2001 pathfinder won't fire up!!but makes a whizzzzzzzzing sound......

[blackpather]

Hey. I tried searching for my situation and I couldn't find anything. Here it is. I have a 01 pathfinder with 97000 miles. the last week or so it's been hard to start it up. It makes wierd noises and takes a couple tries to start. As of this morning, when i try and start it up i hear it whizzzing but no actual startuip. it basically sounds like its not firing up the engine but it still makes a whizzing sound when i turn the key. The battery is good. i also cannot press the brake pedal down anymore because i "pumped" it all out I guess you could say trying to start it up. I do have an SES light on but I do not think it has to do with the startup problems but i could be wrong. Any help is much appreciated guys. Thanks.

the whizzing comes from the motor. I turn the key to start it up and you know how normally it goes nnnn nnn nn nnnn n ROOOOOOOOOOOM to start? well it doesn't even make the nnn nnnn nnnnnnnn sound at all. it makes an electrical whizzing sound likes it's missing something. ive tried searching google and the past posts here and i can' t find my exact problem. are there some fuses I could check?everthing electrical is good.

i figured it could be something to do with the starter. i just went and pinpointed the sound as best as i could. after i tried to start it, i ran and put my ear under the hood and there is a gurgling/clickingish type of sound coming from behind the area where the cable is pulled to start the engine. I'm not real familiar with engine terms so I can't describe it too well but it's between the firewall and the actual engine. thanks again

user "Elwesso" helped me come to a possibility that the starter needs to be replaced. any other thoughts.

[blackpather]

after reading through some other problems, im starting to think it could have something to do with the timing....i do have a SES light on but do not know exactly what code it is.

[12Ounce]

If the engine is not actually turning over, it's most likely the starter solenoid. I expect the starter motor is turning, but the solenoid is not causing it to "engage".

Years ago you would have replaced the solenoid by itself. Today it makes more sense to replace the whole starter complete.

[blackpather]

that's exactly it. i think I have come to the final conclusion that my starter needs to be replaced. I'll try tapping the solenoid with a hammer to see if i can start it up to drive over to nissan. Actually, could I replace the starter by myself?I called Nissan and they want 290 for the starter or 490 for parts and labor to have them do it. Thanks for the help guys.

[blackpather]

may be a dumb question, but where exactly is the starter and solenoid located in the engine bay?

[12Ounce]

Don't know about your particular model ... but on my '93 pup, it's low on the right side at rear of engine ... where transmission and engine couple-up. Two bolts hold it in place, but it has elects hooked to it also.

On some models there can be a clearance problem when you try to remove it.

On manual transmission models, you can start by rolling down a hill and popping the clutch. On some automatics, trying this will be disastrous.