Introduction
As a professional auto mechanic with over 20 years of experience, I’ve seen my good share of Nissan 180SXs that won’t to start. And let me tell you, I understand how annoying it can be when you’ve got places to go, you hop in, turn the key, and … drum roll please … nada!
But no need to worry friend, you’ve come to the right place. My name’s Robby and in this article, I’m going to explain the most frequent explanations why your Nissan 180SX won’t start. I’ll cover all the most common causes and you’ll understand how to diagnose each potential cause, as well as what to do in each case. I’ll offer practical troubleshooting pointers and repair solutions based on my 20 years’ of practical experience, so you can get your Nissan 180SX starting and driving again as quickly as possible.
Understanding Why a Nissan Won’t Start
When you realize to yourself “My Nissan 180SX won’t start”, this could be due to various things being wrong with your Car. Maybe it’s a case where the engine is not turning over at all, possibly it is cranking partially however then not starting, or perhaps it’s making a clicking sound when you try to start the engine, however ultimately nothing happens. Each of these annoying situations can be a sign of different issues with your car.
Common Reasons Why Your Nissan 180SX Won’t Start
There are many reasons a 180SX will not start up. These problems usually consist of a dead or weak Car battery, a bad alternator, starter motor issues, fuel system failures, as well as electrical or circuitry failures. Every one of these problems can show up as a multitude of symptoms and require different solutions to troubleshoot and repair, so we can get your car back on the road as soon as possible.
Symptoms of Nissan 180SX That Won’t Start
Having the ability to identify and diagnose these symptoms, will assist you in discovering the underlying cause of the problem. For instance, when you turn the key in the ignition, and you hear a clicking noise but your Nissan still can’t start, it is often an indication that there is an issue with the fuel or ignition system of your vehicle.
Analysis of The Reasons Why Your Nissan 180SX Won’t Start
The very first step to finding a solution to the problem is figuring out the underlying cause of that problem, so let’s look into the most common reasons your 180SX fails to start.
Nissan 180SX Battery Issues
In the majority of cases, the most common reason why your Nissan 180SX will not start is often due to the battery, it’s either dead or weak, and you need to either recharge your car’s battery or replace it. The Car’s battery supplies the power required to start the engine, and power all the electrical components in your Nissan 180SX. Symptoms of a bad battery issue in a 180SX, are things like the vehicle being slow to crank the engine, weak or dim headlights, or a lit-up battery alert light on your car’s dashboard. A portable jump starter allows you to jump start your Car’s if the battery is dead without needing another vehicle. And a battery charger can help recharge a dead battery and diagnose battery issues.
Nissan 180SX Alternator Problems
The alternator is responsible for charging the battery from the engine while the car is running. A faulty alternator can certainly prevent your Nissan 180SX from starting as it will not be able to charge the battery, from the engine, so it will be drained fairly quickly till it’s completely drained and you only realize it when you can’t get your Nissan to start. Symptoms that your 180SXs alternator may be faulty include a lit-up battery or alternator warning light on the dash, poorly lit headlights when the engine is idling, and also a whining or grinding noise from the engine while it’s running.
Nissan 180SX Starter Motor Failures
The starter motor deals with turning the engine over (cranking) when you start up your Nissan. If the starter motor is defective in some manner then the engine is not going to crank, and your 180SX will not start. You can tell if your starter motor has a problem or not usually by listening, if you hear a clicking noise when you turn your key or a grinding sound during the start-up, or your vehicle only starts intermittently then the starter motor may very well be the problem.
Nissan 180SX Fuel System Complications
Now we’re not talking about when you just run out of gas here, but your Car’s fuel system itself having issues. Your Nissan 180SX uses a combustion engine, and because of this to start and run, it needs a mix of enough fuel and air. If your 180SX problems are because of a faulty fuel system, this might be a clogged fuel filter or a faulty fuel pump relay, which could mean the engine may not be receiving the fuel it requires to get the Car going. Over time fuel injectors can also get clogged, so using a fuel injector cleaner like Red Line can help clean them and improve starting.
Nissan 180SX Electrical System or Wiring Problems
Today’s modern Nissan 180SXs rely greatly on electronic components, which can mean there are lots of things that can potentially break and cause problems. Even in an older model, you can still have typical issues such as blown fuses, spark plug problems, a broken ignition switch, or a faulty sensor, and more. These can be some of the many electrical reasons your vehicle can’t get started. Signs of a circuitry or electrical issue can vary widely but can typically include the engine not cranking, or your 180SX can start however just intermittently or some warning lights are lit up on the dash. To correctly diagnose and fix these kinds of issues, you will require the skills of an experienced Nissan mechanic locally or online.
Solutions & Repair Tips
Once you have diagnosed what the cause of your vehicle being unable to start is. The next step is naturally to try and fix it. Here are some tips for the common issues we’ve covered up until this point.
How to Troubleshoot and Fix Battery Issues in a Nissan 180SX
If you suspect it’s possibl a battery issue is the culprit as to why your 180SX has trouble starting up, then the first thing you must do is check the battery terminals. You want them to be clean, not corroded, and securely connected. If you discover that the terminals are corroded you can try to clean them up with a mix of baking soda and water.
Once you have checked the battery terminals, you can check to see if the battery is just out of charge, or worse, it’s old and weak, or dead and needs to be replaced. For this, you can charge the battery in a few different ways:
- With the help of another vehicle and jumper cables to jump-start your 180SX’s battery.
- Use a car battery charger that you can plug into a socket to charge it up.
- Use a portable car battery charger you can take with you on the go, so you are never left stranded when on the move.
If the battery charges up and works fine, great, problem solved! However, you will need to replace the battery if it’s old or weak. Otherwise, even if you charge it up enough to start the vehicle, it will probably die once again in the near future. You can use a multimeter or OB2 scanner as a way to test the life of the battery to see if it’s worth saving or if it needs to be replaced. You can get a replacement car battery for your exact Nissan model by visiting Amazon here, and selecting “enter a new vehicle” to filter the results for your Nissan 180SX, and choose a suitable one, from a seller with great reviews.
If charging your 180SX’s battery does not resolve your issues, and problems like frequent draining and needing frequent charges persist even after replacing the battery, there is likely a more complex underlying issue causing excessive battery drain. In that case, you will need a professional mechanic to inspect and diagnose the root cause. You can also ask the advice of a mechanic online through us, or get an instant free quote on a Local mobile mechanics near me.
How to Diagnose Alternator Problems in a Nissan 180SX
Ok, so the image above I found online and is a joke, DON’T DO THIS. I’ll explain in more detail, but in short, to diagnose and fix alternator problems you will need the help of a qualified and experienced auto mechanic. If you’re thinking that the alternator is the cause of your vehicle starting troubles, you can test it. If you can get the Car to start up temporarily (you may need to jump-start the vehicle for that), but when it’s going, let the vehicle run, and while it’s running, disconnect the positive terminal of your vehicle’s battery. If you discover your Nissan 180SX is dying right away, then it’s most likely because of a problem with the alternator. You should be aware however that this method can be risky, and may harm the sensitive electronic elements in your Nissan 180SX, so it’s best to consult with a reliable auto mechanic locally or online, before ever attempting this. If you think it might be the alternator, it’s best to ask a mechanic online or near you.
How to Identify and Solve Starter Motor Failures in a Nissan 180SX
Listen for a clicking noise when you turn the ignition key if you think the starter motor is the cause of your Nissan 180SX not starting. In this case, the solution is to have the starter motor changed for a new one by a professional mechanic.
How to Fix Fuel System Issues in a Nissan 180SX
If you think the issue to be because of a fuel system problem, listen for the fuel pump when you turn the key to the “on” position, before starting the vehicle. You should be able to hear a humming noise for a few seconds. If you are unable to hear this noise, then it might be there is an issue with the fuel pump. If you notice your Nissan is difficult to start, it stalls, or it has poor acceleration, it might be due to a clogged fuel filter. Both of these will likely need a professional auto mechanic in order to properly repair. This is because may require a fuel pressure test kit and mechanic’s tool set to fully diagnose and repair fuel system problems.
How to Fix Electrical or Wiring Issues in a Nissan 180SX
If you suspect it’s an electrical wiring or electrical system issue, initially inspect the fuses associated with the ignition system, and change any that have actually blown. If your Nissan starts after this, then it was a successful, simple and low-cost repair! If the vehicle doesn’t start, even intermittently, it might be because there is an issue with the ignition switch itself. It might be a faulty sensing unit if various warning lights are noticeable on the dash. These issues can be very intricate and a reliable Nissan mechanic is most likely needed to identify and have it properly repaired.
Preventive Steps
As my dad always stated “Prevention is better than cure”, so here are some preventative measures to make sure you prevent any Nissan 180SX starting troubles again!
Routine Upkeep of Your Nissan 180SX:
Routine maintenance of your Nissan 180SX is key to avoid future troubles. This includes things like regular oil changes, checking the battery, cleaning up the terminals, replacing the fuel filter as suggested/needed, and having your Car examined by a reliable auto mechanic regularly. You can seek advice from a mechanic in your area or online if you are unsure or not sure about the routine maintenance tasks needed for your particular automobile.
Drive Your Nissan 180SX Frequently:
If you happen to leave your Nissan 180SX in your garage for long durations of time without taking it for a spin now and again, the battery can deplete down as it’s not receiving any electrical charge from the engine running being used. Try to drive your 180SX frequently to keep the battery charged up. If you remember you have not driven your vehicle in a while, take it for a spin to make certain there is still charge in the battery. Worth noting: letting the battery fully drain, is also damaging for the long-term life of the battery, try not to do this.
Take Notice Of Warning Signs:
If you observe anything out of the ordinary like uncommon sounds, changes in how it drives and the performance, or warning lights lit up on your Nissan 180SXs dashboard, do not disregard them and get on with your day. These are usually early signs of an issue and are best being attended to ASAP so that they don’t end up being bigger problems down the line. Chat with a mechanic locally or online about these warning symbols and get advice on if they need to be attended to.
When to Ask a Nissan Mechanic Online
If you want to save time, would like a professional Nissan mechanic on hand to guide and to advise you, or you’ve actually tried to solve it by yourself, however regardless of your best efforts your Car fails to start, then chatting with a Nissan mechanic online can be an excellent option. It certainly beats googling things like “Nissan won’t start” all day and still getting nowhere.
Benefits of an Online Nissan Mechanic
Online mechanic services offers several benefits. You can get professional Nissan mechanic advice 24×7 and without leaving your home, which is especially beneficial if your vehicle won’t start and is stuck in the driveway. You can also save money as online mechanic consultations are more affordable than a physical visit to a local mechanic near you. Plus, you can get the answer rapidly, which is excellent if you’re in a hurry, require a 2nd opinion, or you simply prefer having a specialist Nissan mechanic on hand.
How Solutions Like MechanicAnswer.com Can Help You
Our ask a Nissan mechanic online for free service connects you with licensed specialist mechanics who can offer instant assistance, guidance and suggestions with all issues and all Nissan models. It doesn’t matter if your 180SX is having trouble or your Nissan 100NX won’t start, we’ve got the Nissan mechanics online that with a little bit of information over a chat box, can solve anything for you.
You have the ability to describe the issues you are having with your vehicle, ask Nissan mechanics unlimited questions, and even submit pictures and videos so you are able to show the mechanic what you mean. You can talk to them through online chat or by phone call, whichever you prefer. The Nissan mechanic online will help you diagnose the issue, advise you on what are the best options for your individual situation and even assist you through simple maintenance and repairs every step of the way.
Conclusion
To sum it all up, when your Nissan 180SX won’t start, it can be a total downer and a massive inconvenience. However, understanding what may be causing the problems, having the ability to troubleshoot them, and knowing what steps are needed in each case, when and where to get help if required, will be a substantial benefit. Keep in mind that regular upkeep is key to avoiding the vast majority of Car problems.
I hope this guide helps you get your Nissan started again, and have a great day!
Frequently Asked Questions When a Nissan 180SX Won’t Start (FAQs)
What should I do if my Nissan 180SX can’t start?
First of all, don’t panic. Attempt to identify any symptoms that might show an issue, such as unusual sounds, warning lights on the dash, or changes in performance. The reason for the issue is most likely among the typical causes discussed in this guide. You will need the assistance of a mechanic in your area or online if you can’t find the issue yourself.
How to tell if my Nissan 180SX won’t start because of the battery?
Signs of a battery problem in a 180SX consist of the engine being slow to crank, dim headlights, and lit battery warning lights on the dash. You can also check the battery terminals to see if they are clean, not corroded, and securely connected. If the battery is weak or old, it may be best to just change it.
How can I prevent my Nissan 180SX not starting issues?
In order to ensure this inconvenience never occurs once again, routine maintenance is key. This includes things like oil changes, inspecting the battery and cleaning its terminals, changing the fuel filter as recommended/needed, and having your Nissan 180SX inspected by a mechanic routinely. It’s also a terrific idea to drive the Car frequently so the battery stays charged.
Can I ask a mechanic online if my Nissan 180SX fails to start?
Yes, you can. An online mechanic service like ours can supply instant professional Nissan mechanic help and recommendations, without you needing to leave your home. This is especially helpful if your Car is unable to start and is stuck in the driveway.
How can services like MechanicAnswer.com help if my Nissan 180SX won’t start?
We link you with accredited professional Nissan mechanics who can provide advice on your particular circumstance. You can inform them about your vehicle problems, ask unlimited questions, and even submit images and videos so you can correctly describe and show the problem. The mechanic will have the ability to help, troubleshoot, diagnose the problem, suggest the very best course of action and guide you along the way.
