Introduction
As a certified auto mechanic with over twenty years of experience, I’ve seen my fair share of Nissan Qashqai 2s 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 … 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 guide you through the most frequent reasons why your Nissan Qashqai 2 won’t start. I’ll cover all the most common causes and you’ll understand 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 first-hand experience, so you can get your Nissan Qashqai 2 starting and moving as rapidly as possible.
Understanding Why a Nissan Won’t Start
When you realize to yourself “My Nissan Qashqai 2 won’t start”, this could be because of an array of things being wrong with your SUV. Maybe the engine is not turning over at all, perhaps it is turning over partially but then not starting, or possibly it’s making a clicking noise when you try to start the engine, but ultimately absolutely nothing happens. Each of these annoying situations can indicate different problems with your car.
Common Reasons Why Your Nissan Qashqai 2 Won’t Start
There are many reasons that a Qashqai 2 won’t start. These concerns usually include a dead or weak SUV battery, a broken alternator, starter motor problems, fuel system complications, as well as electrical or circuitry failures. Every one of these issues can manifest as an array of 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 Qashqai 2 That Won’t Start
Having the ability to recognize and diagnose these symptoms, will help you in discovering the underlying cause of the problem. For example, when you turn the key in the ignition, and you hear a clicking noise but your vehicle still refuses to start, it can be an indication that there is a problem with the fuel or ignition system.
Analysis of The Reasons Why Your Nissan Qashqai 2 Won’t Start
The first step to finding a practical solution to the issue is getting to grips with the underlying cause of that issue, so let’s delve into the most typical factors why your Qashqai 2 won’t start.
Nissan Qashqai 2 Battery Issues
In the vast majority of cases, the most common reason why your Nissan Qashqai 2 won’t start is, in many cases due to a bad battery, it’s either weak or dead, and you have to charge up the battery or replace it. The vehicle’s battery provides the power needed to start the engine, and power all the electrical parts in your Nissan Qashqai 2. Symptoms of a bad battery problem in a Qashqai 2, can be things like the vehicle being sluggish to crank the engine, dim 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 Qashqai 2 Alternator Problems
The alternator is tasked with charging the battery from the engine while the car is running. A broken alternator can certainly prevent your Nissan Qashqai 2 from starting as it will not be able to charge the battery, from the engine, so it will be depleted all the way down until it’s dead and you only realize it when you get into your beloved Qashqai 2 and it refuses to start. Symptoms that your vehicle’s alternator is faulty can be a lit-up battery or alternator warning light on the dashboard, dim headlights when the engine is idling, and also a whining or grinding sound from the engine while it’s running.
Nissan Qashqai 2 Starter Motor Failures
The starter motor manages turning the engine over (cranking) when you start up your Nissan. If the starter motor is broken in some manner then the engine won’t crank, and your Qashqai 2 can’t start. You can tell if your starter motor has an issue or not typically by listening for a clicking noise when you turn the key in the ignition 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 Qashqai 2 Fuel System Complications
We’re not talking about when you simply run out of gas here, but your vehicle’s fuel system itself having issues. Your Nissan Qashqai 2 uses a combustion engine, and, therefore, to start and run, it needs a mix of enough fuel and air. If your Qashqai 2 issues are because of a faulty fuel system, this could be a clogged fuel filter or a failing fuel pump relay, which could suggest the engine might not be receiving 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 Qashqai 2 Electrical System or Wiring Problems
Modern Nissan Qashqai 2s rely greatly on electronic components, which can mean there are lots of things that can potentially go wrong. Even in an older model, 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 some of the numerous electrical explanations as to why your Nissan Qashqai 2 will not start up. Indications of a circuitry or electrical issue can vary widely however can often include the engine not cranking, or your Qashqai 2 can start however just intermittently or various warning lights come on the dashboard. To correctly diagnose and fix these kinds of issues, you will require the skills of a skilled Nissan mechanic locally or online.
Solutions & Repair Tips
When you have found out what the cause of your vehicle being unable to start is. The next step is naturally to try and fix it. Here are some tips for the common issues we’ve covered up until now.
How to Troubleshoot and Fix Battery Issues in a Nissan Qashqai 2
If it’s a battery issue you suspect is the problem, then the first thing you should do is check the battery terminals. You want them to be clean, not corroded, and firmly connected. If you discover that the terminals are indeed corroded you can try to clean them up 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 Qashqai 2’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 die once again in the not so distant future. You can make use of 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 swapped out for a new one. 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 Qashqai 2, and choose a suitable one, from a seller with great reviews.
If charging your Qashqai 2’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 inspection services.
How to Diagnose Alternator Problems in a Nissan Qashqai 2
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 reason, you can test it to see for yourself. If you can get the vehicle started 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. It’s likely because of a problem with the alternator if you find your Nissan Qashqai 2 dies fairly quickly when you disconnect the positive terminal. You should be aware however that this method can be risky and dangerous, and might harm the sensitive electronic parts in your Nissan Qashqai 2, so it’s always best to seek advice from an experienced auto 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 Qashqai 2
If you hear the clicking sound when you try and start the SUV by turning the key, but the engine doesn’t crank, then its likely an issue with your starter motor. In this case, the solution is to have the starter motor replaced by a professional mechanic.
How to Solve Fuel System Issues in a Nissan Qashqai 2
If you think 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 the SUV. You should hear a humming sound for a few seconds. If you are unable to hear this sound, then it may be there is a problem with the fuel pump. If you observe your Nissan is hard to start, it stalls, or it has poor acceleration, it could possibly be due to a clogged fuel filter. Both of these will likely need 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 Fix Electrical or Wiring Issues in a Nissan Qashqai 2
If you suspect it’s an electrical wiring or electrical system issue, initially inspect the fuses associated with the ignition system, and change any that have actually blown. If your Nissan starts after this, then it was an effective, cheap and simple fix! Nevertheless, if the SUV refuses to start, even intermittently it might be a problem with the ignition switch itself. It might be a faulty sensor if numerous warning lights are visible on the dash. These problems can be very intricate and a reliable Nissan mechanic is most likely required to identify and repair it.
Preventive Steps
As my father always said “Prevention is better than cure”, so here are some preventative measures to ensure you prevent any Nissan Qashqai 2 starting problems again!
Regular Maintenance of Your Nissan Qashqai 2:
Regular maintenance of your Nissan Qashqai 2 is essential to avoid future difficulties. This includes things like regular oil changes, checking the battery, cleaning the terminals, changing the fuel filter as advised/required, and having your SUV inspected by a professional auto mechanic regularly. You can consult a mechanic in your area or online if you find yourself uncertain or confused about the regular upkeep tasks required for your particular automobile.
Drive Your Nissan Qashqai 2 Regularly:
If you happen to leave your Nissan Qashqai 2 in the driveway for long periods of time without driving it, the battery can waste out of charge as it’s not receiving any electrical charge from the engine running running regularly. Try your best to drive your Qashqai 2 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 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 odd like uncommon noises, a difference in driving and performance, or warning lights are now visible on the dash, don’t disregard them. These are usually early signs of a problem and it’s best to be attended to ASAP so that they don’t become larger issues later. Talk to a mechanic locally or online about these warning lights and get advice on if they need to be resolved.
When to Ask a Nissan Mechanic Online
If you’re either limited on time, would like a specialist Nissan mechanic on hand to guide and to advise you, or you’ve actually attempted to solve it by yourself, however despite your best efforts your Qashqai 2 can’t start, then talking with a Nissan mechanic online can be an excellent choice. It certainly beats googling things like “my Nissan wont start but clicks” all day and still getting nowhere.
Benefits of an Online Nissan Mechanic
Online mechanic services provides a number of benefits. You can get expert Nissan mechanic advice 24×7 and without leaving your home, which is especially beneficial if your vehicle 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 terrific if you’re in a hurry, need a 2nd opinion, or you simply prefer having a specialist Nissan mechanic on hand.
How Services Like MechanicAnswer.com Can Help You
Our ask a Nissan mechanic now service connects you with certified professional mechanics who can offer immediate aid, guidance and recommendations with all issues and all Nissan models. It doesn’t matter if your Qashqai 2 is having trouble or your Nissan Qashqai 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 limitless questions, and even upload pictures and videos so you can actually show the mechanic what you mean. You can talk with them through online chat or by call, whichever you choose. The Nissan mechanic will help you detect the issue, guide you on what are the best options for your specific scenario and even guide you through easy maintenance and repairs step by step.
Conclusion
To sum it all up, when your Nissan Qashqai 2 wont start, it can be a total downer and a massive inconvenience. However, having a firm grasp of what might 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 needed, will be a substantial benefit. Bear in mind that regular maintenance is essential for preventing all kinds 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 Qashqai 2 Won’t Start (FAQs)
What should I do if my Nissan Qashqai 2 will not start?
First off, don’t panic. Try to identify any signs that could suggest an issue, such as unusual sounds, warning lights on the dash, or changes in performance. The cause of the problem is most likely one of the typical causes discussed in this guide. You will need the help of a mechanic locally or online if you can’t find the cause of the problem yourself.
How to tell if my Nissan Qashqai 2 won’t start because of the battery?
Signs of a battery problem in a Qashqai 2 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 tightly connected. It may be best to simply swap it out for a new one if the battery is old or weak.
How can I prevent my Nissan Qashqai 2 not starting issues?
In order to make sure this inconvenience never ever occurs again, routine maintenance is essential. This includes things like oil changes, inspecting the battery and cleaning its terminals, replacing the fuel filter as recommended/required, and having your Nissan Qashqai 2 checked by a mechanic routinely. It’s also a great idea to drive the SUV routinely so the battery stays charged.
Can I ask a mechanic online if my Nissan Qashqai 2 fails to start?
Yes, you can. An online mechanic service like ours can offer instantaneous professional Nissan mechanic help and guidance, without you having to leave your home. If your Nissan Qashqai 2 won’t start and is stuck in the driveway, this is especially useful.
How can services like MechanicAnswer.com help if my Nissan Qashqai 2 will not start?
We connect you with certified professional Nissan mechanics who can supply advice on your particular circumstance. You can tell them about your vehicle issues, ask unlimited questions, and even submit images and videos so you can appropriately demonstrate the problem and describe it fully. The mechanic will be able to help, troubleshoot, identify the issue, recommend the very best course of action and guide you along the way.
