Click on start turns over when brake pushed

[Gmenfan]

Hey all - first time post. I did some searching on the forum, I've found quite a few starter related posts for the QX4. What is interesting about mine is it "seems" to turn over when the brake pedal is pushed. The clicking / non starting doesn't happen all of the time but when it does, a push or two on the brake pedal seems to cure it. I can hear a switch activate when hitting the brake as well, assuming that's the park/neutral switch? So, coincidence or related? Thanks!

[Gmenfan]

Scratch that...just tried again and didn't seem to solve the problem. So it's intermittent...turn key hear what I believe is the solenoid clicking then a couple more tries and it turns over.

[rgk]

What you are hearing is the solenoid which allows you to shift out of park. It activates with a press of the brake pedal and is located next to the gear selector under the center console trim.

[Gmenfan]

Thanks!

Some additional information, neighbor came by with his TOAD scan software. A pending ( not yet thrown code) was P0335 Infiniti - Crankshaft Position Sensor Circuit. Possible causes are:

- Faulty crankshaft position sensor
- Crankshaft position sensor harness is open or shorted
- Crankshaft position sensor circuit poor electrical connection
- Signal plate may be damage
- Starter motor may be faulty
- Starting system circuit
- Dead or weak battery

Battery was just replaced last week. Starter motor may be faulty or starting system circuit is a possible cause. Given the symptoms I've described, seems logical to me but I'm open for suggestion? I'd hate to 'easter egg' a starter and that not be the problem.

[rgk]

I and a few other members experienced this issue, and for all of us it turned out to be the starter. The clicking you are hearing is the solenoid moving but not fully engaging.