weird no start

[jonja]

so for the past two days, my '94 q45a has been acting like there was somethign draining the battery. everytime i go to start it, it barely turns over to start. and i had to jump start it once.

got battery and charging system tested, both good.

last night i park, expecting to have to jump start it in the morning.

BUT, now it won't turn over at all. jump start or not. lights turn on though.

the security light on the dash blinks when i have the ignition in the start position. i can't remember if thats what normally happens but i think not.

my car does have aftermarket keyless entry i think. the remote says KeylessRide.

my car probably thinks i'm stealing it. how do i convince it that its me?

[oldmako]

Did you check the battery posts and terminals for corrosion and condition? (Both ends of the battery ground strap)

Easy to get enough voltage to run lights and accessories, but not enough to spin the engine.

[jonja]

yeah, the battery terminals are tight and un corroded.

[oldmako]

Here's an apples and oranges comparison for you:

On a Ford Marine starter, when it starts to wear out, it will give you all the indications of a dead batt. Internal corrosion and rust ruins the wiring and the resistance goes through the roof. I put a new starter on my boat every two years or so when it starts to crank slow.

PERHAPS the starter on your geewhizmobile is getting long in the tooth and this is manifesting itself by cranking slowly..or not at all. Or perhaps the antitheft system is compromising the start. Or perhaps I am completely full of it and this is way beyond my pay grade and limited technical abilities. Sorry to hear it.

[Q45tech]

And the battery voltage reads ??? while you are in cranking position, so called loaded test.

Those of use North of ATL are getting our 16F early morning battery test.

I'm glad I switched from 10w30 to 0w40 last month

[jonja]

is there any way to hit the starter without jacking the car up? i'm starting to think its a bad starter

[maxnix]

Starter motors almost never fail. Solenoid maybe.

Test your battery first, then the alternator.

[jonja]

k, so i hit the starter with a hammer and now it works. bad solenoid? any way to fix that without removing the starter?

[RAP]

k, so i hit the starter with a hammer and now it works. bad solenoid? any way to fix that without removing the starter?

Disclaimer: I have not removed a starter on these cars.

However not likely that you can do ANY starter repairs on any starter without first removing the starter except what you have done, BANGING with the hammer. Perhaps breaking loose the nut holding the hot lead to the solenoid which may be corroded and clean around there.

Your story reads like an "old starter" and they do accumulate dirt and debris within which might interfere with the solenoid and the brushes. My experience with Nissan starters is positive, meaning they are excellent starters, and worth the effort at restoration. You can replace the brushes if needed but usually a little sanding with fine emery cloth around the commutator will take care of that. There are many parts though and you should proceed with care if you do decide to open it up, but, it is doable. A good parts display, such as contained in the FSM ,will do wonders if you get lost.

From what I have read, here on the boards, is that the removal of the starter from the engine is quite the chore for the novice. You might do a further search for more opinions.

Good luck. Jack