2005 Pathfinder refuses to start

[sw.millington]

Hello:

I have a 2005 Pathfinder LE that was in good condition for it's age. The usual maintenance, some body repair and parts replacements have all been done to keep it reliable and safe. I've loved this vehicle.

Recently I drove it home as normal and the next day could not start it. Everything works with the key, but it refuses to start. I have replaced the battery although I'm pretty sure that it wasn't the problem. The starter never gave indication of pending trouble. I've checked fuses and links, but I think it may be some kind of electronic problem.

Does anyone have any ideas as to where to start looking?

[mdmellott]

From your description of what you've check, it sounds like you're out of gas. Seriously though, I would start by looking to see if the fuel pump is working.

[VStar650CL]

From your description of what you've check, it sounds like you're out of gas. Seriously though, I would start by looking to see if the fuel pump is working.

+1. Easy to check, spray some Brakleen or Gumout down the intake past the air filter. If it starts right up and then quits, fuel starvation is the issue.

[sw.millington]

Sorry Guys:

I need to clarify. It simply will not even attempt to activate the starter. Everything works through the normal key movements until turned to the start position and then no attempt to start. Fuel, fluids, plugs or anything else so simple is not the issue. This vehicle doesn't owe me a penny at this point, and has had many parts replaced as per normal wear and mileage. If this were a simple traditional mechanical issue, I'd have solved it in days.

I think it's an electronic issue, like the (anti-theft) vehicle immobilization system. But this should show up on an OBDII scan shouldn't it? I think maybe a module has bought the farm. I have been reading manuals and trying to find a solution for over a month now, and really don't want to replace the vehicle just yet. I'm really looking for any experience out there with this problem?

Thanks

[mdmellott]

Ok then. I would start by looking at the starting system work flow diagnosis to rule out the starter motor circuit and switch circuit. Pages SC-14 through SC-16 of the factory service manual for the '05 Pathfinder spells out the detailed steps. https://www.nicoclub.com/service-manual ... 5%2Fsc.pdf
When my starter motor gave up the ghost awhile back, there was no prior indication that it was on its way out. This work flow confirmed it but I still didn't believe it until I replaced it and then all was well again. The switch circuit may the issue instead and this work flow will point that out as well if that is the case.

[VStar650CL]

I think it's an electronic issue, like the (anti-theft) vehicle immobilization system. But this should show up on an OBDII scan shouldn't it? I think maybe a module has bought the farm. I have been reading manuals and trying to find a solution for over a month now, and really don't want to replace the vehicle just yet. I'm really looking for any experience out there with this problem?

Thanks for clarifying. Yes, no-crank is different and a security issue won't cause it. Security would let it crank endlessly with no spark, and there would be P16xx codes in the ECM. The starter is directly activated by the IPDM and the TCM, so a test lamp will tell you where the problem is. Here's what you'll need for diagnosis.

Begin your diagnosis with Gray wire terminal 21 on the IPDM. With the test light grounded, probe 21 while turning the key. The lamp should light. If it doesn't, you probably have a bad ignition switch. If it does, probe White wire terminal 19 while turning the key. That wire goes direct to the starter solenoid, so if it lights with the key then you most likely have a bad starter. If it doesn't light, connect the test lamp to 12V instead of ground, then probe terminal 48 Red while turning the key. If it lights then you have either a bad starter relay or a bad IPDM. Obviously try a relay first. If it doesn't light, it means either the trans controller (TCM) is offline or the neutral switch is bad. Check the transmission fuse first (also in the IPDM).

[sw.millington]

Gentlemen: Thank you. It's good to see some help here. I will go through the process that Vstar650CL lays out, Strangely enough, it's actually encouraging to hear that someone else (mdmellott) saw their starter behave the same way. They normally give some indication of failure. Here's hoping.

Thanks again Guys, I will update when I figure this out.

[VStar650CL]

Strangely enough, it's actually encouraging to hear that someone else (mdmellott) saw their starter behave the same way. They normally give some indication of failure. Here's hoping.

You're most welcome. It isn't really unusual for a weak starter brush to cause sudden failure...

(urp)

...in the middle of the paragraph. If you're stuck on the road, often a whack with a hammer will wake it up for a few more spins.