Intro
As a certified auto mechanic with over 20 years of experience, I’ve seen my good share of Nissan Pulsars that refuse to start. And I can assure you, 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 no need to worry friend, you’ve come to the right place. My name’s Robby and in this article, I’m going to explain the most common reasons why your Nissan Pulsar won’t start. I’ll cover all the most common causes and you’ll learn how to diagnose each potential cause, as well as what to do in each case. I’ll offer practical troubleshooting pointers and repair solutions based on my two decades of hands-on experience, so you can get your Nissan Pulsar 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 Pulsar won’t start”, this could be due to a multitude of issues being wrong with your Car. Possibly the engine is not turning over at all, potentially it is turning over partially however then not starting, or possibly it’s making a clicking noise when you try to start the engine, however ultimately absolutely nothing happens. Each of these situations can be indicative of various problems with your car.
Common Reasons Why Your Nissan Pulsar Won’t Start
There are many reasons why a Pulsar fails to start. These issues usually consist of a dead or weak Car battery, a bad alternator, starter motor failures, fuel system complications, along with electrical or wiring issues. Each one of these issues can manifest as a multitude of symptoms and require different solutions to troubleshoot and resolve, so we can get your car back on the road ASAP.
Symptoms of Nissan Pulsar That Won’t Start
Being able to recognize and diagnose these signs, will help you in finding the root cause of the issue. For example, when you turn the key in the ignition, and you hear a clicking sound but your Car still fails to start, it can mean that there is an issue with the fuel or ignition system.
Analysis of The Reasons Why Your Nissan Pulsar Won’t Start
The first step to discovering a solution to the issue is knowing the underlying cause of that problem, so let’s look into the most typical causes as to why your Pulsar won’t start.
Nissan Pulsar Battery Issues
In the vast majority of instances, the most common reason why your Nissan Pulsar can’t start is, in many cases because of the battery, it’s either weak or dead, and you need to recharge the battery or replace it. The vehicle’s battery supplies the electricity needed to start the engine, and power all the electrical components in your Nissan Pulsar. Symptoms of a weak or dead battery problem in a Pulsar, can be things like the vehicle being sluggish to crank the engine, poorly lit headlights, or a lit-up battery alert light on the dash. 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 Pulsar Alternator Problems
The alternator is tasked with charging the battery from the engine while the car is running. A damaged alternator can easily prevent your Nissan Pulsar from starting as it won’t have the ability to charge up the battery, from the engine, so it will be drained all the way down till it’s completely drained and you only realize it when you can’t get your Nissan to fire up. Signs that your Pulsars alternator is faulty include a lit-up battery or alternator caution light on the dash, poorly lit headlights when the engine is idling, and also a whining or grinding noise from the engine while it’s running.
Nissan Pulsar Starter Motor Failures
When you start your Nissan Pulsar, the starter motor is responsible for turning the engine over (cranking it). If the starter motor is faulty in some manner then the engine will not crank, and your Pulsar won’t 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 during the startup, or your vehicle can start, but only intermittently then the starter motor may very well be the problem.
Nissan Pulsar Fuel System Complications
We’re not talking about when you merely run out of gas here, but your Car’s fuel system itself having problems. Your Nissan Pulsar uses a combustion engine, and because of this to start and run, it requires a proper mix of fuel and air. If your Pulsar issues are due to a faulty fuel system, this might be a clogged fuel filter or a damaged fuel pump relay, which could suggest the engine may not be receiving the fuel it needs 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 Pulsar Electrical System or Wiring Problems
Today’s modern Nissan Pulsars rely heavily on electronic components, which can mean there are lots of things that can potentially fail. Even in an older vehicle, you can still have typical issues such as blown fuses, spark plug problems, a faulty ignition switch, or a faulty sensor, and more. These can be some of the numerous electrical explanations as to why your vehicle will not get started. Symptoms of a circuitry or electrical issue can vary vastly however can often include the engine not cranking, or your Pulsar can start but just intermittently or some warning lights are lit up on the dash. To properly diagnose and fix these kinds of issues, you will need the abilities of an experienced Nissan mechanic locally or online.
Solutions & Repair Tips
As soon as you have determined what the cause of your Car being unable to start is. The next step is naturally to try and 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 Pulsar
If you think it’s possibl a battery problem is the reason your Pulsar has trouble starting, then the first thing you need 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 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 Pulsar’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 likely deplete quickly 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 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 Pulsar, and choose a suitable one, from a seller with great reviews.
If charging your Pulsar’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 vehicle repair.
How to Diagnose Alternator Problems in a Nissan Pulsar
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 suspect is the perpetrator, you can test it to see for yourself. If you can get the vehicle to start up 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 the battery. It’s most likely the result of an issue with the alternator if you notice that your Nissan Pulsar dies fairly quickly when you disconnect the positive terminal. You should be aware however that this method can be risky, and may damage the sensitive electronic elements in your Nissan Pulsar, so it’s always best to seek advice from an experienced auto mechanic locally 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 Pulsar
If you think the starter motor is the reason for your Nissan Pulsar failing to start, listen for a clicking noise when you turn the key in the ignition. In this case, the solution is to have the starter motor replaced by a professional mechanic.
How to Resolve Fuel System Issues in a Nissan Pulsar
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 up the vehicle. You should be able 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 notice your Nissan is tough to start, it stalls, or it has bad acceleration, it could be down to a clogged fuel filter. Both of these will likely need a reliable 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 Fix Electrical or Wiring Issues in a Nissan Pulsar
If you suspect it’s a circuitry or electrical system problem, first examine the fuses associated with the ignition system, and change any that have blown. If your Nissan Pulsar starts after this, then it was an effective, simple and inexpensive repair! If the Car doesn’t start, even intermittently, it might be because there is an issue with the ignition switch itself. If various warning lights show up on your dashboard, it could be due to a broken sensor. These issues can be very complicated and a reliable Nissan mechanic is most likely needed to diagnose and have it properly repaired.
Preventive Steps
As my father always said “Prevention is better than cure”, so here are the best ways to ensure you prevent any Nissan Pulsar starting problems ever again!
Routine Maintenance of Your Nissan Pulsar:
Regular maintenance of your Nissan Pulsar is key to avoiding future difficulties. This consists of things like routine oil changes, inspecting your Car’s battery, cleaning up the terminals, replacing the fuel filter as recommended/needed, and of course having your vehicle inspected by a reliable auto mechanic routinely. If you are uncertain about routine maintenance tasks required for your specific automobile, you can consult a mechanic in your area or online.
Drive Your Nissan Pulsar Regularly:
If you happen to leave your Nissan Pulsar in the driveway for long periods of time without taking it for a spin now and again, the battery can drain as it’s not receiving any electrical charge from the engine running being used. Try to drive your vehicle regularly to keep the battery from draining. 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 totally drain, is also damaging for the long-term life of the battery, try not to do this.
Pay Attention to Warning Signs:
If you notice anything odd like uncommon sounds, a difference in driving and performance, or alert lights showing on the dash, don’t just disregard them. These are usually early warning signs of a problem and are best being dealt with ASAP so that they don’t end up being larger problems later. Chat with a mechanic in your area or online about these problems and find out if they need to be resolved.
When to Ask a Nissan Mechanic Online
If you want to save time, want a specialist Nissan mechanic on hand guiding and advising you, or you have tried to solve it for yourself, but regardless of your best efforts your Nissan will not start, then chatting with a Nissan mechanic online can be a fantastic choice. It certainly beats googling things like “Nissan wont start no power but battery is good” all day and still getting nowhere.
Benefits of an Online Nissan Mechanic
Online mechanic services provides several advantages. You can get skilled Nissan mechanic guidance 24×7 and without leaving your home, which is especially useful if your Car 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 excellent if you’re in a hurry, require a second opinion, or you just like having a specialist Nissan mechanic on hand.
How Solutions Like MechanicAnswer.com Can Benefit You
Our ask Nissan mechanics service connects you with licensed expert mechanics who can provide immediate assistance, guidance and suggestions with all issues and all Nissan models. It doesn’t matter if your Pulsar is having trouble or your Nissan Primera 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 issues you are having with your vehicle, ask Nissan mechanics limitless questions, and even upload pictures and videos so you can actually show the mechanic what you mean. You can talk to them via online chat or by call, whichever you choose. The Nissan mechanic will help you identify the problem, advise you on what are the best options for your individual circumstance and even assist you through easy maintenance and repair work every step of the way.
Conclusion
In a nut shell, when your Nissan Pulsar won’t start, it will likely be a total disappointment and a huge inconvenience. However, having an understanding of what might be causing the problems, being able to troubleshoot them, and knowing what actions are required in each case, when and where to get help if needed, will be a substantial benefit. Bear in mind that regular upkeep is key to preventing all Car problems.
I hope this guide helps you get your Nissan started again, and have a great day!
Frequently Asked Questions When a Nissan Pulsar Won’t Start (FAQs)
What should I do if my Nissan Pulsar can’t start?
Firstly, don’t panic. Try to identify any symptoms that could show a problem, such as unusual sounds, warning lights on the dash, or changes in performance. The reason for the issue is likely one of the main causes discussed in this guide. You will need the aid of a mechanic in your area or online if you can’t find the issue yourself.
How to tell if my Nissan Pulsar won’t start because of the battery?
Indications of a battery problem in a Pulsar 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 just replace it.
How can I prevent my Nissan Pulsar not starting issues?
In order to ensure this inconvenience never ever takes place once again, regular upkeep is essential. This includes things like oil changes, examining the battery and cleaning its terminals, replacing the fuel filter as recommended/required, and having your Nissan Pulsar checked by a mechanic routinely. It’s also a fantastic idea to drive the Car routinely so the battery remains charged.
Can I ask a mechanic online if my Nissan Pulsar fails to start?
Yes, you can. An online mechanic service like ours can provide instantaneous specialist Nissan mechanic assistance and recommendations, without you needing to leave your house. If your Nissan Pulsar won’t start and is stuck in the driveway, this is particularly helpful.
How can services like MechanicAnswer.com help if my Nissan Pulsar fails to start?
We link you with certified professional Nissan mechanics who can supply advice on your specific situation. You can inform them about your Car issues, ask unlimited questions, and even submit images and videos so you can properly show the problem and explain it. The mechanic will have the ability to help, troubleshoot, diagnose the problem, suggest the best course of action and guide you along the way.
