Starting problem

TOM COOMEY

MEMBER
2002 NISSAN FRONTIER
4 CYL
2WD
AUTOMATIC
150,000 MILES

Son just moved out of state. Called and told me that the truck will not start right away. Turns key and nothing happens. Dash lights come on as if starting. He can hear the fuel pump come on and pressurize the line but no crank. Tries two to three more times and starter engages and car runs. I just replaced the starter motor, battery and the alternator is fairly new. Had him check all the fuses, no problem. Afraid this will only get worse. Where can I direct him to look to identify the problem?

3 Replies

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
108,454 POSTS

Hi and thanks for using 2CarPros.com.

Since the truck eventually starts, the battery is good which in turn indicates the alternator is doing its job. So, that leaves either a bad connection from the battery (ground or positive) or the new starter has a bad solenoid. Take a look through this link. It describes what the result of corroded, loose battery cables can do. One of which includes everything turning on but not cranking or losing power when trying to crank. Forward the link to your son or you can tell him this. It is a good starting point. It is very easy to leave a terminal loose when installing a battery or one of the connections on the starter.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/everything-goes-dead-when-engine-is-cranked

If the connections are good, the next thing I would recommend is to check the starter. Trust me, I have installed a lot of them only to have the new one go bad within a few days. Often times re-manufactured ones give the most trouble. Here is a link which describes how the starter works. It shows the wires to it and explains what each one does. What he could do is this. Have a helper turn the key to the start position (when it is not working) while he checks for power to the smaller solenoid wire. You could also forward this link to him or explain it. If he finds there is power to the solenoid wire when the key is in the start position and the starter does not engage, it sounds like the starter is bad.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-a-starter-and-solenoid-works

The information I listed is a good starting point to diagnose such an issue. I hope it is helpful. Please let me know if you have other questions or need additional help.

Take care,
Joe