Car No-Start; Need Advice!

[kmartshopper]

I'm not familiar with the intricacies of my car's engine, and I only fix simple things with a detailed guide. I'm hoping with everyone's input I can pinpoint the problem part.

I have a 1993 Nissan 240sx, automatic 4-speed. Lately I've ran into a problem which appears to follow a pattern.

After driving for any amount of time, if I leave the car for anywhere between 30 minutes to an hour, and try to start it once more, I will get a single click. This will almost always occur during the hottest time of the day. If I wait patiently, and come back 15 minutes later, I will turn the key, and a couple seconds later get it to start. It's a delayed start.

It starts fine at night, and it starts fine for a short while after turning it off. But once I pass the threshold of safe starts, and it's warm outside, I'm out of luck for an hour or maybe less.

Lights don't appear to dim much when I try to start it, but battery did seem to become drained one day this summer and couldn't power my sub; which was a first for me, because I'm a very casual listener.

I have a cheapo alarm I installed in the car, and since this problem has started, the power-sensing function will trigger if I set the alarm. I haven't actually used the alarm in quite some time for it's intended purpose.

I can try starting the car in quick succession with nothing but many single clicking sounds.

My step-brother suggested replacing the starter relay, which I've yet to locate, but I'm familiar with where to find it. I've tried tapping the starter with a hammer but I probably did it wrong.

Any help would be appreciated. I used to pay hundreds for mechanics to fix this stuff but I don't want to spend foolishly on the car anymore, although it is my favorite car in the world.

Thanks!

[Wc240]

clean and tighten your battery terminal connections. sounds like bad connections coupled with mabe a older/aging battery

[Aeroz]

If y ou want to definitively eliminate a possibility , you can take off the starter and have it tested at your local auto shop for free.

[kmartshopper]

Thanks for the tips, I'll see what I can do.

The battery was replaced by my mechanic 3 years ago, and I haven't messed with it since. I'll try disconnecting and cleaning the connections.

I'll have to wait to test the starter, but thanks for the tip.

[owlznite]

If y ou want to definitively eliminate a possibility , you can take off the starter and have it tested at your local auto shop for free.

[Wc240]

Thanks for the tips, I'll see what I can do.

The battery was replaced by my mechanic 3 years ago, and I haven't messed with it since. I'll try disconnecting and cleaning the connections.

I'll have to wait to test the starter, but thanks for the tip.

average walmart quality batterys have a life of about 2 years

[kmartshopper]

Okay I cleaned the battery connections - the ground seemed a bit dirty. The battery label says "65 Month," and it's outputting 12.7-12.8 volts with car off.

So far, it's starting without hesitation. I will drive it for a bit and post back if I have any problems.

Thanks!