1996 Pathfinder not starting... Suggestions PLEASE!!!

[utfan4554]

Hi there... I own a 1996 Nissan Pathfinder that is currently sitting in the parking lot of my apt. complex. It simply won't start. I first noticed that it sounded like it was having trouble turning over about 2 weeks ago. Assuming it may be the battery, I put in a new one. It worked fine for about a week, then started with the same symptom (struggling to turn over when I started it), then it simply died out and wouldn't start anymore. In taking a closer look under the hood, I noticed the wire of the positive terminal cable was about half way frayed near the ring (that attaches to the battery). So, I cut the wire and replaced the little ring and re-attached the wire. Quite simple, really... But still nothing! Just in case, I decided to have the battery tested... Battery is fully charged and perfectly fine. I also tried lightly tapping the starter to see if that helped at all... Nope. So, I'm kind of at a stand still. I've ruled out the battery (which has been tested), the terminal cable (which is now connected to a new ring) and the alternator (since I assume if it was the alternator, that would have killed the battery). I haven't ruled out the starter, but I really get the feeling it's something really simple that I'm not seeing, or maybe some sort of connection somewhere (as there appears to be power, but nothing happens when I turn the key). Any other suggestions from those of you more knowledgeable about this sort of thing? Thanks!

JM
Modified by utfan4554 at 4:05 PM 9/2/2008

[gwhunt23]

Does your dash light up when you turn the ignition to the "On" position (without starting the car)?

Can you hear a relay clicking when you attempt to start the engine?

Or can you hear the starter churning with no turn over?

[utfan4554]

gwhunt23... Thanks for the questions...

Dash lights up...Can't hear the relay clicking, but I do hear a veeeeery faint sound (almost like a cell phone on vibrate)... However, I don't think it's the starter churning.

Should I hear a loud clicking or churning?

[gwhunt23]

It sounds as if you need a starter rebuild. Check out the following Starting and Charging section of this service manual if you wish to begin the work on your own:

http://www.gwcustom.com/mirror/sc.pdf

It is for a 99 QX4, but there should be many similarities between these diagrams and your truck. The starter is removable without taking off anything else (like a driveshaft or transmission pan).

However, I would hate to steer you wrong, so please re-check and check again the big red positive cable that runs directly from the battery to the starter. I would hate to take it all apart, then do a bench test on the starter just to find out that it's doing fine.

[utfan4554]

gwhunt23,

Thanks for the suggestion... As it turns out, I couldn't wait any longer, so I caved and took it in to a mechanic. It was the starter. I had it replaced 2 years ago at the same shop I took it to this time, and it had a lifetime warranty. So, he replaced it, and I only had to pay labor costs. Thanks for the suggestion... As it turns out, you were right.