Hi,
This is my first post here (although I've been following NICO for awhile--a great resource, btw!)...
I have a 2000 i30 (bought 2 years ago, with only 65K miles). Last week, on my way back from shopping, it suddenly wouldn't start: no cranking, no clicking noise, nothing. Jumper cables didn't work (battery was OK), so I had to have it towed to my mechanic.
Right after I bought it 2 years ago (at 46K miles), the exact same thing happened--suddenly dead starter, no jumps possible, had to be towed. At that time, my mechanic said it was a bad starter and replaced it (about $500), and it worked fine till last week.
This time, at first he said it couldn't be the starter, then changed his mind and said it WAS, and replaced it again (another $500).
He explained that the security system was causing the starter to go bad, and I needed to have the anti-theft system disabled to prevent this from happening again. This didn't make sense to me. He said it was an after-market system, so it could be disabled (as opposed to factory-installed, which couldn't). He'd do it for $195. I began to get suspicious and told him to hold off.
(Also--I'm not sure if this is related: A day later, the starter wouldn't kick in again. But this time, I heard clicking and was able to jump it. Turned out to be a weak battery, which I just replaced. I wonder if there's something wrong with the electrical system?)
So my question is: How can the security system shorten the life of a starter? Has anyone else had a problem like this? Is my mechanic being dishonest or just misinformed? Could it be other electrical issues?
I've searched all over this forum but couldn't find anything on point, other than this post in 2011:
1999-infiniti-i30-starting-issues-t521782.html
Thanks in advance for any help/advice!
i30 - security system causing starter to go bad?
Re: i30 - security system causing starter to go bad?
This does not make sense.
I have a 2000 Maxima; this car is very similar to yours. Next time it happens, I suggest you do the following:
1. Turn the ignition key to ON. Does the dash light up? If not, go to 2, otherwise go to 4
2. Check battery voltage; it should be at least 12 volts, and the cables should be secured on the post. Go to #3 if low voltage, otherwise to 4.
3. Check the in-line fusible link from the red (positive) battery terminal. Is it intact and not smelling or looking melted/burnt? If bad, repair fusible link and retest. In either case, charge or replace battery and retest.
4. Turn the key to START. Does the engine crank over?
a. Nothing happens at all: go to step 5.
b. No, but the starter is spinning real fast: Needs starter or flywheel? Try banging on starter with a heavy metal rod-type object to see if pinion will unstick...
c. Yes, but starter is turning slowly: Recharge or replace battery and retest.
d. Yes, it cranks over fine - go to step 7 (not included here).
5. When you turn the key, do you hear a clicking noise from under the hood from the area of the starter? If not, go to step 6, otherwise, recharge or replace battery and retest.
6. Starter Not Clicking. Things to check if you have reached this step are:
a. Starter motor or cables from battery/alternator to starter bad, or solenoid does not engage (give it a whack)
b. Engine stuck. Ouch!
c. Nissan Immobilizer System issue or your key is not programmed properly
d. Neutral/clutch safety switches defective
e. Ignition switch defective
Your description suggests that you may have a case of (6c). If you are having a problem with NATS (Nissan immobilizer And Theft prevention System), the red led in with to clock will be on solid. And if this is happening, the ECU does not fire the fuel injectors in order to prevent the engine from starting. The most likely cause is that for some reason, the ECU does not recognize your car key. Try to wiggle it; try your spare key, if you have one; if all that fails, you may have to re-program your keys.
I have a 2000 Maxima; this car is very similar to yours. Next time it happens, I suggest you do the following:
1. Turn the ignition key to ON. Does the dash light up? If not, go to 2, otherwise go to 4
2. Check battery voltage; it should be at least 12 volts, and the cables should be secured on the post. Go to #3 if low voltage, otherwise to 4.
3. Check the in-line fusible link from the red (positive) battery terminal. Is it intact and not smelling or looking melted/burnt? If bad, repair fusible link and retest. In either case, charge or replace battery and retest.
4. Turn the key to START. Does the engine crank over?
a. Nothing happens at all: go to step 5.
b. No, but the starter is spinning real fast: Needs starter or flywheel? Try banging on starter with a heavy metal rod-type object to see if pinion will unstick...
c. Yes, but starter is turning slowly: Recharge or replace battery and retest.
d. Yes, it cranks over fine - go to step 7 (not included here).
5. When you turn the key, do you hear a clicking noise from under the hood from the area of the starter? If not, go to step 6, otherwise, recharge or replace battery and retest.
6. Starter Not Clicking. Things to check if you have reached this step are:
a. Starter motor or cables from battery/alternator to starter bad, or solenoid does not engage (give it a whack)
b. Engine stuck. Ouch!
c. Nissan Immobilizer System issue or your key is not programmed properly
d. Neutral/clutch safety switches defective
e. Ignition switch defective
Your description suggests that you may have a case of (6c). If you are having a problem with NATS (Nissan immobilizer And Theft prevention System), the red led in with to clock will be on solid. And if this is happening, the ECU does not fire the fuel injectors in order to prevent the engine from starting. The most likely cause is that for some reason, the ECU does not recognize your car key. Try to wiggle it; try your spare key, if you have one; if all that fails, you may have to re-program your keys.
Re: i30 - security system causing starter to go bad?
Maxiiiboy: THANKS for writing all this--and so clearly! Very helpful. The car runs fine now, but I'll get back with more details soon. Have to go to work now.