Nissan Cube Won’t Start? Here’s Quick Solutions to the Most Common Causes

Intro

As a licensed auto mechanic with over 20 years of experience, I’ve seen my good share of Nissan Cubes that won’t to start. And I can assure 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 … nothing at all!

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 guide you through the most usual explanations why your Nissan Cube won’t start. I’ll cover all the most common causes and you’ll find out how to identify each potential cause, as well as what to do in each case. I’ll offer hands-on troubleshooting pointers and repair solutions based on my 20 years’ of practical experience, so you can get your Nissan Cube starting and back on the road as swiftly as possible.

Understanding Why a Nissan Won’t Start

Nissan Wont Start up
Image Credit: MechanicAnswer.com

When you realize to yourself “My Nissan Cube won’t start”, this could be due to an array of issues being wrong with your vehicle. Possibly the engine is not firing up at all, potentially it is cranking partially however then not starting, or maybe it’s making a clicking noise when you try to start the engine, however ultimately absolutely nothing happens. Each of these cases can point to different issues with your car.

Common Reasons Why Your Nissan Cube Won’t Start

There are numerous reasons that a Cube fails to start up. These problems usually consist of a dead or weak vehicle battery, a faulty alternator, starter motor issues, fuel system problems, in addition to electrical or wiring concerns. Each one of these issues can manifest as various symptoms and require separate solutions to troubleshoot and repair, so we can get your car back on the road as soon as possible.

Symptoms of Nissan Cube That Won’t Start

Being able to identify and diagnose these symptoms, will assist you in discovering the underlying cause of the issue. For example, when you turn the key in the ignition, and you hear a clicking noise but your Nissan still refuses to start, it is often an indication that there is a problem with the fuel or ignition system of your vehicle.

Analysis of The Reasons Why Your Nissan Cube Won’t Start

The very first step to finding a solution to the problem is knowing the underlying cause of that problem, so let’s dive into the most common reasons your Cube can’t start.

Nissan Cube Battery Issues

Nissan Car Battery issues can prevent it from starting

In the majority of instances, the most common reason why your Nissan Cube fails to start is often because of your car battery, it’s either dead or weak, and you need to charge up your car’s battery or replace it. The vehicle’s battery stores the power required to start the engine, and power all the electrical parts in your Nissan Cube. Symptoms of a weak or dead battery problem in a Cube, are things like the Van being slow to crank the engine, dim headlights, or a lit-up battery caution light on the 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 Cube Alternator Problems

Nissan alternator

The alternator is tasked with charging the battery from the engine while the car is running. A damaged alternator can certainly stop your Nissan Cube from starting as it wont be able to charge up the battery, from the engine, so it will be drained fairly quickly until it’s completely drained and you only realize it when you can’t get your Nissan to fire up. Symptoms that your vehicle’s alternator may be faulty include a lit-up battery or alternator warning light on the dashboard, weak or dim headlights when the engine is idling, and also a whining or grinding sound from the engine while it’s running.

Nissan Cube Starter Motor Failures

Starter Motor Nissan

The starter motor deals with turning the engine over (cranking) when you start your Nissan. If the starter motor is failing in some manner then the engine will not crank, and your Cube won’t start. You can find out 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 noise throughout the startup, or your vehicle can start, but only intermittently then the starter motor may very well be the problem.

Nissan Cube Fuel System Complications

Nissan Fuel System Complications

We’re not talking about when you merely run out of gas here, but your Van’s fuel system itself having complications. Your Nissan Cube uses a combustion engine, and, therefore, to start and run, it needs a proper mix of fuel and air. If your Cube issues are because of a faulty fuel system, this might be a clogged fuel filter or a failing fuel pump relay, which could mean the engine may not be receiving the fuel it requires to get the vehicle 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 Cube Electrical System or Wiring Problems

Nissan Electrical System or Wiring Problems

Today’s modern Nissan Cubes rely greatly on electronic components, which can mean there are lots of things that can potentially have an issue. Even in an older car, you can still have regular issues such as blown fuses, spark plug problems, a broken ignition switch, or a broken sensor, and more. These can be some of the many electrical reasons that your Nissan Cube won’t start up. Indications of a circuitry or electrical problem can differ vastly however can typically include the engine not cranking, or your Cube can start however only intermittently or numerous alert lights are lit up on the dashboard. To effectively identify and fix these kinds of problems, you will require the abilities of an experienced Nissan mechanic locally or online.

Solutions & Repair Tips

As soon as you have figured out what the reason for your Van being unable to start is. The next step is naturally to attempt to repair it. Here are some suggestions for the typical issues we’ve covered up until this point.

How to Troubleshoot and Fix Battery Issues in a Nissan Cube

Troubleshoot and Fix Nissan Battery Issues

If you suspect it’s possibl a battery issue is the reason why your Cube has trouble starting up, then the first thing you must do is examine around the battery and check the battery terminals. You want them to be clean, not corroded, and securely connected. If you find 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:

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 Nissan Cube, it will likely 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 find out if it’s worth saving or if it needs replacing. 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 Cube, and choose a suitable one, from a seller with great reviews.

If charging your Cube’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 mechanics comes to your home near me.

How to Diagnose Alternator Problems in a Nissan Cube

Funny Image of a DIY mechanic replacing an alternator
Funny Image of a man  trying to replace an alternator

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 the alternator is what you think is the reason, you can test it. If you can get the Van started temporarily (you may need to jump-start the vehicle for that), but once it’s going, let the Van run, and while the engine is running, disconnect the positive terminal of the battery. If you discover your Nissan Cube is dying right away, then it’s probably due to a problem with your vehicle’s alternator. However, be warned this test can be risky and dangerous if you don’t know what you’re doing, and may damage the delicate electronic elements in your Nissan Cube, so its best to discuss this with a reliable mechanic local to you or online, prior to ever trying 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 Cube

Nissan Starter Motor Failures

If you hear the clicking sound when you try and start the vehicle by turning the key, but the engine doesn’t crank, then its likely an issue with your starter motor. In this case, the solution is to have the starter motor changed for a new one by a professional mechanic.

How to Resolve Fuel System Complications in a Nissan Cube

Nissan Fuel System Repair

If you suspect the issue to be because of a fuel system problem, try and listen for the fuel pump when you turn the key to the “on” position, before starting the Van. You should be able to hear a humming noise for a few seconds. It might be there is a problem with the fuel pump if you are unable to hear this noise. If you discover your Nissan is hard to start, it stalls, or it has weak acceleration, it could possibly be a result of a clogged fuel filter. Both of these will likely require a professional auto mechanic in order to effectively fix. 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 Issues in a Nissan Cube

Nissan Electrical or Wiring Repair

If you suspect it’s a circuitry or electrical system problem, initially examine the fuses associated with the ignition system, and change any that have blown. If your Nissan starts after this, then it was a successful, cheap and easy repair! However, if the vehicle refuses to start, even intermittently it might be a problem with the ignition switch itself. It may be a faulty sensor if various warning lights are visible on the dash. These issues can be very intricate and a professional Nissan mechanic is likely required to diagnose and repair it. 

Preventive Steps

As my father always stated “Prevention is better than cure”, so here are some preventative measures to make sure you can avoid any Nissan Cube starting difficulties again!

Regular Upkeep of Your Nissan Cube:

Regular Nissan Maintenance at Home

Regular maintenance of your Nissan Cube is key to avoiding future problems. This includes things like regular oil changes, checking your Van’s battery, cleaning the terminals, changing the fuel filter as suggested/needed, and of course having your vehicle examined by a reliable auto mechanic routinely. You can seek advice from a mechanic locally or online if you find yourself unsure or not sure about the routine upkeep jobs required for your specific Van.

Drive Your Nissan Cube Frequently:

Drive your Nissan Regularly

If you happen to leave your Nissan Cube in your garage for long periods 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 your best to drive your Cube regularly 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 fully drain, is also damaging to the longevity of the battery, try not to do this.

Pay Attention to Warning Signs:

Nissan Warning Lights on Dash

If you notice anything odd like unusual noises, a difference in driving and performance, or alert lights lit up on the dash, don’t just disregard them. These are usually early signs of a problem and it’s best to be resolved ASAP before they end up being bigger problems down the line. Talk to a mechanic in your area or online about these issues and find out if they need to be attended to.

When to Ask a Nissan Mechanic Online

If you’re either short on time, want a specialist Nissan mechanic on hand to guide and to advise you, or you’ve actually attempted to fix it by yourself, however regardless of your best efforts your Cube won’t start, then chatting with a Nissan mechanic online can be an excellent option. It certainly beats googling things like “Nissan turns over but wont start” all day and still getting nowhere.

Advantages of an Online Nissan Mechanic

When to ask a Nissan Mechanic Online

Online mechanic services provides numerous advantages. You can get expert Nissan mechanic recommendations 24×7 and without leaving your home, which is particularly beneficial if your vehicle will not start and is stuck in the driveway. It can also help you save money as online mechanic consultations are much less expensive than a physical visit to a local mechanic near you. Plus, you can get answers quickly, which is great if you’re in a hurry, need a second opinion, or you simply prefer having a specialist Nissan mechanic on hand.

How Solutions Like MechanicAnswer.com Can Benefit You

Car Wont start help online
Image Credit: MechanicAnswer.com

Our Nissan chat service connects you with licensed specialist mechanics who can provide instant assistance, guidance and recommendations with all issues and all Nissan models. It doesn’t matter if your Cube is having trouble or your Nissan Crew 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 explain the problems you are having with your vehicle, ask Nissan mechanics unlimited questions, and even submit photos and videos so you can actually show the mechanic what you mean. You can talk to them through online chat or by phone call, whichever you choose. The Nissan mechanic online will help you detect the issue, advise you on the best course of action for your individual circumstance and even guide you through easy maintenance and repairs every step of the way.

Conclusion

In a nut shell, when your Nissan Cube is unable to start, it can be a complete downer and an enormous hassle. However, knowing what might be triggering the problems, having the ability 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. Keep in mind that routine upkeep is crucial for avoiding all kinds of Van problems.

I hope this guide helps you get your Nissan started again, and have a great day!

Frequently Asked Questions When a Nissan Cube Won’t Start (FAQs)

What should I do if my Nissan Cube doesn’t start?

Firstly, do not panic. Attempt to identify any signs that might show an issue, such as unusual noises, warning lights on the dash, or changes in performance. The cause of the problem is most likely one of the most common causes gone over in this guide. If you can’t find the problem yourself, you will need the aid of a Nissan mechanic locally or online.

How to tell if my Nissan Cube won’t start because of the battery?

Signs of a battery problem in a Cube 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 firmly connected. It might be best to simply change it if the battery is old or weak.

How can I prevent my Nissan Cube not starting issues?

In order to make certain this inconvenience never ever takes place once again, routine upkeep is essential. This consists of things like oil changes, examining the battery and cleaning its terminals, changing the fuel filter as recommended/required, and getting your Nissan Cube checked by a mechanic regularly. It’s also an excellent idea to drive the vehicle frequently so the battery stays charged.

Can I ask a mechanic online if my Nissan Cube fails to start?

Yes, you can. An online mechanic service like ours can provide instant expert Nissan mechanic assistance and suggestions, without you having to leave your house. This is specifically beneficial if your Van fails to start and is stuck in the driveway.

How can services like MechanicAnswer.com help if my Nissan Cube can’t start?

We connect you with accredited specialist Nissan mechanics who can provide recommendations on your particular situation. You can tell them about your Van issues, ask unlimited questions, and even upload images and videos so you can correctly explain and show the problem. The mechanic will be able to assist, troubleshoot, diagnose the issue, suggest the best course of action and guide you along the way.

Chat With a Mechanic?

24/7 Expert Mechanics To Help Solve Any Issues Your Having.

 

Which Mechanic Suits You?

  1. Chat with an Online Mechanic to get instant, unlimited help and advice for 1 full week, for just $5.
  2. Get in-person help from a Mobile Mechanic. We recommend YourMechanic. They will come to you and fix your vehicle at a time that suits you. Instant free quote online below. We recommend the online mechanic first, as it’s cheaper, and you may not need an in-person mechanic.

Which Mechanic Suits You?

  1. Chat with an Online Mechanic to get instant, unlimited help and advice for 1 full week, for just £5.
  2. Get help from a Mobile Mechanic. We  recommend Fixter. They will come to you and fix your vehicle at a time that suits you. Instant free quote online below. We recommend the online mechanic first, as it’s cheaper for you, and you may not need an in-person mechanic.

Which Mechanic Suits You?

  1. Chat with an Online Mechanic to get instant, unlimited help and advice for 1 full week, for just $5.
  2. Get in-person help from a Mobile Mechanic Near You. They will come to you and fix your vehicle at a time that suits you. If there are none near you, you will be redirected to the online mechanic.

Which Mechanic Suits You?

  1. Chat with an Online Mechanic to get instant, unlimited help and advice for 1 full week, for just $5.
  2. Get in-person help from a Mobile Mechanic Near You. They will come to you and fix your vehicle at a time that suits you. If there are none near you, you will be redirected to the online mechanic.

Which Mechanic Suits You?

  1. Chat with an Online Mechanic to get instant, unlimited help and advice for 1 full week, for just £5.
  2. Get help from a Mobile Mechanic. We  recommend Fixter. They will come to you and fix your vehicle at a time that suits you. Instant free quote online below. We recommend the online mechanic first, as it’s cheaper for you, and you may not need an in-person mechanic.

Which Mechanic Suits You?

  1. Chat with an Online Mechanic to get instant, unlimited help and advice for 1 full week, for just $5.
  2. Get in-person help from a Mobile Mechanic. We recommend YourMechanic. They will come to you and fix your vehicle at a time that suits you. Instant free quote online below. We recommend the online mechanic first, as it’s cheaper, and you may not need an in-person mechanic.

Where Can I Find My VIN?

Your vehicle’s unique Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) can be found on the title document, the vehicle registration, and the insurance policy. It is a series letters and numbers like this as example: WAUGC0896JA235262. The VIN can also be located on the following locations on the vehicle itself:

how to find VIN on vehicle