1991 Nissan Sentra Starting problem

Avatar
BORRELLI
  • MEMBER
  • 2 POSTS
Electrical problem
1991 Nissan Sentra 4 cyl Front Wheel Drive Automatic 115K miles

Hello, hopefully you can help. I own a 1991 Nissan Sentra, with approximately 115K miles on it. The problem I'm having is intermittent. While turning the key to start, it cranks, then after about a second or two, it quits cranking and lets out a high pitched, loud winding sound. The lights come on, the door and seat belt alerts sound. Everything electrical works, except when it comes to actually trying to start. Sometimes, it just wont crank at all. I have replaced the ignition relay thinking that was the problem, but it continues. I've tried starting it in neutral, but i get the same results. The starter is a rebuilt unit, installed 9/2008. The battery was new, installed 10/2008. Could this be a relay, injector, or ignition switch problem? It sounds like the starter kind of "quits" trying to start after a second or two. It will not keep trying to turn the engine over.
Jan 19, 2010 at 9:47 AM
Advertisement
Avatar
RASMATAZ
  • ✓Experienced Mechanic
  • 75,988 POSTS
TY for the donation

Double check battery connection to include the starter side if okay You need to drop the starter sounds like the overunning clutch is slipping it will do that, Also the symptoms sometimes accompanied by a humming noise then decides to engage again
Jan 19, 2010 at 10:15 AM
Avatar
BORRELLI
  • MEMBER
  • 2 POSTS
Ok, so double check the starter. I forgot to mention it is an automatic. So it is possible it could be a faulty stater? I have heard of purchasing rebuilt units that fail early, so it doesn't surprise me that this could be happening. I will check all the connections and do a follow up. Thank you.
Jan 19, 2010 at 10:19 AM
Avatar
RACEFAN966
  • ✓Experienced Mechanic
  • 5,029 POSTS
You could also pull the starter out and take it to the parts store and have them test it. Let them know the problem you are having. There is a contact plate in those type starters that do go bad and some remans do go bad sooner then others.
Jan 28, 2010 at 2:17 AM
Add a reply
Join 2CarPros for free, one of the most advanced car repair communities on the internet. From first-time drivers to seasoned mechanics, everyone is welcome to reply, share details, and get better answers. You can add a temporary image or video first; uploads are limited to 20 MB.

Frequently Asked Problems for This Vehicle