Intro
As a professional auto mechanic with over 20 years of experience, I’ve seen my fair share of Nissan Cimas that won’t to start. And believe me, I understand how frustrating it can be when you’ve got places to go, you hop in, turn the key, and … drum roll please … nothing!
But fear not, you’ve come to the right place. My name’s Robby and in this article, I’m going to explain the most usual reasons why your Nissan Cima won’t start. I’ll cover all the most common causes and you’ll learn how to diagnose each potential cause, as well as what to do in each case. I’ll provide hands-on troubleshooting tips and repair solutions based on my 20 years’ of hands-on experience, so you can get your Nissan Cima starting and driving again as rapidly as possible.
Understanding Why a Nissan Won’t Start
When you realize to yourself “My Nissan Cima won’t start”, this could be due to a multitude of issues being wrong with your Car. Perhaps the engine is not starting at all, possibly it is cranking partially but then not starting, or maybe it’s making a clicking noise when you try to start the engine, but in the end absolutely nothing happens. Each of these cases can point to various problems with your car.
Common Reasons Why Your Nissan Cima Won’t Start
There are various reasons a Cima can’t start up. These concerns usually consist of a dead or weak vehicle battery, a bad alternator, starter motor issues, fuel system complications, along with electrical or wiring issues. Every one of these problems can show up as various symptoms and require separate solutions to detect and fix, so we can get your car back on the road as soon as possible.
Symptoms of Nissan Cima That Won’t Start
Having the ability to recognize and diagnose these symptoms, will help you in finding the underlying cause of the issue. For instance, when you turn the key in the ignition, and you hear a clicking sound but your Nissan still fails to start, it is often a sign that there is an issue with the fuel or ignition system.
Analysis of The Reasons Why Your Nissan Cima Won’t Start
The initial step to figuring out a practical solution to the problem is figuring out the root cause of that problem, so let’s look into the most common causes as to why your Cima won’t start.
Nissan Cima Battery Issues
In most instances, the most common reason why your Nissan Cima won’t start is often due to the battery, it’s either dead or weak, and you need to either charge your car’s battery or change it. The vehicle’s battery provides the electric required to start the engine, and power all the electrical parts in your Nissan Cima. Symptoms of a weak or dead battery issue in a Cima, are things like the vehicle being slow to crank the engine, weak or dim headlights, or a lit-up battery caution light on your car’s dash. A portable jump starter allows you to jump start your vehicle’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 Cima Alternator Problems
The alternator is tasked with charging the battery from the engine while the car is running. A damaged alternator can certainly prevent your Nissan Cima from starting as it won’t have the ability to charge the battery, from the engine, so it will deplete fairly quickly till it’s completely drained and you only realize it when you get into your beloved Cima and it refuses to start. Symptoms that your vehicle’s alternator is faulty can be a lit-up battery or alternator caution light on the dashboard, weak or dim headlights when the engine is idling, and also a whining or grinding noise from the engine while it’s running.
Nissan Cima Starter Motor Failures
The starter motor deals with turning the engine over (cranking) when you start up your Nissan. If the starter motor is broken in some way then the engine will not crank, and your Cima will not start. You can tell if your starter motor has an issue or not usually by listening, if you hear a clicking noise when you turn your key or a grinding noise throughout the startup, or your vehicle starts up but only intermittently, then the starter motor may very well be the problem.
Nissan Cima Fuel System Complications
We’re not talking about when you merely run out of gas here, but your vehicle’s fuel system itself having problems. Your Nissan Cima uses a combustion engine, and because of this to start and run, it needs a proper mix of fuel and air. If your Cima issues are due to a faulty fuel system, this could be a clogged fuel filter or a damaged fuel pump relay, which could suggest the engine may not be receiving the fuel it requires to get the Car started. 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 Cima Electrical System or Wiring Problems
Modern Nissan Cimas rely greatly on electronics, which can mean there are lots of things that can potentially go wrong. Even in an older model, you can still have fairly normal problems such as blown fuses, spark plug issues, a faulty ignition switch, or a faulty sensor, and more. These can be some of the many electrical explanations as to why your Nissan Cima won’t start. Signs of a circuitry or electrical issue can vary greatly but can often include the engine not cranking, or your Cima can start however only intermittently or numerous alert lights are lit up on the dash. To effectively diagnose and repair these kinds of problems, you will need the skills of an experienced Nissan mechanic locally or online.
Solutions & Repair Tips
As soon as you have figured out what the cause of your Car failing to start is. The next logical step is obviously to attempt to fix it. Here are some tips for the typical problems we’ve covered up until this point.
How to Troubleshoot and Fix Battery Issues in a Nissan Cima
If you think it’s possibl a battery problem is the reason why your Cima has trouble starting up, then the first thing you must do is examine the battery terminals. You want them to be clean, not corroded, and firmly connected. If you happen to find that the terminals are corroded you can attempt cleaning them 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 Cima’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, if the battery is old or weak, you will have to replace it. Otherwise, even if you charge it up enough to start the Nissan Cima, it will probably die again in the not so distant future. You can make use of a multimeter or OB2 scanner as a way to test the life of the battery to find out if it’s worth saving or if it needs swapped out for a new one. 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 Cima, and choose a suitable one, from a seller with great reviews.
If charging your Cima’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 Same day mechanics service near me.
How to Diagnose Alternator Problems in a Nissan Cima
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 problems, you can test it to see for yourself. If you can get the Car started temporarily (you may need to jump-start the vehicle for that), but once it’s going, let the Car run, and while the engine is running, disconnect the positive terminal of your Car’s battery. It’s most likely because of a problem with your Car’s alternator if you notice that your Nissan Cima dies immediately when you disconnect the positive terminal. However, be warned this test can be risky if you don’t know what you’re doing, and might harm the sensitive electronic parts in your Car, so its best to chat with a professional mechanic local to you 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 Cima
Listen for a clicking noise when you turn the ignition key if you think the starter motor is the root cause of your Nissan Cima 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 Complications in a Nissan Cima
If you think the issue to be due to a fuel system problem, try and listen for the fuel pump when you turn the key to the “on” position, before starting up the vehicle. You should be able to hear a humming noise for a couple of seconds. It might be there is a problem with the fuel pump if you are not able to hear this noise. If you discover your Nissan is tough to start, it stalls, or it has bad acceleration, it might be down to a clogged fuel filter. Both of these will likely require 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 Repair Electrical or Wiring Problems in a Nissan Cima
If you think it’s a wiring or electrical system problem, initially inspect the fuses associated with the ignition system, and replace any that have actually blown. If your Nissan Cima starts after this, then it was a successful, simple and cheap fix! If the vehicle does not start, even intermittently, it might be a sign of a problem with the ignition switch itself. If various warning lights show up on your dashboard, it could be due to a broken sensor. These problems can be very intricate and a professional Nissan mechanic is likely needed to diagnose and repair it.
Preventive Steps
As my father always stated “Prevention is better than cure”, so here are some preventative measures to ensure you can avoid any Nissan Cima starting problems ever again!
Regular Maintenance of Your Nissan Cima:
Regular maintenance of your Nissan Cima is crucial to avoid future difficulties. This includes things like regular oil changes, checking your Car’s battery, cleaning up the terminals, changing the fuel filter as recommended/needed, and of course having your vehicle checked by a professional auto mechanic routinely. You can consult a mechanic locally or online if you are unsure or confused about the routine upkeep jobs needed for your specific vehicle.
Drive Your Nissan Cima Regularly:
If you happen to leave your Nissan Cima in the driveway for extended periods of time without driving it, the battery may deplete down as it’s not receiving any electrical charge from the engine running being in use. Try to drive your Cima frequently to keep the battery charged. Take it for a fast spin to make sure there is still charge in the battery if you remember you haven’t driven your Nissan for a while. Worth noting: letting the battery totally drain, is also damaging to the longevity of the battery, try not to do this.
Pay Attention to Warning Signs:
If you observe anything odd like uncommon noises, a difference in how it drives and the performance, or alert lights showing on the dash, don’t disregard them. These are usually early warning signs of an issue and it’s best to be dealt with ASAP before they become larger problems down the line. Speak with a mechanic in your area or online about these issues and get advice on if they need to be dealt with.
When to Ask a Nissan Mechanic Online
If you’re either limited on time, want a specialist Nissan mechanic on hand helping and advising you, or you’ve tried to fix it for yourself, but regardless of your best efforts your Nissan Cima fails to start, then chatting with a Nissan mechanic online can be a great option. It certainly beats googling things like “Nissan wont start just clicks but battery is good” all day and still getting nowhere.
Advantages of an Online Nissan Mechanic
Online mechanic services offers a number of benefits. You can get professional Nissan mechanic recommendations 24×7 and without leaving your home, which is particularly helpful if your Car won’t start and is stuck in the driveway. You can also save money as online mechanic consultations are much less expensive than a physical visit to a local mechanic near you. Plus, you can get the answer rapidly, which is terrific if you’re in a rush, require a 2nd opinion, or you just prefer having an expert Nissan mechanic on hand.
How Solutions Like MechanicAnswer.com Can Help You
Our ask Nissan questions service connects you with accredited professional mechanics who can offer instant assistance, guidance and suggestions with all issues and all Nissan models. It doesn’t matter if your Cima is having trouble or your Nissan Cefiro 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’re able to describe the issues you are having with your Car, ask Nissan mechanics limitless questions, and even submit images and videos so you are able to show the mechanic what you mean. You can speak to them by means of online chat or by telephone call, whichever you prefer. The Nissan mechanic will help you diagnose the problem, advise you on what are the best options for your individual circumstance and even guide you through simple maintenance and repairs every step of the way.
Conclusion
To wrap up, when your Nissan Cima is unable to start, it can be a major bummer and a huge hassle. However, knowing what might be causing the problems, being able to troubleshoot them, and knowing what steps are required in each case, when and where to get help if needed, will be a huge benefit. Remember that regular maintenance is crucial for preventing the vast majority of vehicle issues.
I hope this guide helps you get your Nissan started again, and have a great day!
Frequently Asked Questions When a Nissan Cima Won’t Start (FAQs)
What should I do if my Nissan Cima will not start?
First of all, don’t panic. Attempt to identify any symptoms that might indicate an issue, such as unusual sounds, warning lights on the dash, or changes in performance. The cause of the problem is likely among the most common causes talked about in this guide. If you can’t find the issue yourself, you will require the help of a Nissan mechanic in your area or online.
How to tell if my Nissan Cima won’t start because of the battery?
Indications of a battery issue in a Cima 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 old or weak, it might be best to simply change it.
How can I prevent my Nissan Cima not starting issues?
In order to make sure this annoyance never happens again, regular maintenance is essential. This includes things like oil changes, checking the battery and cleaning its terminals, replacing the fuel filter as recommended/required, and getting your Nissan Cima inspected by a mechanic frequently. It’s also an excellent idea to drive the Car frequently so the battery stays charged.
Can I ask a mechanic online if my Nissan Cima fails to start?
Yes, you can. An online mechanic service like ours can provide immediate specialist Nissan mechanic assistance and guidance, without you having to leave your home. If your Nissan Cima fails to start and is stuck in the driveway, this is especially helpful.
How can services like MechanicAnswer.com help if my Nissan Cima is unable to start?
We link you with licensed expert Nissan mechanics who can offer advice on your specific scenario. You can tell them about your Car issues, ask unlimited questions, and even submit images and videos so you can appropriately explain and show the problem. The mechanic will have the ability to help, troubleshoot, identify the problem, recommend the very best course of action and guide you along the way.
