1990 Nissan Truck Starter No Start

1990 NISSAN TRUCK
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RICHYPOO
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hello there, i have a electrical diagnosing question. my 1990 nissan pick-up (4 cyl, 2wd, manual trans, KA24E engine, odometer unknown) has been having intermittent slow/weak starts for a week or so and then finally refused to start at all. the battery is fine so i figured the starter was to blame. after removing the starter i applied 12 volts directly to the terminals of the starter to check it and it didn't engage or turn or make any sound. i then checked the two leads with a volt meter and saw there was 12 volts across them even when the key was off. when i turned the key to the start position the voltage dropped to zero!does this sound normal? i was wondering if i should look for a relay or check the ignition switch before i install a new starter.hope i have given enough information for a reply! thanks
Mar 14, 2006 at 1:20 PM
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RASMATAZ
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what is your battery open voltage reading?
Mar 15, 2006 at 11:01 PM
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RICHYPOO
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the battery voltage is 12 volts
Mar 16, 2006 at 9:34 AM
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RASMATAZ
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If you wanna go for a quick fix,change the solenoid or get a new starter. as per your batt. try and get it up to 12.5 volts.


On the starter big terminal you should have power at all time, when you are on the start position on the key, the little wire should have power to it atleast little over 12v. and goes away when you release the key.
Mar 16, 2006 at 10:53 AM
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RICHYPOO
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thanks i'll check that out
Mar 16, 2006 at 2:44 PM
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Suggested Repair

Charge the battery to at least 12.5 volts. Confirm the large starter terminal has constant power and the small solenoid wire receives a little over 12 volts only in the start position. If the starter does not engage when 12 volts is applied directly, replace the starter or solenoid.

Conversation Summary

The owner of a 1990 Nissan pickup reported intermittent weak starts that progressed to a no-start. The battery read about 12 volts, and the removed starter did not engage when 12 volts was applied directly. Voltage was present across the starter leads with the key off and dropped to zero in the start position. The expert advised raising battery voltage to 12.5 volts, verifying constant power on the large starter terminal and start-only power on the small wire, and replacing the solenoid or starter as a quick fix.

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