M45 won't start

[LaCapitalRue]

WTF! My '03 M45 will not start I have driven short trips all week and tonight, I reached for the handle and notice that the alarm has been disengaged. I try to start it and nothing,. No lights or gauges. I put a charger on the battery and try the jump start feature and I all I get is a "rat-a-tat-tat" sound. I let it quick charge for an hour and still I get "rat-a-tat-tat".

Any suggestions before towing to the dealership?Can I replace the battery without having to go the dealer?If so, any issues that I should anticipate with the vehicle settings or smart key functions?

[lfj2025]

I'd get a new battery first. If it shorted out it won't charge. For whatever reason I've noticed a lot of these batteries have been replaced by 4 years. Keep us posted.

[Boon]

You definitely do not need to go to the dealer. Go to Auto Zone or Sears with your old battery and they will just sell you a new one. You should be fine with your smart key and all that jazz. Your just going to have to reset your radio presets. If it's not the battery you can always return the new one you bought. Good Luck.................

[LaCapitalRue]

Thanks Fellas! Any significant value in buying Diehard batteries at Sears as compared to batteries at Autozone?

[szh]

Any good battery should be fine, as long it meets the CCA and size specifications for your car. I think that info is in our Basic spec sticky ...

Typical battery life is about 4 to 5 years max. My first one went at about 4 years (almost five from date of manufacture). Exactly the same symptoms as you described.

Z

[szh]

I should note that Nissan warranties the battery for long enough that I was able to get a new one at the dealer for $80 or so (prorated life). They gave me a free flatbed tow, $80 cost, free installation (kept the technician after 5pm waiting for me), etc.

But, my car is under warranty, and this is my third Infiniti purchase from them - I get great service at the dealer!

Z

[LaCapitalRue]

After a quick trip to AutoZone and I am back in action.NICO rocks!!

[lfj2025]

So it was the battery?

[LaCapitalRue]

Yep. I am back in action.