Push the button and everything comes on, but wont crank

Tiny
ANTOINETTE FISHER STEWART
  • MEMBER
  • 2008 NISSAN ALTIMA
  • 2.5L
  • V6
  • 2WD
  • MANUAL
  • 187,000 MILES
I push the button and everything comes on, but wont crank. I've changed the clutch switch, banged on the steering lock box under the steering wheel. Still no crank. I don't even hear the starter click. Please help.
Thursday, February 27th, 2020 AT 7:20 PM

1 Reply

Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 109,755 POSTS
This can be the result of a few things, a failed starter, relay, and so on. Here is what I suggest: First, I need you to confirm there is 12v to the large wire on the starter. It should have 12v all the time. (see pic 1). If it has power, confirm the fuses in pics 2 and 3 are good.

If you look at the first pic, note there is a fusible link between the battery and starter. It will look like a regular wire, but it functions as a fuse, so by confirming power at the large wire on the starter will tell us if it is good or bad.

If the fusible link and fuses all test good, then we need to check for power at the smaller wire on the starter. It will only have 12v when the starter button is pressed with the clutch depressed and brake on. Here is a link showing how that is done. The directions show a traditional key. Rather than a key, you will have a helper go through the start procedure as if it is being started.

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

If you find there is power to the smaller wire, replace the starter. If there isn't, we have to start going backwards to find where the power loss happens. If I recall, the starter relay isn't replaceable on this vehicle. It is most likely integrated into the power distribution box under the hood. If that is the case, and I believe it is, you will need to have the vehicle scanned to identify diagnostic trouble codes related to the starting system. However, we will cross that bridge when we get to it.

Here are a few links you may find helpful when testing:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-check-a-car-fuse

Check out the diagrams (Below). Please let us know what happens.
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Monday, May 17th, 2021 AT 6:40 PM

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