After attempting to replace the ignition relay it will not start and multiple electrical issues

BRENT WILSON

MEMBER
2011 NISSAN FRONTIER
4.0L
V6
2WD
AUTOMATIC
60,000 MILES

I made a mistake and now my truck wont start. I attempted to change the ignition relay due to symptoms my truck had. I didn't have a relay removing tool, and it was very difficult to get it out. I ended up accidently breaking the old one and pulling it out in pieces. I installed the new one but noticed a faint electrical burning smell. I went to start the truck and it was completely unresponsive. It wont even attempt to try to crank. Now, the locks wont even work. Lights will come on the dash. I cleaned the battery terminals and it didnt help. Please advise what to do!

1 Reply

KASEKENNY

MECHANIC
18,907 POSTS

This could be a number of things so we need to start with this guide and start crossing things off the list.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/starter-not-working-repair

Clearly I suspect with the smell that you had, we have a short but it is hard to know where or what that is without starting somewhere. The obvious place to start is with the IPDM which is where this relay is housed. So I attached the wiring diagram that we will need to use in order to find out if this is a theft issue or the IPDM has shorted. Let's remove the relay and check it using this guide:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-check-an-electrical-relay-and-wiring-control-circuit

We need to then test if the CPU is grounding this relay properly. If not, then it needs to be replaced. We do this by putting your red lead of your meter on battery positive and then the black lead of the meter on the terminal circled in the last attachment and then turn the ignition on. You should have 12 volts. If not then the IPDM needs to be replaced.

Let me know if you have questions and we can go from there.

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