Intro
As a professional auto mechanic with over 20 years of experience, I’ve seen my fair share of Nissan Pixos that refuse to start. And let me tell 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 … absolutely nothing!
But no need for concern, 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 reasons why your Nissan Pixo 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 practical troubleshooting tips and repair solutions based on my two decades of practical experience, so you can get your Nissan Pixo starting and back on the road as swiftly as possible.
Understanding Why a Nissan Won’t Start
When you hop into your vehicle and realize “My Nissan Pixo won’t start”, this could be due to various issues being wrong with your vehicle. Maybe the engine is not firing up at all, possibly it is cranking partially but then not starting, or perhaps it’s making a clicking sound when you attempt to start the engine, but ultimately absolutely nothing happens. Each of these situations can point to different problems with your car.
Common Reasons Why Your Nissan Pixo Won’t Start
There are various reasons that a Pixo fails to start up. These problems usually include a dead or weak vehicle battery, a faulty alternator, starter motor problems, fuel system problems, in addition to electrical or circuitry problems. Each one of these problems can manifest as a multitude of symptoms and require different solutions to detect and resolve, so we can get your car back on the road as soon as possible.
Symptoms of Nissan Pixo That Won’t Start
Being able to identify and diagnose these symptoms, will assist you in finding the underlying cause of the problem. For example, when you turn the key in the ignition, and you hear a clicking sound however your vehicle still fails to start, it can be a sign that there is a problem with the fuel or ignition system.
Analysis of The Reasons Why Your Nissan Pixo Won’t Start
The first step to finding a solution to the problem is understanding the root cause of that problem, so let’s explore the most typical factors why your Pixo won’t start.
Nissan Pixo Battery Issues
In the vast majority of instances, the most common reason why your Nissan Pixo fails to start is often due to the battery, it’s either weak or dead, and you have to recharge the battery or replace it. The vehicle’s battery stores the power required to start the engine, and power all the electrical components in your Nissan Pixo. Symptoms of a weak or dead battery problem in a Pixo, are 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 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 Pixo Alternator Problems
The alternator is tasked with charging the battery from the engine while the vehicle is running. A defective alternator can easily prevent your Nissan Pixo from starting as it won’t have the ability to charge up the battery, from the engine, so it will drain all the way down until it’s totally dead and you only realize it when you can’t get your Nissan started. Symptoms that your vehicle’s alternator may be faulty can be 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 Pixo Starter Motor Failures
When you start your Nissan Pixo, the starter motor handles 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 Pixo 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 or a grinding sound during the start-up, or your Car can start, but only intermittently then the starter motor may very well be the problem.
Nissan Pixo Fuel System Complications
Now we’re not talking about when you just run out of gas here, but your Car’s fuel system itself having issues. Your Nissan Pixo uses a combustion engine, and for that reason to start and run, it needs a proper mix of fuel and air. If your Pixo issues are the result of a faulty fuel system, this could be a clogged fuel filter or a broken fuel pump relay, which could mean the engine might not be getting the fuel it requires to get the Car going. 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 Pixo Electrical System or Wiring Problems
Today’s modern Nissan Pixos rely heavily on electronics, which can mean there are lots of things that can potentially fail. Even in an older Nissan Pixo, 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 reasons that your vehicle can’t start up. Indications of a wiring or electrical problem can differ greatly however can typically include the engine not cranking, or your Pixo can start but only intermittently or some warning lights show on the dashboard. To properly diagnose and repair these kinds of problems, you will require the abilities of an experienced Nissan mechanic in your area or online.
Solutions & Repair Tips
When you have figured out what the reason for your vehicle failing to start is. The next step is naturally to try and repair it. Here are some suggestions for the typical issues we’ve covered up until now.
How to Troubleshoot and Fix Battery Issues in a Nissan Pixo
If it’s a battery issue you suspect is the problem, then the first thing you ought to do is examine the battery terminals. You want them to be clean, not corroded, and firmly connected. If you discover 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 Pixo’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 old or weak. Otherwise, even if you charge it up enough to start the Nissan Pixo, it will likely 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 Pixo, and choose a suitable one, from a seller with great reviews.
If charging your Pixo’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 Mobile auto repair.
How to Diagnose Alternator Problems in a Nissan Pixo
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 to see for yourself. If you can get the Car started temporarily (you may need to jump-start the vehicle for that), but when it’s going, let the vehicle run, and while it’s running, disconnect the positive terminal of the battery. If you discover your Nissan Pixo is dying right away, then it’s probably due to an issue with the alternator. However, be warned this test can be dangerous if you don’t know what you’re doing, and might harm the delicate electronic components in your vehicle, so in this case best to talk to an experienced mechanic local to you or online, prior to 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 Pixo
If you hear the clicking sound when you try and start the vehicle by turning the key, however the engine doesn’t crank, then its likely 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 Fix Fuel System Complications in a Nissan Pixo
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 vehicle. You ought to hear a humming sound 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 observe your Nissan is difficult to start, it stalls, or it has poor acceleration, it could be down to a clogged fuel filter. Both of these will likely require a professional auto mechanic in order to effectively 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 Pixo
If you suspect it’s an electrical wiring or electrical system problem, first inspect the fuses related to the ignition system, and replace any that have actually blown. If your Nissan starts after this, then it was a successful, inexpensive and easy repair! 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 because of a damaged sensor. These problems can be very complicated and a reliable Nissan mechanic is likely required to diagnose and have it properly repaired.
Preventive Steps
As my father always stated “Prevention is better than cure”, so here are the best ways to ensure you can avoid any Nissan Pixo starting difficulties ever again!
Routine Upkeep of Your Nissan Pixo:
Routine upkeep of your Nissan Pixo is key to avoid future troubles. This consists of things like routine oil changes, checking the battery, cleaning up the terminals, replacing the fuel filter as suggested/required, and of course having your vehicle examined by a reliable auto mechanic routinely. If you are unsure about routine maintenance tasks needed for your particular automobile, you can speak with a mechanic locally or online.
Drive Your Nissan Pixo Frequently:
If you happen to leave your Nissan Pixo stagnant for extended periods of time without driving it, the battery may waste out of charge as it’s not being charged up by the engine being used. Try to drive your vehicle regularly to keep the battery full of juice. 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 in a while. Worth noting: letting the battery completely drain, is also damaging for the longevity of the battery, try not to do this.
Take Notice Of Warning Signs:
If you notice anything weird like unusual noises, a difference in driving and performance, or warning lights lit up on the dash, don’t ignore them. These are usually early warnings 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 locally or online about these problems and get advice on if they need to be addressed.
When to Ask a Nissan Mechanic Online
If you’re either limited on time, want a specialist Nissan mechanic on hand assisting and advising you, or you’ve actually tried to solve it yourself, but in spite of your best efforts your Pixo won’t start, then talking with a Nissan mechanic online can be a fantastic choice. It certainly beats googling things like “bad alternator Nissan wont start” all day and still getting nowhere.
Benefits of an Online Nissan Mechanic
Online mechanic services offers numerous benefits. You can get professional Nissan mechanic guidance 24×7 and without leaving your home, which is especially useful if your Car won’t start and is stuck in the driveway. It can also help you save money as online mechanic consultations are much cheaper than a physical visit to a local mechanic near you. Plus, you can get the answer rapidly, which is fantastic if you’re in a hurry, need a 2nd opinion, or you simply prefer having a professional Nissan mechanic on hand.
How Solutions Like MechanicAnswer.com Can Help You
Our Nissan mechanic chat rooms service connects you with certified expert mechanics who can provide instant aid, guidance and suggestions with all issues and all Nissan models. It doesn’t matter if your Pixo is having trouble or your Nissan Patrol 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 upload photos and videos so you are able to 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 identify the issue, advise you on the best course of action for your specific situation and even assist you through simple maintenance and repair work every step of the way.
Conclusion
To summarize, when your Nissan Pixo won’t start, it will likely be a total disappointment and an enormous hassle. However, having an understanding of what may be triggering the issues, being able to troubleshoot them, and knowing what steps are needed in each case, when and where to get help if required, will be a huge benefit. Bear in mind that routine maintenance is crucial for avoiding all Car issues.
I hope this guide helps you get your Nissan started again, and have a great day!
Frequently Asked Questions When a Nissan Pixo Won’t Start (FAQs)
What should I do if my Nissan Pixo will not start?
To start with, don’t panic. Attempt to identify any symptoms that could suggest an issue, such as unusual noises, warning lights on the dash, or changes in performance. The cause of the issue is most likely among the main causes discussed in this guide. If you can’t find the problem yourself, you will require the help of a Nissan mechanic locally or online.
How to tell if my Nissan Pixo won’t start because of the battery?
Signs of a battery issue in a Pixo 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 swap it for a newer one.
How can I prevent my Nissan Pixo not starting issues?
In order to ensure this annoyance never ever occurs once again, routine upkeep is key. This includes things like oil changes, checking the battery and cleaning its terminals, replacing the fuel filter as recommended/required, and having your Nissan Pixo inspected by a mechanic regularly. It’s also a fantastic idea to drive the Car routinely so the battery stays charged.
Can I ask a mechanic online if my Nissan Pixo can’t start?
Yes, you can. An online mechanic service like ours can provide instantaneous expert Nissan mechanic assistance and recommendations, without you having to leave your home. If your Nissan Pixo won’t start and is stuck in the driveway, this is especially beneficial.
How can services like MechanicAnswer.com help if my Nissan Pixo won’t start?
We connect you with accredited specialist Nissan mechanics who can provide advice on your specific circumstance. You can tell them about your vehicle issues, ask unlimited questions, and even submit images and videos so you can properly explain and show the issue. The mechanic will be able to assist, troubleshoot, diagnose the issue, recommend the very best course of action and guide you along the way.
