New starter... Not the prob, still won't start....

[NICONick]

OK, so over the past few weeks I've been having a starting prob with my car. I would have to turn the key a couple times for it to start. However, this problem got progressively worse until it wouldn't start at all. So, I thought it was the starter since I replaced my old one with a used one and figured it just went bad. Bought a new starter and go to fire it up, and same thing. Turned the key about 5 times and it started, turned it off, fired it back up. It started for about 5 times in a row after that. Knowing that it only takes a half a turn once the car has been started I decided to see if the prob was solved. I pulled the plug on the distributor cap, let it crank about 10 times, popped the plug back on, and nothing. Same prob happened. I have yet to get it started since that.

Ignition prob? Any ideas what's wrong? (brand new starter, alt not even 6 mo. old, batt about the same)

EDIT: I also took the steering column cover off to see if maybe there was a wire short there or something, but the wires looked brand new, column was prob never off.

[numbnuts240]

just because you bought something new (remanned) doesn't necessarily mean it's good. i went through 3 or 4 starters on my old hatch before i got a good one.

[Cone Junky]

Make sure you are getting 12V signal to the starter solenoid and check for voltage drop from the battery to the starter.Sounds like a malfunctioning ignition switch, but verify before you throw any (more) parts at it.

[zerepdivad]

So it won't even crank is what you're saying or it just cranks and doesn't start?

[NICONick]

So it won't even crank is what you're saying or it just cranks and doesn't start?

Won't even crank. I turn the key and get one click.

[NICONick]

Make sure you are getting 12V signal to the starter solenoid and check for voltage drop from the battery to the starter.Sounds like a malfunctioning ignition switch, but verify before you throw any (more) parts at it.

Don't have a voltmeter to check those things... any other way of doing that?

[93sivliaUsdm]

check the battery and the 75amp alternator fuse in the engine bay fuse box

[xX RB Xx]

^ x2 on the battery

[NICONick]

OK so I searched for ignition switch and someone described same prob in a thread called "stater prob turned out to be ignition switch" and he said he took apart steering column moved some things around and it started so i did the same and it started up 3 times in a row....

[motoxris]

It's probably just the relay. Its located in the passenger side fender near the battery tray and windsheild wiper fluid and all that stuff. Its usually blue. I had the same problem. Try tapping on it to. Some times it gets stuck. I bought a new one then tried tapping on it and now it works. So I have a spare relay for when the old one dies permanently.

[Cone Junky]

Don't have a voltmeter to check those things... any other way of doing that?

No, you can't accurately diagnose an electrical problem without a multimeter. A simple test light would help, but it still can't measure voltage drop or lack of proper amperage.

[andkorn]

With no key in the ignition, the battery should be about 12 volts. If your battery is less than 12 volts with the car off you have some sort of parasitic loss (short, radio is sucking power, etc)

When the car is running, the multimeter should be showing around 14volts on the battery terminals. If it isn't around 14 volts then your alternator is shot, or the lines from the alternator -> battery are shot.

Voltage drop testing would be the way to go after checking your relay. This can tell you if the starter is not getting enough current. By far the best article I've read about voltage drop testing is this http://www.vernco.com/sparks/id606.htm.

[NismoZRS]

^ x2 on the battery

^ x3 on the battery

[im_looking_for_a_240sx]

ecu grounded well? had a friend with the same problem, ended up being a blown fuse and badconnection/no ecu ground

[OutToWinPAHC]

Scotch bright pad the wire ends to the starter. Corrosion can be a b****.

[Ter240sx]

maybe try getting a new starter relay? only $17 and since then my car starts up fine every time.

[motoxris]

Thank You. What I said.

[NICONick]

It's probably just the relay. Its located in the passenger side fender near the battery tray and windsheild wiper fluid and all that stuff. Its usually blue. I had the same problem. Try tapping on it to. Some times it gets stuck. I bought a new one then tried tapping on it and now it works. So I have a spare relay for when the old one dies permanently.

Im out of town for the day and cannot check on my car, care to provide a picture so i can accurately tap and assess once I get back in town...

Thanks.

Ever since the moving around of the wires in the steering column it has seemed to work fine. I was thinking maybe a short somewhere in the ignition switch wires. I may try buying a new ignition switch. What ya think?

[S14-NEO]

do yourself a favor, if its a 5 speed before you go and start checking wiring etc. etc., go and check the clutch interlock switch pedal bump stop..if its missing or part missing the car wont start. they are readily available at your local nissan dealership if its bad..the one i work at all call them the jelly gromment bump stop..something like 3-5 bucks or so. NOTE: VERY COMMON ON OLDER NISSANS!!

Mark

[Paulevalence]

alright so I was having the exact same problem where it would only start up after a few tries. I went and looked down at my clutch pedal and it turned out that the pedal wasn't pressing down the clutch interlock switch. I think there was a rubber piece missing or something because the switch was centered right in a little hole in the pedal where I think a rubber piece was supposed to be. anyway, with a little piece of plastic and some duct tape the pedal now presses the interlock switch in and the car starts right up. I'm not sure if your problem is as simple as that but I sure feel stupid for not realizing that was the problem earlier

[NICONick]

I will have to check that out as well...

I hear you on the feeling stupid... I bought a $130 starter that I didn't need and handed in my core before buying it so it wasnt more, and now I can't take it back...

[NICONick]

OK, so as u can see a while has passed and I have narrowed my problem down to be the ignition switch. I did this by taking apart my steering column and following the ignition wire. There are two wire that come off from where you put the key in the ignition and go to a plug (Im sure many of you know this) and from the plug there are another two wires coming from it so in order for me to start the car I play around with the plug (squeeze it, move it, move the wires coming off of the plug, etc.). Works every time, some time with a little more finesse than others. So, I believe the problem to be within that plug itself. Knowing that, what are my options? Buy a new ignition switch OR get rid of the plug entirely and just splice the two wires going into the plug with the two wires going out of the plug...? Options?

*If suggesting replacing the switch itself, what all is entailed in that job? Easy? Hard?

[sx moneypit]

The switch is very easy to replace.Drop the covers off the column, remove 1 screw and the switch comes out.

[NICONick]

The switch is very easy to replace.Drop the covers off the column, remove 1 screw and the switch comes out.

Where is this screw you speak of? A pic would be greatly appreciated. Is it far down in the steering c0lumn? Thanks.

[mRodiek]

I still have this issue. Ive talked to several different people, shops, mechanics etc and generally if its a starting problem then its one of a couple things (already listed):-starter-starter relay-ignition switch

I have replaced allof these with BRAND NEW parts and still have an issue, I think its because my battery is in the trunk and Im losing power somewhere along the line. But follow the cylinder where you stick the key in and youll see on the left side of the colum that there is a screw holding it in, unscrew it then unplug the other end and replace.

[NICONick]

I still have this issue. Ive talked to several different people, shops, mechanics etc and generally if its a starting problem then its one of a couple things (already listed):-starter-starter relay-ignition switch

I have replaced allof these with BRAND NEW parts and still have an issue, I think its because my battery is in the trunk and Im losing power somewhere along the line. But follow the cylinder where you stick the key in and youll see on the left side of the colum that there is a screw holding it in, unscrew it then unplug the other end and replace.

Thanks, I will have to take a look tomorrow. A pic would still be nice if someone has one lying around. Also, where would the best place to be to buy one? Im sure its not a part that Pep Boys or Auto Zone would stock. I know Im being lazy but NICO always knows best.

[asoomal]

How are your battery terminals?

[NICONick]

Batt terminals are fine. As I said before, I know it's the ignition switch because that is the wire/plug I play with every time before starting it.

[Afields81]

Just repin the plug. U know our cars are old and with old cars come old wiring.

[mRodiek]

Most Napa's have it in stock. Its like $50-60