slight delay when starting 03 M45

[SoThrowedMex]

So, when I put the fob in the ignition and try to start it I get a click but no engine turning. After a couple times it will eventually start.
I am afraid this is the starter starting to go out. Anyone ever have this issues?

Hopefully its just a battery in the FOB going out. (thats if they even have batteries in the FOB)

Can someone chime in?

[szh]

The fob only needs a battery for the remote functionality - I am pretty sure that it can still start the car when that battery is dead, because it is an RFID-like system for the car to read it, when the fob is in the dash.

It is likely to be your car battery ... the typical life of the Nissan car battery appears to be about 3 to 4 years max. When it fails to turn over, that indicates a dying battery.

Recently though, I did replace the starter in my car - even a new battery did not fix it. So that is one possibility yes, but I would try with a new battery first (depending on how old it is) ... since it is a cheaper solution, and you may need a new battery anyway.

Z

[chrislockett]

I had the same problem. The dealership told me the car battery was on its way out (3 years old). They installed a new and no issues since.

[SoThrowedMex]

Thanks SZH, and Chrislockett. I will definitely look into the battery. May take it to the autozone here and see if they can test it for me before it actually goes out and leaves me stranded.

[SoThrowedMex]

The fob only needs a battery for the remote functionality - I am pretty sure that it can still start the car when that battery is dead, because it is an RFID-like system for the car to read it, when the fob is in the dash.

It is likely to be your car battery ... the typical life of the Nissan car battery appears to be about 3 to 4 years max. When it fails to turn over, that indicates a dying battery.

Recently though, I did replace the starter in my car - even a new battery did not fix it. So that is one possibility yes, but I would try with a new battery first (depending on how old it is) ... since it is a cheaper solution, and you may need a new battery anyway.

Z

SZH, if you dont mind me asking, why did you change out your starter? What kind of symptoms were you having? Any similar to mine? Just curious.

[jonlex99]

OP with the Sintom that you are dicriving I think your starter is on its way out. A single click at the turn of the key is the starte, multiple clicks at the turn of the key is a weak battery. The issue you may run into is tha the starter may or may not show this Sintom all the time. Never the less get the battery tested.

[sebvox]

This is a known issue with the Y34. It is not the battery. Some claim it is the battery terminals not connecting well to the posts. It is such an intermittent problem- I can go a month without it happening then it will act up for a week then go away again. I have had luck after pumping the brakes to get it started. I am starting to wonder if it is part of the faulty instrument cluster recall. I will see if it occurs after I get my car back from the dealership for the fuel gauge recall.

Update: it still occurs after the recall has been performed.

[SoThrowedMex]

thanks for the heads up. Yea its very annoying. If its not the starter or battery I dont want to waste the $ trying to replace it for nothing.

[MaxBolus]

Last time it happened to me, I had been working on the car and had the battery out. I went back and tightened the terminal post connections and it went away.
I just had it in the shop two weeks ago, and the gremlin came back- they did have the battery disconnected, so I'm going to go back and re-tighten things. Probably should clean the posts while I'm in there.

But I would strongly recommend checking/cleaning/replacing battery connections before spending any money on a starter.
Don't forget the ground connections as well (those that you can see and reach, at least). Our Y34s are "of an age" now where electrical connector corrosion will start to become an issue. Hmm, maybe not so much in sunny climes with no salty road winters, but who knows.

[SoThrowedMex]

**updsate**

So i swapped the battery with a nice 14volt top of the line battery and it didnt solve the problem. I didnt have to spend anything for the battery since I traded it via craigslist for a laptop. I actually got 2 nice kinetik batteries.

It ended up being my starter after all. Got it replaced for $330 which included part and labor. Thanks guys.

[Double E]

Thanks for the resolution. I'll be looking to do the same in a year or 2 ...I imagine.

[bertini88]

SoThrowedMex: i'd like to get an update since i am having the exact issues with my 2003 M45.

[SoThrowedMex]

SoThrowedMex: i'd like to get an update since i am having the exact issues with my 2003 M45.

It was my starter, Replaced, and it went away.

[sebvox]

After cleaning all the battery, starter and alternator connections, replacing the battery, replacing the starter relay, it finally came down to the starter. Bobcat Dan has a good write up on how to remove the hidden top nut of the starter and how high you have to lift the engine to remove and re-install the new starter.

03-m45-starter-help-t530015.html

The car starts on the first turn of the key every time, no more click.