QX4 Will Only Start If Jumped

[whitedragon551]

Well Ive been having some issues with my QX4.

Yesterday replaced a Throttle Position Sensor. Also throwing a code for a Cylinder 1 Misfire. Have not had codes cleared since I replaced the cylinder 1 misfire. However, I can say with certainty that it sounds like it is running alot better. I will be getting codes cleared tomorrow.

For the time being the QX4 will start up fine if its jump started, however if I immediately turn it off and try to start it again it will not start. You can hear it tick like its trying to fire, but it wont.

Recently I have replaced the cap, rotor, and spark plugs. Battery is testing good and rests at a solid 12.4v

What could be causing this issue?

[Towncivilian]

Have you tried tapping on the starter with the handle of a screwdriver or something a few times after a failed unaided start? What are all of the current engine codes (if any)?

[whitedragon551]

Have you tried tapping on the starter with the handle of a screwdriver or something a few times after a failed unaided start? What are all of the current engine codes (if any)?

The 2 codes where a P0120 and a P0301. One is for a TPS sensor the other for a cylinder 1 misfire. Have to get them cleared after replacing the TPS.

I do not know where the starter is. If you could point me in the direction I can give it a shot.

[Towncivilian]

SC-8 shows the starter location.

Can you scan for codes with the ignition set to "ON" to see if any new codes popped up?

[whitedragon551]

SC-8 shows the starter location.

Can you scan for codes with the ignition set to "ON" to see if any new codes popped up?

Start looks like its above the passenger side axle?

[whitedragon551]

Havent had time to get the SUV down to get codes cleared. Been busy with a new job.

However, if it were the starter it wouldnt start even when being jumped am I right?

Im thinking a cell in the battery is bad. Wouldnt be the first time Ive had an issue with a new AutoValue battery. At this point Im thinking exchange under warranty, sell the new battery on CL, and buy something reputable.

Thoughts on this? Recommendations on different batteries? I was thinking either a Duralast Gold Group 34 (800CCA) or a Bosche Premium Group 78 (770 CCA) for right around the same price at $120.

[fueler]

With the symptoms you have described, the only things it can be is bad battery (possibly dead cell inside) or bad connection on the battery terminals. It *could* also be related to a bad alternator but you said the battery rests at 12V so it sounds like its getting charged. With the motor running, you should see over 13V... if less than 13V then you have bad alternator.

If it was related to or starter, you'd have the same problems regardless of whether or not cables are hooked up.

As far as battery brand, batteries nowadays are almost all made by only 2 companies. Most batteries are made by Johnson Controls, while the remainder are Exide. Companies buy the batteries and slap their own sticker on them, so switching brands will probably do you no good. Batteries nowadays are junk, I've been using standard Wal-Mart EverStart batteries (from Johnson Controls) and I had one with a dead cell after only 5 months, then the replacement battery died after 2 years 10 months. They come with a three year warranty, so i'm on my third battery under the same warranty! I'm only saying this to let you know that you CAN get bad batteries out of the box.

[whitedragon551]

AutoValue refuses to replace the battery if it tests good, but doesnt work. I should be swapping another battery in today from my other vehicle. Will see if it starts then. If it does I know its the battery. If not then its something else.

Im prepared for the worst. If the battery isnt the culprit what else could it be?

[chris_clark1979]

Try this.
Try to jump it off with just the ground hooked up to both vehicles. If it does crank you have a bad ground if not that idea is cleared. But if it does crank Check your battery ground wire and the engine ground. Heck i would clean the contact points and grease them just make sure the connections are on bare metal.
But if it doesn't crank make sure all of your connections are clean and greased. If your battery is keeping a charge over night while it is hooked up the diodes in the alternator are good. So that would narrow that out.

[whitedragon551]

Cleaned the contacts with a wire brush when I bought it. Cleaned them with my Dremel.

We jump started the car and disconnected the battery completed. Stayed running just fine.

Took my battery out completely and unhooked the battery in my dads truck. We couldnt get his battery out due to his rusted tie down strap so we ran jumper cables from his battery to my battery wires with no battery in my engine bay and it started.

Just replaced it with a Duralast Gold and it starts and runs fine. Shut it off and started it 3-4 times and the SES light hasnt come back so I should be good to go for a little bit now.

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I have a 2003 pathfinder with 178000, 3.5l would only start when jumped. Just replaced alternator and still does same thing! Btw it was a b**** to get alternator out, any suggestion??? Thx

[whitedragon551]

I have a 2003 pathfinder with 178000, 3.5l would only start when jumped. Just replaced alternator and still does same thing! Btw it was a b**** to get alternator out, any suggestion??? Thx

Swap in a different battery and see what happens.