Introduction
As a licensed auto mechanic with over 20 years of experience, I’ve seen my good share of Nissan Micras that won’t to start. And I can assure you, I understand how irritating it can be when you’ve got places to go, you hop in, turn the key, and … drum roll please … nothing at all!
But don’t worry, you’ve come to the right place. My name’s Robby and in this article, I’m going to walk you through the most common causes why your Nissan Micra 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 hands-on troubleshooting pointers and repair solutions based on my two decades of practical experience, so you can get your Nissan Micra starting and moving as quickly as possible.
Understanding Why a Nissan Won’t Start
When you realize to yourself “My Nissan Micra won’t start”, this could be due to various things being wrong with your vehicle. Maybe the engine is not cranking at all, possibly it is cranking partially but then not starting, or maybe it’s making a clicking noise when you attempt to start the engine, however in the end nothing happens. Each of these situations can point to different problems with your car.
Common Reasons Why Your Nissan Micra Won’t Start
There are numerous reasons a Micra can’t start up. These issues usually include a dead or weak vehicle battery, a faulty alternator, starter motor failures, fuel system failures, as well as electrical or circuitry complications. Each one of these problems can show up as different symptoms and require different solutions to identify and resolve, so we can get your car back on the road as soon as possible.
Symptoms of Nissan Micra That Won’t Start
Having the ability to recognize and diagnose these signs, 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 noise but your Nissan still can’t start, it is often an indication that there is an issue with the fuel or ignition system.
Analysis of The Reasons Why Your Nissan Micra Won’t Start
The initial step to discovering a solution to the problem is having a grasp of the root cause of that problem, so let’s explore the most common factors why your Micra can’t start.
Nissan Micra Battery Issues
In the majority of instances, the most common reason why your Nissan Micra won’t start is often due to a bad battery, it’s either dead or weak, and you have to either charge up the battery or replace it. The Car’s battery stores the power needed to start the engine, and power all the electrical parts in your Nissan Micra. Symptoms of a weak or dead battery problem in a Micra, can be things like the Car being slow to crank the engine, poorly lit headlights, or a lit-up battery warning 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 Micra Alternator Problems
The alternator is tasked with charging the battery from the engine while the car is running. A faulty alternator can certainly prevent your Nissan Micra from starting as it won’t have the ability to charge the battery, from the engine, so it will drain all the way down till it’s totally dead and you don’t realize it until you get into your beloved Micra and it refuses to start. Signs that your vehicle’s alternator is faulty include a lit-up battery or alternator caution light on the dash, dim headlights when the engine is idling, and also a whining or grinding noise from the engine while it’s running.
Nissan Micra Starter Motor Failures
When you start your Nissan Micra, the starter motor is responsible for turning the engine over (cranking it). If the starter motor is failing in some manner then the engine is not going to crank, and your Micra will not start. You can tell if your starter motor has an issue or not typically by listening for a clicking noise when you turn your key or a grinding sound throughout the startup, or your Car can start, but only intermittently then the starter motor may very well be the problem.
Nissan Micra Fuel System Complications
We’re not talking about when you simply run out of gas here, but your vehicle’s fuel system itself having complications. Your Nissan Micra uses a combustion engine, and, therefore, to start and run, it requires a combination of both fuel and air. If your Micra problems are because of a faulty fuel system, this can sometimes be a clogged fuel filter or a faulty fuel pump relay, which could suggest the engine may not be getting 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 Micra Electrical System or Wiring Problems
Today’s modern Nissan Micras rely heavily on electronic components, which can mean there are lots of things that can potentially fail. Even in an older Nissan Micra, you can still have typical issues such as blown fuses, spark plug issues, a broken ignition switch, or a faulty sensor, and more. These can be a few of the various electrical explanations as to why your Nissan Micra will not start up. Symptoms of a wiring or electrical issue can differ greatly but can typically include the engine not cranking, or your Micra can start however only intermittently or numerous warning lights come on the dashboard. To appropriately identify and fix these kinds of issues, you will require the skills of a skilled Nissan mechanic in your area or online.
Solutions & Repair Tips
As soon as you have figured out what the reason for your Car being unable to start is. The next logical step is obviously to attempt to fix it. Here are some suggestions for the common problems we’ve covered up until now.
How to Troubleshoot and Fix Battery Issues in a Nissan Micra
If you suspect it’s possibl a battery problem is the reason your Micra has difficulty starting up, then the first thing you need to 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 in fact 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 Micra’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 weak or old. Otherwise, even if you charge it up enough to start the vehicle, it will likely deplete quickly once again in the not so distant 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 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 Micra, and choose a suitable one, from a seller with great reviews.
If charging your Micra’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 Come to you car repairs.
How to Diagnose Alternator Problems in a Nissan Micra
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 Car starting problems, you can test it. If you can get the vehicle started temporarily (you may need to jump-start the vehicle for that), but when it’s going, let the Car run, and while the engine is running, disconnect the positive terminal of your Car’s battery. It’s likely the result of a problem with the alternator if you notice that your Nissan Micra dies right away when you disconnect the positive terminal. However, be warned this test can be risky and dangerous if you don’t know what you’re doing, and may damage the sensitive electronic components in your vehicle, so its best to speak with a professional mechanic in your area 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 Micra
If you hear the clicking sound when you try and start the Car by turning the key, but the engine doesn’t crank, then its probably a problem 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 Solve Fuel System Issues in a Nissan Micra
If you suspect the issue to be due to a fuel system problem, listen for the fuel pump when you turn the key to the “on” position, before starting the vehicle. You ought to hear a humming sound for a couple of seconds. If you are unable to hear this sound, then it might be there is cause for concern with the fuel pump. If you notice your Nissan is tough to start, it stalls, or it has bad acceleration, it could possibly be down to a clogged fuel filter. Both of these will likely need a reliable auto mechanic in order to properly 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 Problems in a Nissan Micra
If you suspect it’s a circuitry or electrical system issue, first check the fuses related to the ignition system, and replace any that have actually blown. If your Micra starts after this, then it was a successful, easy and cheap repair! If the Car doesn’t start, even intermittently, it might be an issue with the ignition switch itself. If various warning lights are noticeable on your dashboard, it could be because of a damaged sensor. These problems can be really complex and a professional Nissan mechanic is likely required to diagnose and fix it.
Preventive Steps
As my father always stated “Prevention is better than cure”, so here are the best ways to ensure you prevent any Nissan Micra starting problems again!
Regular Maintenance of Your Nissan Micra:
Regular upkeep of your Nissan Micra is key to preventing future difficulties. This consists of things like routine oil changes, inspecting the battery, cleaning up the terminals, changing the fuel filter as recommended/needed, and of course having your vehicle checked by a professional auto mechanic regularly. You can consult a mechanic locally or online if you find yourself unsure or needing further clarity about the routine maintenance jobs required for your particular Car.
Drive Your Nissan Micra Frequently:
If you happen to leave your Nissan Micra off for extended periods of time without taking it for a spin now and again, the battery will deplete down as it’s not being charged up by the engine being in use. Try your best to drive your vehicle regularly to keep the battery from draining. If you remember you haven’t 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 to the longevity of the battery, try not to do this.
Take Notice Of Warning Signs:
If you observe anything strange like unusual noises, a difference in how it drives and the performance, or alert lights are now visible on the dash, don’t disregard them and get on with your day. These are usually early warnings of an issue and are best being resolved ASAP before they become much bigger problems later. Talk to a mechanic in your area or online about these warning symbols 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 an expert Nissan mechanic on hand guiding and advising you, or you have tried to resolve it yourself, but in spite of your best efforts your Nissan Micra can’t start, then chatting with a Nissan mechanic online can be a great option. It certainly beats googling things like “Nissan wont start clicking sound but radio works” all day and still getting nowhere.
Benefits of an Online Nissan Mechanic
Online mechanic services provides numerous advantages. You can get professional Nissan mechanic recommendations 24×7 and without leaving your house, which is especially helpful if your vehicle will not start and is stuck in the driveway. It can also help you 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 quickly, which is terrific if you’re in a rush, require a 2nd opinion, or you simply prefer having an expert Nissan mechanic on hand.
How Services Like MechanicAnswer.com Can Help You
Our online Nissan mechanic advice service connects you with licensed specialist mechanics who can provide instantaneous assistance, guidance and recommendations with all issues and all Nissan models. It doesn’t matter if your Micra is having trouble or your Nissan Maxima 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 explain the issues you are having with your Car, ask Nissan mechanics unlimited questions, and even upload images and videos so you can actually show the mechanic what you mean. You can talk with them by means of online chat or by call, whichever you choose. The Nissan mechanic will help you diagnose the problem, advise you on what are the best options for your specific situation and even assist you through easy maintenance and repairs step by step.
Conclusion
To sum it all up, when your Nissan Micra fails to start, it will likely be a major disappointment and an enormous hassle. However, knowing what might be triggering the issues, having the ability to troubleshoot them, and knowing what actions are required in each case, when and where to get help if required, will be a huge benefit. Keep in mind that regular maintenance is key to 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 Micra Won’t Start (FAQs)
What should I do if my Nissan Micra doesn’t start?
First of all, don’t panic. Try to identify any signs that might show a problem, such as unusual sounds, warning lights on the dash, or changes in performance. The cause of the issue is likely one of the typical causes discussed in this guide. If you can’t find the issue yourself, you will need the aid of a Nissan mechanic in your area or online.
How to tell if my Nissan Micra won’t start because of the battery?
Signs of a battery issue in a Micra include 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 tightly connected. It may be best to just swap it out for a new one if the battery is old or weak.
How can I prevent my Nissan Micra not starting issues?
In order to make certain this annoyance never ever occurs once again, routine maintenance is key. This includes things like oil changes, examining the battery and cleaning its terminals, replacing the fuel filter as recommended/required, and having your Nissan Micra inspected by a mechanic frequently. It’s also a great idea to drive the Car regularly so the battery stays charged.
Can I ask a mechanic online if my Nissan Micra fails to start?
Yes, you can. An online mechanic service like ours can offer instant expert Nissan mechanic assistance and guidance, without you having to leave your home. This is specifically beneficial if your Car can’t start and is stuck in the driveway.
How can services like MechanicAnswer.com help if my Nissan Micra fails to start?
We link you with certified professional Nissan mechanics who can supply guidance on your particular scenario. You can inform them about your Car issues, ask unlimited questions, and even upload images and videos so you can appropriately demonstrate the problem and explain it. The mechanic will have the ability to help, troubleshoot, identify the problem, recommend the best course of action and guide you along the way.
