Introduction
Let's face it, we've all experienced it, you've got places to be, you get in your Nissan, turn the key, and … drum roll please … nada! Your Nissan will not start up! This a super irritating circumstance, however, do not fret, we've got the answers. There are lots and lots of explanations why your Nissan won't start, and here in this article, to spare you time we'll deal with the most common factors as well as give you useful solutions to get your car back on the road faster than two shakes of a lamb's tail!
If you're short on time, instead of reading, you can also always talk to a live mechanic 24×7 and get immediate help and assistance on finding and fixing the issue, by clicking the “ask a mechanic” button in the bottom right of this page.
Understanding the Problem
Before we get stuck into the causes and solutions it's essential to first comprehend the issue. When you hop into your car and realize “my Nissan won't start”, this could be due to an array of issues being wrong with your vehicle. Maybe it’s a case where the engine is not turning over at all, potentially it is turning over partially but then not starting, or maybe you can hear a clicking sound when you try to start the engine, but in the end, nothing happens. Each of these circumstances can be indicative of various problems with your car.
Common Reasons Why Your Nissan Won't Start
There are various reasons a Nissan wont start. These issues usually include a weak or dead car battery, a faulty alternator, starter motor problems, fuel system issues, as well as electrical or wiring issues. Each one of these issues can manifest as various symptoms and require separate solutions to identify and fix, so we can get your car back on the road ASAP.
Symptoms of a Nissan That Won't Start
Being able to identify and diagnose these symptoms, will assist 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 Nissan still won't start, it is often an indication that there is a problem with the fuel or ignition system of your car.
Analysis of The Reasons Why Your Nissan Won't Start
The very first step to finding a practical solution to the problem is getting to grips with the root cause of that issue, so let's explore the most typical reasons your Nissan wont start.
Nissan Battery Issues
In the vast majority of instances, the most common reason why your Nissan won't start is, in many cases because of the battery, it's either dead or weak, and you need to charge up the battery or change it. The car's battery supplies the power needed to start the engine, and power all the electrical parts in your Nissan. Signs of a weak or dead battery problem in a Nissan, are things like the car being slow to crank the engine, dim headlights, or a lit-up battery caution light on the dashboard
Nissan Alternator Problems
The alternator is for charging the battery from the engine while the car is running. A faulty alternator can certainly stop your Nissan from starting as it won't have the ability to charge up the battery, from the engine, so it will deplete fairly quickly until it's dead and you only realize it when you can't get your Nissan to start. Signs that the alternator is faulty include 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 Starter Motor Failures
When you start your Nissan, the starter motor handles turning the engine over (cranking it). If the starter motor is faulty in some way then the engine won’t crank, and your Nissan wont start. You can tell if your starter motor has a problem or not often by listening for a clicking noise when you turn your key or a grinding noise during the start-up, or your car starts up but only intermittently, then the starter motor may very well be the problem.
Nissan Fuel System Complications
We’re not talking about when you merely run out of gas here, but your car’s fuel system itself having issues. Your Nissan uses a combustion engine, and for that reason to start and run, it requires a proper mix of fuel and air. If your Nissan problems are due to a faulty fuel system, this can be a clogged fuel filter or a failing fuel pump relay, which could indicate the engine might not be receiving the fuel it needs to get the vehicle going.
Nissan Electrical System or Wiring Problems
Today’s modern Nissan cars rely greatly on electronics, which can mean there are lots of things that can potentially go wrong. Even in an older model, you can have fairly normal problems such as blown fuses, spark plug problems, a broken ignition switch, or a faulty sensor, and more. These can be some of the various electrical reasons your vehicle wont start. Indications of a wiring or electrical problem can vary vastly but can often include the engine not cranking, or your Nissan can start but just intermittently, or various warning lights lit up on the car’s dash. To appropriately identify and repair these kinds of issues, you will require the skills of an experienced car mechanic in your area or online.
Solutions & Repair Tips
As soon as you have determined what the reason for your Nissan troubles is. The next logical step is obviously to try and fix it. Here are some suggestions for the common issues we've covered up until this point.
How to Troubleshoot and Fix Battery Issues in a Nissan
If it’s a battery issue you suspect is the cause of your troubles, then the first thing you should do is check around the battery and check the battery terminals. You want them to be clean, not corroded, and tightly 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. If the battery is just old or weak, you will have to replace it, otherwise, even if you charge it up enough to start the vehicle, it will probably deplete quickly again in the near future. You can use a multimeter as a battery tester to see if it’s worth saving or if it needs to be replaced. You can ask a reliable car mechanic online or locally to best advise you on this.
How to Diagnose Alternator Problems in a Nissan
If the alternator is what you think is the offender, you can test it. If you can get the car started temporarily (you may need to jump-start the car for that), but when it’s going, let the car run, and while it's running, disconnect the positive terminal of your car's battery. It's likely due to a fault with the alternator if you find your Nissan dies immediately when you disconnect the positive terminal. You should be aware however that this method can be risky, and might harm the delicate electronic elements in your Nissan, so it's necessary to consult with an expert car mechanic locally or online, before ever attempting this.
How to Identify Starter Motor Failures in a Nissan
It's likely a problem with your starter motor if you can hear the clicking sound but the engine doesn't crank. In these cases, the solution is to have the starter motor replaced by a professional mechanic.
How to Resolve Fuel System Complications in a Nissan
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 vehicle. You should hear a humming sound for a couple of seconds. If you are unable to hear this sound, then it may be there is cause for concern with the fuel pump. If you observe your Nissan is difficult to start, it stalls, or it has poor acceleration, it could possibly be a result of a clogged fuel filter. Both of these will likely need a reliable car mechanic in order to properly fix them.
How to Fix Electrical or Wiring Problems in a Nissan
If you suspect it's an electrical wiring or electrical system issue, first check the fuses related to the ignition system, and change any that have blown. If your Nissan starts after this, then it was a successful, easy, and inexpensive fix! If the car doesn't start, even intermittently, it might be a problem with the ignition switch itself. If various warning lights are visible on your dashboard, it might be a damaged sensor. These issues can be extremely complicated and a reliable car mechanic is most likely needed to diagnose and repair it.
Preventive Steps
As my father always stated “Prevention is better than cure”, so here are some preventative measures to make sure you avoid any Nissan starting troubles again!
Regular Maintenance of Your Nissan:
Regular maintenance of your Nissan is of the utmost importance to preventing future difficulties. This includes things like regular oil changes, checking the battery, cleaning up the terminals, changing the fuel filter as suggested/needed, and of course having your Nissan inspected by a reliable car mechanic routinely. You can seek advice from a mechanic locally or online if you find yourself unsure or not sure about the regular upkeep tasks needed for your particular automobile.
Drive Your Nissan Frequently:
If you happen to leave your Nissan in your garage for extended periods of time without taking it for a spin now and again, the battery may run out of charge as it's not getting any charge from the engine being in use. Try your best to drive your car frequently to keep the battery charged. If you remember you haven't driven your car in a while, take it for a spin to make sure there is still a charge in the battery. Worth noting: letting the battery completely drain, is also damaging for the long-term life of the battery, try not to do this.
Take Notice Of Warning Signs:
If you observe anything strange like unusual noises, a difference in how it drives and the performance, or alert lights showing on your Nissan's dashboard, don’t just disregard them. These can be early signs of an issue and are best dealt with ASAP so that they don’t become much bigger problems later. Speak to a car mechanic in your area or online about these problems and get advice on if they need to be attended to.
When to Ask a Nissan Mechanic Online
If you're either short on time, would like a specialist Nissan mechanic on hand to guide and advise you, or have attempted to resolve it for yourself, but despite your best efforts your car will not start, then chatting with a Nissan mechanic online can be an excellent choice.
Benefits of Online Mechanic Solutions
Online mechanic services, like ours in the bottom right of this page, provide several advantages. You can get skilled Nissan mechanic recommendations 24×7 and without leaving your house, which is especially helpful if your car will not 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 the answer quickly, which is excellent if you're in a rush, require a second opinion, or you just prefer having an expert Nissan mechanic on hand.
How Solutions Like MechanicAnswer.com Can Help You
MechanicAnswer.com connects you with certified professional mechanics who can supply instant assistance, guidance, and advice. You have the ability to describe the issues you are having with your car, ask a Nissan mechanic limitless questions, and even submit photos and videos so you are able to show the mechanic what you mean. You can speak to them by means of online chat or by telephone call, whichever you choose. The Nissan mechanic will help you diagnose the issue, advise you on the best course of action for your individual circumstance, and even guide you through basic maintenance and repairs step by step.
Conclusion
In a nutshell, when your Nissan won't starts, it can be a complete disappointment and a huge inconvenience. However, understanding what may be causing the problems, having the ability to troubleshoot them, and knowing what steps are required in each case, and where to get help if needed, will be a big help. Bear in mind that routine upkeep is essential for avoiding all kinds of car problems.
If your car's issues persist despite this article, remember you can always ask an auto mechanic 24/7 through our service.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What should I do if my Nissan won't start?
To start with, don't panic. Attempt to identify any symptoms that could indicate a problem, such as unusual sounds, warning lights on the dash, or changes in performance. The reason for the problem is most likely among the typical causes talked about in this guide. You will need the assistance of a mechanic in your area or online if you can't find the cause of the problem yourself.
How to tell if my Nissan wont start because of the battery?
Signs of a battery problem in a Nissan include the engine being slow to crank, dim headlights, and lit battery warning lights on 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 weak or old.
How can I prevent my Nissan not starting issues?
In order to make certain this inconvenience never ever occurs once again, routine upkeep is essential. This consists of things like oil changes, inspecting the battery and cleaning it's terminals, changing the fuel filter as recommended / required, and getting your Nissan checked by a mechanic routinely. It's also a fantastic idea to drive the car regularly so the battery remains charged.
Can I ask a mechanic online if my Nissan won't start?
Yes, you can. An online mechanic service like ours can supply instantaneous professional Nissan mechanic help and guidance, without you needing to leave your house. If your Nissan wont start and is stuck in the driveway, this is particularly helpful.
How can services like MechanicAnswer.com help if my Nissan wont start?
We link you with certified specialist Nissan mechanics who can supply recommendations on your specific scenario. You can tell them about your vehicle issues, ask unlimited questions, and even upload images and videos so you can appropriately demonstrate the issue and describe it fully. The mechanic will have the ability to assist, troubleshoot, diagnose the issue, recommend the best course of action and guide you along the way.
