2001 Pathfinder: no crank

[dustymc]

2001 Pathfinder automatic.

Usually, it just starts, but has an intermittent no-crank condition. Lots of relays clicking with key-turn. Normal dash lights, fuel pump noise, etc. Turning the key enough times (sometimes many dozens!) will always crank and start it. Neutral vs. park, shifter-jiggling, brake application, etc. has no effect.

No "soft starter engage" - the starter seems to get normal power, or nothing.

No obvious loose wires or corrosion. Pulled and shuffled all the relays I could find.

New neutral safety switch plugged into harness makes no difference - in "park" or "neutral" it clicked a bunch of times, and then started, elsewhere no clicky. Re-attaching the original installed switch wires made it start normally, so far - same as always. (Hope the $80 switch is returnable!)

Brilliant ideas??

[mrwoodsauto]

I doubt it's the neutral safety switch. Start with the crank sensor itself. If the car throws a P0325 you'll know that's what it is. A dirty sensor will sometimes work, sometimes not. It's a strange thing. Your starter will be fine, the relays will work, but that iddy biddy sensor can be a real pain in the a**.

Start there and report back.

Cheers

[quaint bucket]

I doubt it's the neutral safety switch. Start with the crank sensor itself. If the car throws a P0325 you'll know that's what it is. A dirty sensor will sometimes work, sometimes not. It's a strange thing. Your starter will be fine, the relays will work, but that iddy biddy sensor can be a real pain in the a**.

Start there and report back.

Cheers

P0325 is the knock sensor and shouldn't cause this problem.

[pyrophilus]

Have you tried looking at the IPDM? It's the rather large black box with a cover that houses lots of relays.

My '05 had a faulty IPDM relay, so one day it just wouldn't even crank.

New IPDM from courtesy was $120, but now, I think you can get the relays individually.

I would try to swap some relays around and see if it makes it start again.

[rwardell]

check your power and grounds at the battery and the block to body ground straps. also verify the connection at the starter. i've seen this exact thing on literally dozens of vehicles come down to a bad ground or battery terminal.