2001 QX4 Will Not Start - Need Help

[tabrown11]

I have a 2001 Infiniti QX4 with just over 150k miles on it. The other day, I went to start it and all I got was a single "click." It did not attempt to turn over the engine or give me multiple clicks, but one single click. Note: In doing so, all of the dash lights and fans were on.

I popped the hood and noticed that the battery was 5yrs old; so I thought that the battery did not have enough juice to engage the starter. I attempted to jump the car, but no luck. I went and bought another battery, and it started! BUT, one day later... same thing... just one "click." I double checked the battery with my multimeter, to ensure it wasn't a bad battery; and it was still fully charged.

After further research, the next thing to replace would be the starter. Just finished doing that. I cranked it the first time and it started; but, after cleaning up all my tools I attempted to start it again, and... just one "click."

What am I missing? What else would cause the engine to not engage when turning the key; but to only get one solid "click"?

Thank you for your help and your time! I look forward to your insight!!

[4xq]

Did you put a new starter solenoid on it as well? Is the click coming from the starter solenoid? If you are not sure, lay underneath the starter and have someone turn the key to see if it is the solenoid clicking. Clicking may be a relay, not the starter.

Put the vehicle in neutral and see if it starts ok. If so, that would be the park / neutral safety switch giving you trouble.

Check your grounds - the main ground is on the engine. Loosen and retighten. There is a smaller ground behind the battery - a 10mm bolt. Loosen and retighten as well. Clean the inside of your battery terminals with a battery terminal brush if you have one.

Try all those and I think you have a pretty good chance of isolating the problem!

[tabrown11]

"Did you put a new starter solenoid on it as well?" - yes, I believe so. This is the replacement part I used [http://www.pepboys.com/product/details/9266166/00132], and my understanding is the starter solenoid is the top cylinder of the part. Please correct me if I am wrong. I haven't checked the clicking yet.. see "Check your grounds" below.

"Put the vehicle in neutral and see if it starts ok." - Did not work.

"Check your grounds" - I loosened and retightened the ground coming off the negative terminal of the battery and the ground above the fuse box. After doing this... it cranked up 3x in a row. I will try again later tonight and in the morning to see if it is still successful.

So my question now is... if retightening the grounds took care of it, what does that mean? Was my existing starter good, or could it have been a compounding issue?

Thank you again for your time and insight! This forum is awesome.

[rgk]

It is indeed likely that your starter was good. The starter requires more juice than any other component in your car, and if a ground is bad and does not allow the juice to flow properly, it will not turn.

[4xq]

Sounds like you have it figured out. Maybe put a voltmeter on it and make sure it is charging over 13 volts at idle before you call it a day.