001 INFINITI I30
  • 6 CYL
  • FWD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 102,000 MILES
Car wont start put in a new battery but lites don't dim and all I get is a click when I try to start it.
Sunday, November 8th, 2009 AT 1:15 AM

56 Replies

Tiny
KEN L
  • MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
  • 48,363 POSTS
Hello,

This sounds like the starter has gone out but to be sure lets testing first, here is a guide that will show you how.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-replace-a-starter-motor

The test is at the bottom.

Here is a diagram on where the starter is on your car.

Please run this test and get back to us so we can continue helping you.

Cheers, Ken
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Friday, May 26th, 2017 AT 8:08 PM
Tiny
STELLER HALL
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
  • 2001 INFINITI I30
  • 6 CYL
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 17,900 MILES
It will start some and then the next time it will sit there and turn and turn , then it like to much gas is going to the motor it like it jump back
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Saturday, May 27th, 2017 AT 12:09 PM (Merged)
Tiny
HOUNDBYTES
  • MEMBER
  • 2 POSTS
  • 1996 INFINITI I30
  • 120,000 MILES
The car has an automatic transmission. I tested the inhibitor switch. It seems to be fine. I tested the starter motor and solenoid, they passed. The theft warning relay, ignition relay and inhibitor relay passed. I performed voltage drop test on battery cables, they passed. Battery passed. No blown fuses, corrosion, broken wires or faulty connectors. (The hood switch is disconnected).
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Saturday, May 27th, 2017 AT 12:09 PM (Merged)
Tiny
PROMECHANIC
  • MECHANIC
  • 536 POSTS
Sounds like it's time for a voltage drop test on the whole starting system.
Did you do a "load test" on the battery?
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Saturday, May 27th, 2017 AT 12:09 PM (Merged)
Tiny
HOUNDBYTES
  • MEMBER
  • 2 POSTS
Is it possible that the key and/or lock cylinder are worn? Could the ignition switch be faulty? If so how do I test for these conditions?
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Saturday, May 27th, 2017 AT 12:09 PM (Merged)
Tiny
PROMECHANIC
  • MECHANIC
  • 536 POSTS
It is possible. I would drop test the whole starting system first as that is way more likely. Let me know what the voltages are and I can help you more.
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Saturday, May 27th, 2017 AT 12:09 PM (Merged)
Tiny
WANDA21
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
  • 1998 INFINITI I30
  • 3.0L
  • V6
  • FWD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 305 MILES
Lots of power- even tried w booster pack. Tried locking/unlocking doors manually, tried disconnecting battery, no luck
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Saturday, May 27th, 2017 AT 12:09 PM (Merged)
Tiny
RACEFAN966
  • MECHANIC
  • 5,029 POSTS
I would say remove the start and take it to your favorite parts store and have them test it. If it tests good then I you need to see if there is power to the small term at the starter that comes from the ignition switch. Get back to me with what you find ok.
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Saturday, May 27th, 2017 AT 12:09 PM (Merged)
Tiny
DONLIE
  • MEMBER
  • 7 POSTS
  • 1997 INFINITI I30
  • 89,000 MILES
But will sometimes start up with a jump. Starts fine up to ten times then shut it off and try it again a few minutes later and nothing at all. Tried it in neutral and park. Battery good.
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Saturday, May 27th, 2017 AT 12:09 PM (Merged)
Tiny
ASEMASTER6371
  • MECHANIC
  • 52,797 POSTS
Have the starter motor checked. It may have a dead spot in the armature.

Roy
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Saturday, May 27th, 2017 AT 12:09 PM (Merged)
Tiny
SATURNTECH9
  • MECHANIC
  • 30,869 POSTS
So you had the alternator and battery tested?Also made sure the battery cables are clean and tight?Do you a multimeter to do some testing?
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Saturday, May 27th, 2017 AT 12:09 PM (Merged)
Tiny
DONLIE
  • MEMBER
  • 7 POSTS
I was guessing possibly the starter. When it does it, would hitting it with a hammer be a way of checking it? I do have voltmeters. Should I test it for resistance and what should it be?
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Saturday, May 27th, 2017 AT 12:09 PM (Merged)
Tiny
DONLIE
  • MEMBER
  • 7 POSTS
I just got done replacing a shift solenoid in the trans of a saturn today which I had to check with a meter. Similar?
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Saturday, May 27th, 2017 AT 12:09 PM (Merged)
Tiny
SATURNTECH9
  • MECHANIC
  • 30,869 POSTS
Yes you can try hitting it with a hammer while the key is in the start position. Also you can see if the small trigger wire has power at the starter while the key is in the start position.
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Saturday, May 27th, 2017 AT 12:09 PM (Merged)
Tiny
DONLIE
  • MEMBER
  • 7 POSTS
Ok thankyou. I'll check it out next time it messes up. (Probably tomorrow)
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Saturday, May 27th, 2017 AT 12:09 PM (Merged)
Tiny
SATURNTECH9
  • MECHANIC
  • 30,869 POSTS
Alright keep me posted.
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Saturday, May 27th, 2017 AT 12:09 PM (Merged)
Tiny
DONLIE
  • MEMBER
  • 7 POSTS
Thankyou for your advice. The starter was smoked. Now I'm trying to find out why the security light is always flashing except when the doors are locked-then solid red
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Saturday, May 27th, 2017 AT 12:09 PM (Merged)
Tiny
CALVARY
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
  • 1998 INFINITI I30
  • 3.5L
  • 6 CYL
  • FWD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 100,000 MILES
My car wont start when key is turned, but when it is a rainy or damp day it will turn over all day (rainy).
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Saturday, May 27th, 2017 AT 12:09 PM (Merged)
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 109,885 POSTS
When you say it won't start, do you mean the starter won't engage or it does engage and turn the engine, but it refuses to start?
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Saturday, May 27th, 2017 AT 12:09 PM (Merged)
Tiny
JACKHUGHES81
  • MEMBER
  • 2 POSTS
  • 1999 INFINITI I30
Electrical problem
1999 Infiniti I30 6 cyl Front Wheel Drive 150000 miles

I replaced starter/solenoid and the inhibitor relay.
Still, I turn key and all proper lights come on but no starter-- not the classic chatter of solenoid issues- silence. Things dim like its putting load on starter but only multiple turns back and forth to the start position will make it fire up. When it does, all sounds great.
Seems like when its hot, its worse. Battery is new too. This is a rebuilt engine from a Maxima.
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Saturday, May 27th, 2017 AT 12:09 PM (Merged)

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