Introduction
As a certified auto mechanic with over 20 years of experience, I’ve seen my good share of Nissan NV-Seriess 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 … absolutely nothing!
But don’t worry, 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 NV-Series won’t start. I’ll cover all the most common causes and you’ll learn how to identify each potential cause, as well as what to do in each case. I’ll offer useful troubleshooting tips and repair solutions based on my 20 years’ of practical experience, so you can get your Nissan NV-Series starting and driving again as swiftly as possible.
Understanding Why a Nissan Won’t Start
When you hop into your vehicle and realize “My Nissan NV-Series won’t start”, this could be because of an array of things being wrong with your Van. Possibly the engine is not cranking at all, potentially it is cranking partially but then not starting, or possibly it’s making a clicking noise when you attempt to start the engine, but in the end nothing happens. Each of these scenarios can indicate different issues with your car.
Common Reasons Why Your Nissan NV-Series Won’t Start
There are various reasons an NV-Series won’t start. These problems usually consist of a weak or dead Van battery, a faulty alternator, starter motor failures, fuel system issues, as well as electrical or wiring problems. Each one of these problems can show up as various symptoms and require separate solutions to identify and repair, so we can get your car back on the road ASAP.
Symptoms of Nissan NV-Series That Won’t Start
Having the ability to recognize and diagnose these signs, will assist you in discovering the root cause of the problem. For instance, when you turn the key in the ignition, and you hear a clicking sound however your Nissan still will not start, it is often a sign that there is a problem with the fuel or ignition system.
Analysis of The Reasons Why Your Nissan NV-Series Won’t Start
The very first step to discovering a solution to the problem is understanding the underlying cause of that issue, so let’s explore the most typical factors why your NV-Series won’t start.
Nissan NV-Series Battery Issues
In most cases, the most common reason why your Nissan NV-Series won’t start is often because of the battery, it’s either weak or dead, and you need to either charge up the battery or replace it. The vehicle’s battery provides the electric needed to start the engine, and power all the electrical parts in your Nissan NV-Series. Signs of a weak or dead battery problem in a NV-Series, can be things like the Van being slow to crank the engine, dim or weak headlights, or a lit-up battery warning light on your car’s 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 NV-Series Alternator Problems
The alternator is tasked with charging the battery from the engine while the car is running. A defective alternator can easily stop your Nissan NV-Series from starting as it won’t have the ability to charge the battery, from the engine, so it will drain fairly quickly till it’s totally dead and you don’t realize it until you can’t get your Nissan started. Signs that the alternator is faulty can be 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 noise from the engine while it’s running.
Nissan NV-Series Starter Motor Failures
When you start your Nissan NV-Series, the starter motor handles turning the engine over (cranking it). If the starter motor is broken in some way then the engine may not crank, and your NV-Series will not start. You can tell if your starter motor has a problem or not typically by listening, if you hear a clicking noise when you turn your key or a grinding noise during the start-up, or your vehicle only starts intermittently then the starter motor may very well be the problem.
Nissan NV-Series 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 NV-Series uses a combustion engine, and for that reason to start and run, it needs a proper mix of fuel and air. If your NV-Series issues are because of a faulty fuel system, this can be a clogged fuel filter or a damaged fuel pump relay, which could indicate the engine might not be getting the fuel it requires to get the vehicle up and running. 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 NV-Series Electrical System or Wiring Problems
Today’s modern Nissan NV-Seriess rely heavily on electronics, which can mean there are lots of things that can potentially fail. Even in an older Nissan NV-Series, you can still have regular issues such as blown fuses, spark plug problems, a broken ignition switch, or a damaged sensor, and more. These can be a few of the numerous electrical explanations as to why your vehicle can’t start up. Signs of a circuitry or electrical issue can vary greatly but can typically include the engine not cranking, or your NV-Series can start however just intermittently or some warning lights are lit up on the dash. To correctly identify and repair these kinds of problems, you will require the skills of a knowledgeable Nissan mechanic in your area or online.
Solutions & Repair Tips
Once you have determined what the cause of your vehicle failing to start is. The next logical step is obviously to attempt to fix it. Here are some pointers for the typical issues we’ve covered up until now.
How to Troubleshoot and Fix Battery Issues in a Nissan NV-Series
If you suspect it’s possibl a battery issue is the culprit as to why your NV-Series has difficulty starting, then the first thing you ought to do is check 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 NV-Series’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 NV-Series, it will probably die again in the near 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 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 NV-Series, and choose a suitable one, from a seller with great reviews.
If charging your NV-Series’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 Nearby mobile mechanic.
How to Diagnose Alternator Problems in a Nissan NV-Series
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 culprit, you can test it. If you can get the Van started temporarily (you may need to jump-start the vehicle for that), but when it’s going, let the vehicle run, and while the engine is running, disconnect the positive terminal of your vehicle’s battery. If you notice your Nissan NV-Series dies right away, then it’s probably 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 elements in your vehicle, so its best to consult with 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 NV-Series
You should listen for a clicking noise when you turn the ignition key if you think the starter motor is the cause of your Nissan NV-Series not starting. In these cases, 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 NV-Series
If you suspect 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 the Van. You should be able to hear a humming noise for a few seconds. It may be there is an issue with the fuel pump if you are not able to hear this sound. If you notice your Nissan is tough to start, it stalls, or it has bad acceleration, it might be because of a clogged fuel filter. Both of these will likely require a reliable auto mechanic in order to correctly 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 NV-Series
If you suspect it’s a circuitry or electrical system problem, initially inspect the fuses related to the ignition system, and replace any that have actually blown. If your Nissan NV-Series starts after this, then it was a successful, inexpensive and simple fix! However, if the Van doesn’t start, even intermittently it could be a problem with the ignition switch itself. If different warning lights show up on your dashboard, it might be due to a broken sensor. These issues can be really complicated and a reliable Nissan mechanic is most likely needed to diagnose and have it properly repaired.
Preventive Steps
As my dad always stated “Prevention is better than cure”, so here are some preventative measures to ensure you prevent any Nissan NV-Series starting difficulties again!
Regular Maintenance of Your Nissan NV-Series:
Routine maintenance of your Nissan NV-Series is of the utmost importance to preventing future difficulties. This consists of things like routine oil changes, inspecting the battery, cleaning the terminals, changing the fuel filter as advised/needed, and having your vehicle examined by a reliable auto mechanic routinely. You can seek advice from a mechanic in your area or online if you find yourself uncertain or confused about the routine upkeep jobs required for your specific automobile.
Drive Your Nissan NV-Series Regularly:
If you happen to leave your Nissan NV-Series in the driveway for long durations of time without driving it, the battery may run out of charge as it’s not being charged up by the engine running regularly. Try to drive your vehicle regularly to keep the battery charged up. 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 in 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 odd like unusual sounds, a difference in how it drives and the performance, or alert lights are now visible on your Nissan NV-Seriess dashboard, don’t disregard them. These are usually early signs of a problem and it’s best to be dealt with ASAP before they end up being bigger issues down the line. Speak to a mechanic locally 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 a specialist Nissan mechanic on hand guiding and advising you, or you’ve tried to resolve it yourself, but despite your best efforts your NV-Series won’t start, then talking with a Nissan mechanic online can be a great choice. It certainly beats googling things like “my Nissan has power but wont start” all day and still getting nowhere.
Advantages of an Online Nissan Mechanic
Online mechanic services offers numerous advantages. You can get expert Nissan mechanic suggestions 24×7 and without leaving your home, which is especially helpful if your Van 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 answers quickly, which is excellent if you’re in a rush, require a second opinion, or you simply like having a professional Nissan mechanic on hand.
How Solutions Like MechanicAnswer.com Can Benefit You
Our Nissan questions for free service connects you with licensed professional mechanics who can provide immediate help, guidance and advice with all issues and all Nissan models. It doesn’t matter if your NV-Series is having trouble or your Nissan Interstar 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 upload images and videos so you are able to show the mechanic what you mean. You can speak with them via online chat or by call, whichever you prefer. The Nissan mechanic online will help you diagnose the problem, guide you on the best course of action for your individual scenario and even assist you through easy maintenance and repairs step by step.
Conclusion
In conclusion, when your Nissan NV-Series is unable to start, it can be a complete downer and an enormous inconvenience. However, knowing what may be triggering the problems, being able to troubleshoot them, and knowing what actions are required in each case, when and where to get help if required, will be a big benefit. Keep in mind that regular maintenance is crucial for preventing the 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 NV-Series Won’t Start (FAQs)
What should I do if my Nissan NV-Series won’t start?
To start with, don’t panic. Attempt 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 problem yourself, you will require the assistance of a Nissan mechanic locally or online.
How to tell if my Nissan NV-Series won’t start because of the battery?
Signs of a battery problem in a NV-Series 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 may be best to just change it.
How can I prevent my Nissan NV-Series not starting issues?
In order to ensure this inconvenience never happens once again, regular upkeep is crucial. This includes things like oil changes, examining the battery and cleaning its terminals, changing the fuel filter as recommended/required, and having your Nissan NV-Series inspected by a mechanic regularly. It’s also a great idea to drive the vehicle regularly so the battery stays charged.
Can I ask a mechanic online if my Nissan NV-Series won’t start?
Yes, you can. An online mechanic service like ours can offer instantaneous expert Nissan mechanic help and guidance, without you needing to leave your house. This is particularly helpful if your vehicle can’t start and is stuck in the driveway.
How can services like MechanicAnswer.com help if my Nissan NV-Series fails to start?
We link you with accredited specialist Nissan mechanics who can supply suggestions on your specific situation. You can inform them about your vehicle issues, ask unlimited questions, and even upload images and videos so you can effectively demonstrate the issue and describe it fully. The mechanic will be able to assist, troubleshoot, identify the issue, suggest the very best course of action and guide you along the way.
