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Intermittently starting?

Tiny
CHALEYNNE ARMSTRONG
  • MEMBER
  • 2005 NISSAN ALMERA
  • 1.5L
  • MANUAL
  • 7,000 MILES
Car been intermittently starting for 4 months, it can be fine 5 days out of 7 then I have to bump start. I'm now having to bump start every time, it's cranking fine, battery, starter motor, alternator, fuel pump all good, but not getting a spark. When it first started, I found locking it and double clicking to open seemed to work so assumed it was immobilizer issue, replaced battery in key fob but still won't start.
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Thursday, October 5th, 2023 AT 1:23 PM

15 Replies

Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 109,772 POSTS
Hi,

When it won't start with the key, does it always start when you bump start it? If so, then I don't believe there is an issue with the anti-theft.

Have you ever had any problems once the engine is started? I ask because if you lose spark, it could be a faulty crankshaft position sensor or even a connector issue at the sensor.

Please understand, the Almera wasn't offered in the US, so my manuals don't have information related to them.

Take a look through this link:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/symptoms-of-a-bad-crankshaft-sensor

Let me know.

Joe
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Thursday, October 5th, 2023 AT 6:34 PM
Tiny
CHALEYNNE ARMSTRONG
  • MEMBER
  • 8 POSTS
Hi, yes it starts first time bumping and run's fine. I've bumped today, drove 10 miles parked up for hour and started fine first time and 4 times since it's starting fine but come to morning and I will probably be back to bumping.
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Friday, October 6th, 2023 AT 11:15 AM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 109,772 POSTS
Hi,

Have you had the battery load tested? If it starts that quick when you bump start it, the starter may be lowering the battery voltage enough to prevent it from starting.

I realized it started today after the bump start, but after sitting overnight, the battery may be losing some of its charge. I don't know if that is something you have done, but most parts stores will do it free of charge.

Let me know.

Joe
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Friday, October 6th, 2023 AT 8:17 PM
Tiny
CHALEYNNE ARMSTRONG
  • MEMBER
  • 8 POSTS
I will have a look at that but away for 3 weeks and car at home.
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Saturday, October 7th, 2023 AT 2:54 AM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 109,772 POSTS
Hi,

No problem. Let me know when you have a chance. I'll be here.

Take care and I hope you are on vacation and not work. LOL

Joe
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Saturday, October 7th, 2023 AT 5:07 PM
Tiny
CHALEYNNE ARMSTRONG
  • MEMBER
  • 8 POSTS
Hi Joe, thanks I am on holiday, I thought this might be interesting to know, last year car went into limp mode wouldn't go over 30mph revs fine when not in gear. Management light on but no codes, changed cam shaft sensor no change but code said air flow prob, so replaced MAF sensor and still no change, had 3 mechanics' out each one was baffled and in the end was told to scrap car which I didn't want to do so I continued to drive at 30mph. MOT was due and I knew I had brake light out so I replaced bulb light  1.49 and to the surprise of all the mechanics it fixed the issue, they are still in shock that a blown bulb had put the car in limp mode, and again they are all baffled by this latest issue so I am determined to find fault and keep car going lol I'll keep you updated.
Charlie
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Wednesday, October 11th, 2023 AT 6:40 PM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 109,772 POSTS
Hi,

Wow, that is the first time I heard of something like that fixing this type of issue. When you return from holiday, have the battery tested as I mentioned above. Also, make certain the battery terminals are clean and tight.

Enjoy your time off.

Joe
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Wednesday, October 11th, 2023 AT 7:30 PM
Tiny
CHALEYNNE ARMSTRONG
  • MEMBER
  • 8 POSTS
Good evening, well back home now and car is running perfect again so no Idea but will let you know if I have any more issues.
Charlie
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Saturday, October 21st, 2023 AT 10:01 AM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 109,772 POSTS
Hi,

Welcome home. LOL The car sounds like it's okay. If anything changes, let me know.

Take care of yourself and feel free to come back anytime in the future.

Joe
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Saturday, October 21st, 2023 AT 7:51 PM
Tiny
CHALEYNNE ARMSTRONG
  • MEMBER
  • 8 POSTS
I spoke to soon, I'm back to bump starting, will start tomorrow checking battery terminals and fuses.
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Sunday, October 22nd, 2023 AT 6:00 PM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 109,772 POSTS
Hi,

It sounds like you have the same kind of luck as I do. If it can go wrong, it always does for me. LOL Heck, I just replaced the rack and pinion in my truck because it had a slight leak. Well, the new (600.00) rack is worse than the original one.

Let me know if you are able to find anything or if you have questions. We'll figure it out one way or another.

Take care and hang in there.

Joe
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Sunday, October 22nd, 2023 AT 9:10 PM
Tiny
CHALEYNNE ARMSTRONG
  • MEMBER
  • 8 POSTS
Hi Joe, can I ask, if my crankshaft sensor is the problem, would this prevent the car not starting at all, I've bumped it a few days ago and had no problems starting since, probably spoke to soon again lol, so question is how can car start normal for a week does this mean it can't be sensor as that wouldn't allow it to start without bumping.
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Tuesday, October 31st, 2023 AT 1:57 PM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 109,772 POSTS
Hi,

A crankshaft position sensor can work one time and not the next. Also, it can be adversely affected by heat. So, in general, yes it could be at fault. However, since the vehicle cranks normally and won't start, but it does start when you bump start it, in my mind, that sounds like an issue somehow related to the ignition switch.

If you have no spark when cranking but it starts when bumped, that indicates it does have spark when the key is not in the start position.

Have you checked to see if there are any wiring or connector issues from the ignition switch?

Let me know.

Joe
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Tuesday, October 31st, 2023 AT 7:09 PM
Tiny
CHALEYNNE ARMSTRONG
  • MEMBER
  • 8 POSTS
No, I haven't but soon as I get a chance I will look and get back to you.
Charlie
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Wednesday, November 1st, 2023 AT 5:39 AM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
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Hi,

Sounds like a plan. Let me know what is found. I'll be here.

Take care,

Joe
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Wednesday, November 1st, 2023 AT 6:10 PM

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