Introduction
As a licensed auto mechanic with over twenty years of experience, I’ve seen my fair share of Nissan Mocos that refuse to start. And believe me, 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 no need to worry dear reader, you’ve come to the right place. My name’s Robby and in this article, I’m going to explain the most usual explanations why your Nissan Moco won’t start. I’ll explain all the most common causes and you’ll find out how to diagnose each potential cause, as well as what to do in each case. I’ll provide practical troubleshooting tips and repair solutions based on my two decades of practical experience, so you can get your Nissan Moco starting and moving as swiftly as possible.
Understanding Why a Nissan Won’t Start
When you hop into your Van and realize “My Nissan Moco won’t start”, this could be because of various things being wrong with your vehicle. Perhaps the engine is not cranking at all, potentially it is turning over partially but then not starting, or maybe it’s making a clicking sound when you attempt to start the engine, but in the end absolutely nothing happens. Each of these scenarios can point to various problems with your car.
Common Reasons Why Your Nissan Moco Won’t Start
There are many reasons a Moco refuses to start. These concerns usually include a dead or weak Van battery, a bad alternator, starter motor failures, fuel system issues, along with electrical or circuitry problems. Each one of these problems can manifest as a multitude of symptoms and require separate solutions to identify and repair, so we can get your car back on the road as soon as possible.
Symptoms of Nissan Moco That Won’t Start
Having the ability to recognize and diagnose these symptoms, will assist you in finding the root cause of the issue. For instance, when you turn the key in the ignition, and you hear a clicking noise but your Nissan still won’t start, it is often a sign that there is a problem with the fuel or ignition system.
Analysis of The Reasons Why Your Nissan Moco Won’t Start
The very first step to finding a practical solution to the issue is getting to grips with the root cause of that issue, so let’s explore the most typical reasons your Moco won’t start.
Nissan Moco Battery Issues
In the vast majority of cases, the most common reason why your Nissan Moco won’t start is often because of the battery, it’s either dead or weak, and you need to either recharge the battery or replace it. The vehicle’s battery supplies the power required to start the engine, and power all the electrical components in your Nissan Moco. Symptoms of a bad battery problem in a Moco, are things like the Van being slow to crank the engine, poorly lit headlights, or a lit-up battery alert light on the dashboard. 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 Moco Alternator Problems
The alternator is responsible for charging the battery from the engine while the vehicle is running. A damaged alternator can easily prevent your Nissan Moco from starting as it will not be able to charge the battery, from the engine, so it will deplete all the way down until it’s totally dead and you don’t realize it until you get in your Moco and it won’t start. Symptoms that the alternator may be 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 Moco Starter Motor Failures
The starter motor handles turning the engine over (cranking) when you start up your Nissan. If the starter motor is faulty in some way then the engine is not going to crank, and your Moco won’t 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 the key in the ignition or a grinding noise throughout the start-up, or your Van only starts intermittently then the starter motor may very well be the problem.
Nissan Moco Fuel System Complications
We’re not talking about when you merely run out of gas here, but your Van’s fuel system itself having problems. Your Nissan Moco uses a combustion engine, and because of this to start and run, it needs a combination of both fuel and air. If your Moco issues are part of a faulty fuel system, this could be a clogged fuel filter or a failing fuel pump relay, which could mean the engine might not be getting the fuel it needs to get the Van 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 Moco Electrical System or Wiring Problems
Today’s modern Nissan Mocos rely greatly on electronics, which can mean there are lots of things that can potentially have an issue. Even in an older vehicle, you can still have regular problems such as blown fuses, spark plug problems, a faulty ignition switch, or a damaged sensor, and more. These can be a few of the various electrical reasons why your vehicle will not get started. Symptoms of a circuitry or electrical issue can differ vastly however can often include the engine not cranking, or your Moco can start but just intermittently or numerous warning lights show on the dash. To properly identify and fix these kinds of problems, you will need the abilities of a knowledgeable Nissan mechanic in your area or online.
Solutions & Repair Tips
As soon as you have figured out what the cause of your vehicle being unable to start is. The next logical step is naturally to try and fix it. Here are some tips for the typical issues we’ve covered up until this point.
How to Troubleshoot and Fix Battery Issues in a Nissan Moco
If it’s a battery issue you suspect is the cause of your troubles, then the first thing you must do is examine 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 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 Moco’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 vehicle, it will probably run out of life 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 Moco, and choose a suitable one, from a seller with great reviews.
If charging your Moco’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 makes house calls.
How to Diagnose Alternator Problems in a Nissan Moco
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 Van starting troubles, you can test it. If you can get the Van to start up temporarily (you may need to jump-start the vehicle for that), but once it’s going, let the vehicle run, and while it’s running, disconnect the positive terminal of the battery. If you discover your Nissan Moco is dying immediately, then it’s most likely due to an issue with your Van’s alternator. However, be warned this test can be risky and dangerous if you don’t know what you’re doing, and may harm the sensitive electronic components in your vehicle, so its best to talk to a reliable mechanic locally or online, before 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 Moco
If you think the starter motor is the reason for your Nissan Moco not being able to fire up, listen for a clicking noise when you turn the ignition key. In these cases, the solution is to have the starter motor replaced by a professional mechanic.
How to Solve Fuel System Problems in a Nissan Moco
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 up the Van. You should be able to hear a humming noise for a couple of seconds. If you are unable to hear this noise, then it may be there is cause for concern with the fuel pump. If you discover your Nissan is hard to start, it stalls, or it has bad acceleration, it could be because 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 Moco
If you suspect it’s an electrical wiring or electrical system issue, first check 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, inexpensive and easy repair! Nevertheless, if the Van does not start, even intermittently it might be an issue with the ignition switch itself. It might be a faulty sensor if numerous warning lights are visible on your dashboard. These problems can be very complicated and a reliable Nissan mechanic is most likely required to identify and have it properly repaired.
Preventive Steps
As my dad always said “Prevention is better than cure”, so here are the best ways to ensure you can avoid any Nissan Moco starting problems ever again!
Regular Maintenance of Your Nissan Moco:
Regular maintenance of your Nissan Moco is of the utmost importance to avoiding future troubles. This consists of things like regular oil changes, checking the battery, cleaning up the terminals, changing the fuel filter as recommended/needed, and of course having your Van examined by a professional auto mechanic regularly. If you are uncertain about regular maintenance tasks needed for your particular automobile, you can consult a mechanic locally or online.
Drive Your Nissan Moco Frequently:
If you happen to leave your Nissan Moco off for extended periods of time without driving it, the battery will waste out of charge as it’s not receiving any electrical charge from the engine running running regularly. Try to drive your Moco regularly to keep the battery full of juice. Take it for a quick spin to make sure there is still charge in the battery if you remember you have not 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:
If you notice anything strange like unusual sounds, changes in how it drives and the performance, or alert lights are now visible on the dash, don’t just disregard them and get on with your day. These are usually early warning signs of a problem and it’s best to be resolved ASAP before they become larger issues later. Speak with a mechanic in your area or online about these warning symbols and find out if they need to be resolved.
When to Ask a Nissan Mechanic Online
If you’re either short on time, want a professional Nissan mechanic on hand to guide and to advise you, or you’ve attempted to resolve it yourself, but regardless of your best efforts your vehicle fails to start, then chatting with a Nissan mechanic online can be a terrific choice. It certainly beats googling things like “my Nissan wont start when its cold” all day and still getting nowhere.
Benefits of an Online Nissan Mechanic
Online mechanic services offers a number of advantages. You can get professional Nissan mechanic recommendations 24×7 and without leaving your house, which is especially useful if your Van won’t start and is stuck in the driveway. It can also help you save money as online mechanic consultations are much more affordable 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 2nd opinion, or you just like having a specialist Nissan mechanic on hand.
How Solutions Like MechanicAnswer.com Can Benefit You
Our mechanic help Nissan service connects you with licensed expert mechanics who can provide instantaneous help, guidance and advice with all issues and all Nissan models. It doesn’t matter if your Moco is having trouble or your Nissan Mistral 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 problems you are having with your vehicle, ask Nissan mechanics unlimited questions, and even upload pictures and videos so you can actually show the mechanic what you mean. You can speak with them through online chat or by call, whichever you prefer. The Nissan mechanic will help you detect the problem, advise you on the best course of action for your specific circumstance and even assist you through basic maintenance and repairs every step of the way.
Conclusion
To summarize, when your Nissan Moco will not start, it can be a total bummer and an enormous hassle. However, having a firm grasp of what might be causing the issues, having the ability to troubleshoot them, and knowing what steps are required in each case, when and where to get help if required, will be a substantial benefit. Keep in mind that routine upkeep is key to preventing the vast majority 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 Moco Won’t Start (FAQs)
What should I do if my Nissan Moco can’t start?
First of all, don’t panic. Attempt to identify any symptoms that could show a problem, such as unusual sounds, warning lights on the dash, or changes in performance. The cause of the problem is most likely one of the main causes talked about in this guide. You will need the aid of a mechanic in your area or online if you can’t find the problem yourself.
How to tell if my Nissan Moco won’t start because of the battery?
Signs of a battery issue in a Moco 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 might be best to just replace it if the battery is old or weak.
How can I prevent my Nissan Moco not starting issues?
In order to ensure this annoyance never ever takes place again, routine maintenance is essential. This includes things like oil changes, examining the battery and cleaning its terminals, changing the fuel filter as recommended/needed, and having your Nissan Moco checked by a mechanic often. It’s also a great idea to drive the vehicle routinely so the battery stays charged.
Can I ask a mechanic online if my Nissan Moco will not start?
Yes, you can. An online mechanic service like ours can offer immediate expert Nissan mechanic assistance and recommendations, without you having to leave your home. This is specifically useful if your vehicle will not start and is stuck in the driveway.
How can services like MechanicAnswer.com help if my Nissan Moco can’t start?
We link you with accredited professional Nissan mechanics who can supply advice on your particular scenario. You can inform them about your Van problems, ask unlimited questions, and even upload images and videos so you can properly demonstrate the problem and describe it fully. The mechanic will be able to help, troubleshoot, diagnose the issue, recommend the best course of action and guide you along the way.
