No crank or start after replacing spark plugs?

Tiny
JASON1098
  • MEMBER
  • 2010 NISSAN ALTIMA
  • 2.5L
  • 4 CYL
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 290,000 MILES
It’s my 3rd time changing them on this car. I disconnected the wires from the boots and replaced all 4 plugs. I used die electric on the boots and tightened everything up. When I got back in the car it wouldn’t start or even crank. You can hear the starter, but nothing cranks. The fan also turns on in front of the motor which usually doesn’t happen. What could cause this?
Tuesday, January 24th, 2023 AT 4:20 PM

11 Replies

Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 110,114 POSTS
Hi,

I'm confused. You indicated it doesn't crank, but also said you can hear the starter. Is the starter turning the engine? If not, what are you hearing? For example, does it click?

If the starter isn't turning the engine, take a look through this link and let me know if anything helps:

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

Let me know.

Joe
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Tuesday, January 24th, 2023 AT 7:18 PM
Tiny
JASON1098
  • MEMBER
  • 7 POSTS
It clicks but does not crank. Viewing the link now.
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Wednesday, January 25th, 2023 AT 6:29 AM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 110,114 POSTS
Hi,

If you hear the starter, click, it sounds like the battery is weak. If you hear the click, that indicates the circuit is working but the starter isn't getting the power needed to turn the engine.

Make sure the battery terminals are clean and tight and then try this simple load test to confirm the battery is strong enough:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/car-battery-load-test

The load test doesn't require any tools.

Let me know what you find.

Take care,

Joe
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Wednesday, January 25th, 2023 AT 7:25 PM
Tiny
JASON1098
  • MEMBER
  • 7 POSTS
The load test showed no fault in the battery. I checked the voltage as well and it’s pushing 12 volts. There was slight corrosion on the positive node. I’ve checked fuses today and tried some tricks with the starter to no luck. I’m thinking it has to be some kind of electrical/wiring issue somewhere. The alternator and battery were both replaced in the last year. My brake switch is also good. The car recognizes my key and recognizes what gear I’m in. I also noticed when I rolled the car that I had to hit the brake pedal hard to stop the car, not sure if this correlates.
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Wednesday, January 25th, 2023 AT 7:36 PM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 110,114 POSTS
Hi,

If the starter clicks, chances are it is either bad or we have an engine issue.

Do me a favor. I attached the starting circuit wiring schematic, so you have a reference. At the starter will be a heavy gauge black wire with a red tracer. It should have battery voltage at all times. Check that for me.

Next, there is a smaller gauge red wire that will not have power until the key is in the start position. Have a helper turn the key to start while you check if you are getting power to that wire.

Let me know the results. Also, if you could record the click you are hearing and upload it for me, it may be helpful

Take care,

Joe

See pics below. Note: I had to cut the schematic in half to make it readable for you. I did overlap the two so you can follow from one to the next.
Images (Click to make bigger)
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Wednesday, January 25th, 2023 AT 8:47 PM
Tiny
JASON1098
  • MEMBER
  • 7 POSTS
So, I’ve managed to make some progress. It appears my ECM fuse was blown. I replaced it and it blew again after 5 minutes. I replaced it a 3rd time and it’s going for about an hour now. I’m assuming there’s a short somewhere in the wiring?
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Thursday, January 26th, 2023 AT 1:45 PM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 110,114 POSTS
Hi,

Is it fuse 42 in the under-hood IPDM? Also, I need to know if this is a coupe or sedan, if it is a hybrid or non-hybrid, and if are you located in CA. All of these factors play a role in the wiring schematics.

Let me know. Also, let me know if it is still working.

Take care,

Joe
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Thursday, January 26th, 2023 AT 2:21 PM
Tiny
JASON1098
  • MEMBER
  • 7 POSTS
It was fuse 42. It’s a sedan and non-hybrid. Car bought in Ohio. It was running then died on me at an intersection, replaced the fuse again and it ran again. I’ve had to do the idle relearn procedure after as well.
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Thursday, January 26th, 2023 AT 5:10 PM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
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Hi,

Ohio? I'm not sure what direction you drove to get home, but I'm near Pittsburgh, so we may be close. LOL

I attached the idle air relearn procedure below if you need it.

As far as the new fuse goes, has it continued to work?

Joe
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Thursday, January 26th, 2023 AT 6:41 PM
Tiny
JASON1098
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The car is working now as far as that goes. But today I busted the radiator or so I think.
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Saturday, January 28th, 2023 AT 10:41 PM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 110,114 POSTS
Hi,

Thanks for the update. I'm glad to know it's running well, but not so much for the new radiator issue.

Let me know if there is anything I can do to help.

Take care,

Joe
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Saturday, January 28th, 2023 AT 11:13 PM

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