WTF is wrong with this car. - Zilvia.net Forums | Nissan 240SX (Silvia) and Z (Fairlady) Car Forum

jimmytango00 · 02-03-2010, 12:51 AM

3 days ago i woke up and my car would not start.

OK... first thing i did was

1. Checked the battery (it was low so i got it recharged)

I threw the battery back on and still nothing. Fans turn on and lights turn on but i only get the relay click when i try and turn the car on.

2. I ran a direct wire to where the starter signal wire plugs in and ran it straight to the battery, still nothing, the starter did click, but the car did not start. So i pulled the starter and got it tested (passed) . I threw the starter back on and tried the hammer tap but car still wont start.

3. I tried push starting the car and it wouldnt start, so i pull the alternator and i get it tested . Alternator fails everything, so i buy a new one and throw it on. Still wont start, only getting the relay click.

So pretty much what im asking is what else can i check?

Tomorrow im checking the ECU, Continuity, ignitor, coil packs and grounds. Am i missing anything?

Could it be the relay on the wire that hooks up to the battery? i believe it runs to the fuse box.

Any help would be much appreciated.

hassanbakar123 · 02-03-2010, 12:59 AM

direct wire from where to where? battery to starter?

jimmytango00 · 02-03-2010, 01:14 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by hassanbakar123

direct wire from where to where? battery to starter?

yes.

i hooked the wire up the little metal piece where the signal wire goes to then with the other end just touched the battery. Not sure if i did this right but from what i looked up that was how they explained it.

lilrusty · 02-03-2010, 02:09 AM

does the motor at least crank??

**mrmephistopheles** · 02-03-2010, 02:18 AM

How sure are you that the battery is good? Have you tried using a known good battery?

xpertsnowcarver · 02-03-2010, 02:20 AM

^^I wasn't hesitant to post that.

Sometimes the starter circuit making a click could mean your battery cannot put out enough amperes to crank granted the voltage may be high enough. It's happened to me and on several different cars.

az_240 · 02-03-2010, 02:40 AM

I had the same problem a while back and it was my alternator.

What alternator did you get? I've seen brand new aftermarket alternators fail.

Also try using a known good battery.

smoothcoupe · 02-03-2010, 03:34 AM

if you tested your battery and starter and they both pass, and your car will not crank, then its either the clutch start relay, bad battery, or bad ground. THERE CAN NOT BE ANYTHING ELSE WRONG WITH YOUR CAR. try wiggling the ground to the intake manifold, and make sure you have good battery terminals that make good contact

jrocslider · 02-03-2010, 04:58 AM

The bad alternator drained the battery. Check it again. I've also had the same problem before. I had to replace my battery and have had the same optima since.

fos240 · 02-03-2010, 05:41 AM

the solenoid could be bad. it will still click, but not actually engage the starter or allow it to spin. when they check it at a parts store, they don't check the solenoid, only the starter motor itself. i did a write up on this on another forum.

SR20 starter problems? - Carolinanissans.com

frankie

sidedrifts13 · 02-03-2010, 05:58 AM

I think its gonna be the battery, sometimes depending on the battery you have you have to use a agm battery charger, somebody correct me if I am wrong.

racepar1 · 02-03-2010, 06:29 AM

Have you tried jumping the solenoid signal wire straight to power? A common cause of no-start issues on 240's is the ignition switch. If it starts when you jump the little signal wire straight to power then the switch is likely bad. They lose contact and can't relay enough amperage to actually kick the starter in. I had it happen to my car and a couple other 240's as well, both s-13 and s-14.

clark · 02-03-2010, 07:09 AM

see if the car starts if you have someone push you until rolling and pop the clutch.

*fliprayzin240sx* · 02-03-2010, 07:28 AM

+1 on battery. You can charge it all you want and get it up to 12V but if its dead cranking power wise, it wont start the car.

*ManoNegra* · 02-03-2010, 08:04 AM

Everything that's been said and check to make sure the fuel pump is coming on.

ericcastro · 02-03-2010, 09:10 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mrmephistopheles

How sure are you that the battery is good? Have you tried using a known good battery?

Quote:

Originally Posted by xpertsnowcarver

^^I wasn't hesitant to post that.

Sometimes the starter circuit making a click could mean your battery cannot put out enough amperes to crank granted the voltage may be high enough. It's happened to me and on several different cars.

Quote:

Originally Posted by fliprayzin240sx

+1 on battery. You can charge it all you want and get it up to 12V but if its dead cranking power wise, it wont start the car.

msglength.........

jimmytango00 · 02-03-2010, 09:13 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mrmephistopheles

How sure are you that the battery is good? Have you tried using a known good battery?

the battery is an Oddessy pc625 Drycell battery and it tested at 13.8v and 368 CCA's so i know it has more than enough to start.

Quote:

Originally Posted by fos240

the solenoid could be bad. it will still click, but not actually engage the starter or allow it to spin. when they check it at a parts store, they don't check the solenoid, only the starter motor itself. i did a write up on this on another forum.

SR20 starter problems? - Carolinanissans.com

frankie

I'm borrowing a starter today so i'll see if this was the case.

Quote:

Originally Posted by racepar1

Have you tried jumping the solenoid signal wire straight to power? A common cause of no-start issues on 240's is the ignition switch. If it starts when you jump the little signal wire straight to power then the switch is likely bad. They lose contact and can't relay enough amperage to actually kick the starter in. I had it happen to my car and a couple other 240's as well, both s-13 and s-14.

I tried jumping the solenoid but all i get is a click from the starter, when i hook everything normally again, the starter doesn't click.

Quote:

Originally Posted by ManoNegra

Everything that's been said and check to make sure the fuel pump is coming on.

Fuel pump comes on.

The only thing that worries me is that i cant even push start the car even with a new alternator.

If the ignition switch was bad or if the starter was bad i should still be able to push start correct?

Im checking voltage and continuity and the ECU today. If i have extra time im swapping starters.

clark · 02-03-2010, 09:21 AM

if you can't push start, then it's not your starter.

i'd now start checking to make sure everything has good clean contact such as your main ground cables and alternator cables and battery terminals...

i'm talking shiny metal clean with a file/wire wheel/sand paper.

check your big 75a fusible links.

steve shadows · 02-03-2010, 09:56 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jimmytango00

3 days ago i woke up and my car would not start.

OK... first thing i did was

1. Checked the battery (it was low so i got it recharged)

I threw the battery back on and still nothing. Fans turn on and lights turn on but i only get the relay click when i try and turn the car on.

2. I ran a direct wire to where the starter signal wire plugs in and ran it straight to the battery, still nothing, the starter did click, but the car did not start. So i pulled the starter and got it tested (passed) . I threw the starter back on and tried the hammer tap but car still wont start.

3. I tried push starting the car and it wouldnt start, so i pull the alternator and i get it tested . Alternator fails everything, so i buy a new one and throw it on. Still wont start, only getting the relay click.

So pretty much what im asking is what else can i check?

Tomorrow im checking the ECU, Continuity, ignitor, coil packs and grounds. Am i missing anything?

Could it be the relay on the wire that hooks up to the battery? i believe it runs to the fuse box.

Any help would be much appreciated.

It just sounds like your battery died and now you dont have enough to fire over the starter.

Or the starter is dead.

*DALAZ_68* · 02-03-2010, 10:24 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by steve shadows

It just sounds like your battery died and now you dont have enough to fire over the starter.

Or the starter is dead.

im aiming towards the starter as well...you changed alternator, charged battery...im assuming you checked ur 75A fuse and its good...?

jimmytango00 · 02-03-2010, 10:29 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DALAZ_68

im aiming towards the starter as well...you changed alternator, charged battery...im assuming you checked ur 75A fuse and its good...?

yeah all that stuff was checked.

end result:

i went back out and before i tore this bitch into pieces, i went through all my wiring again and double checked and made sure everything was getting power, checked my grounds , etc.

So i decided to unplug the starter relay and clean it up a bit, threw it back on and boom, car fired up.

s

thanks for all the replies guys, zilvia comes through again :ghey:

DRIFTING_SIL_EIGHTY · 02-03-2010, 10:34 AM

Though you did have the battery checked, I say check it yourself. Same thing happened to me with a short in the harness due to an accident (caused a drain). Took it to Kragen and everything checked out. But when trying to start the car, it would drop to 8-9 volts (static it was 12.4). Have another person check it with a multimeter while your trying to start it.

jimmytango00 · 02-03-2010, 10:41 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DRIFTING_SIL_EIGHTY

Though you did have the battery checked, I say check it yourself. Same thing happened to me with a short in the harness due to an accident (caused a drain). Took it to Kragen and everything checked out. But when trying to start the car, it would drop to 8-9 volts (static it was 12.4). Have another person check it with a multimeter while your trying to start it.

read the post above you,

Car started already.

thanks for the info though = )

Sterlz · 02-03-2010, 10:47 AM

This happened to me. Is the car manual? If so, check the neutral position switch (that click you hear when you fully press the clutch pedal), if it's broken/missing, just put a bolt/screw so that there can be contact. I discovered that on accident

DRIFTING_SIL_EIGHTY · 02-03-2010, 11:00 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jimmytango00

read the post above you,

Car started already.

thanks for the info though = )

Haha I had clicked on the thread and the last post was Dalaz. Good to hear you got it started.

ericcastro · 02-03-2010, 11:12 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sterlz

This happened to me. Is the car manual? If so, check the neutral position switch (that click you hear when you fully press the clutch pedal), if it's broken/missing, just put a bolt/screw so that there can be contact. I discovered that on accident

Read the thread first before replying.

Car was started a few post back

*DALAZ_68* · 02-03-2010, 11:18 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jimmytango00

So i decided to unplug the starter relay and clean it up a bit, threw it back on and boom, car fired up.

s

i swear...these cars...its always the small shit that gets you...good shit though...

jimmytango00 · 02-03-2010, 11:59 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DALAZ_68

i swear...these cars...its always the small shit that gets you...good shit though...

seriously! $113.91 and 3 days later... and its just a fucking relay!

new alternator looks nice though and lifetime warranty FTW!

fos240 · 02-03-2010, 03:03 PM

these little pita problems are more common in s13's more so than s14. yet another reason s14>s13.

frankie

jimmytango00 · 02-03-2010, 03:28 PM

FUCK! so i went back out just to quadruple check and make sure the car turns on and BOOM! shits doing the same thing again.

Since the car started i know the starter is fine, grounds are good, battery is good and relays are good. I dont need to have the clutch pushed to turn my car on so i know that little clip behind the clutch is not broken.

only thing left is that my ignition switch is failing.

Any other ideas guys?

02-03-2010, 12:51 AM	#1
jimmytango00 Users Awaiting Email Confirmation Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Los Angeles, CA Age: 40 Posts: 2,246 Trader Rating: (14) Feedback Score: 14 reviews	WTF is wrong with this car. 3 days ago i woke up and my car would not start. OK... first thing i did was 1. Checked the battery (it was low so i got it recharged) I threw the battery back on and still nothing. Fans turn on and lights turn on but i only get the relay click when i try and turn the car on. 2. I ran a direct wire to where the starter signal wire plugs in and ran it straight to the battery, still nothing, the starter did click, but the car did not start. So i pulled the starter and got it tested (passed) . I threw the starter back on and tried the hammer tap but car still wont start. 3. I tried push starting the car and it wouldnt start, so i pull the alternator and i get it tested . Alternator fails everything, so i buy a new one and throw it on. Still wont start, only getting the relay click. So pretty much what im asking is what else can i check? Tomorrow im checking the ECU, Continuity, ignitor, coil packs and grounds. Am i missing anything? Could it be the relay on the wire that hooks up to the battery? i believe it runs to the fuse box. Any help would be much appreciated.

02-03-2010, 12:59 AM	#2
hassanbakar123 Zilvia Junkie Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: san bernardino Posts: 375 Trader Rating: (1) Feedback Score: 1 reviews	direct wire from where to where? battery to starter? __________________ https://www.linkedin.com/in/hassanbakar

02-03-2010, 02:20 AM	#6
xpertsnowcarver Post Whore! Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: LA, CA Posts: 2,667 Trader Rating: (44) Feedback Score: 44 reviews	^^I wasn't hesitant to post that. Sometimes the starter circuit making a click could mean your battery cannot put out enough amperes to crank granted the voltage may be high enough. It's happened to me and on several different cars. __________________ My YouTube Channel

02-03-2010, 04:58 AM	#9
jrocslider Zilvia FREAK! Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: DownSouth Age: 38 Posts: 1,344 Trader Rating: (4) Rides Gallery: jrocslider Feedback Score: 4 reviews	The bad alternator drained the battery. Check it again. I've also had the same problem before. I had to replace my battery and have had the same optima since. __________________

02-03-2010, 07:28 AM	#14
fliprayzin240sx Man w/ CTSV & a Car Seat Join Date: Aug 2002 Location: Tampa Posts: 17,998 Trader Rating: (19) Rides Gallery: fliprayzin240sx Feedback Score: 19 reviews	+1 on battery. You can charge it all you want and get it up to 12V but if its dead cranking power wise, it wont start the car. __________________ If you think Zilvia has too many assholes... CLICK HERE!!!

02-03-2010, 02:09 AM	#4
lilrusty Zilvia Addict Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: los angeles Posts: 648 Trader Rating: (37) Feedback Score: 37 reviews	does the motor at least crank??

02-03-2010, 02:40 AM	#7
az_240 Post Whore! Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Phx Posts: 3,097 Trader Rating: (41) Feedback Score: 41 reviews	I had the same problem a while back and it was my alternator. What alternator did you get? I've seen brand new aftermarket alternators fail. Also try using a known good battery.

02-03-2010, 03:34 AM	#8
smoothcoupe BANNED Join Date: Feb 2010 Location: Santa Ana Posts: 9 Trader Rating: (0) Feedback Score: 0 reviews	if you tested your battery and starter and they both pass, and your car will not crank, then its either the clutch start relay, bad battery, or bad ground. THERE CAN NOT BE ANYTHING ELSE WRONG WITH YOUR CAR. try wiggling the ground to the intake manifold, and make sure you have good battery terminals that make good contact

02-03-2010, 05:41 AM	#10
fos240 Leaky Injector Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: boonville nc Posts: 146 Trader Rating: (2) Feedback Score: 2 reviews	the solenoid could be bad. it will still click, but not actually engage the starter or allow it to spin. when they check it at a parts store, they don't check the solenoid, only the starter motor itself. i did a write up on this on another forum. SR20 starter problems? - Carolinanissans.com frankie

02-03-2010, 05:58 AM	#11
sidedrifts13 Nissanaholic! Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: LOS ANGELES Age: 41 Posts: 1,883 Trader Rating: (29) Feedback Score: 29 reviews	I think its gonna be the battery, sometimes depending on the battery you have you have to use a agm battery charger, somebody correct me if I am wrong.

02-03-2010, 06:29 AM	#12
racepar1 Post Whore! Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Simi Valley, CA Age: 42 Posts: 9,006 Trader Rating: (106) Rides Gallery: racepar1 Feedback Score: 106 reviews	Have you tried jumping the solenoid signal wire straight to power? A common cause of no-start issues on 240's is the ignition switch. If it starts when you jump the little signal wire straight to power then the switch is likely bad. They lose contact and can't relay enough amperage to actually kick the starter in. I had it happen to my car and a couple other 240's as well, both s-13 and s-14.

02-03-2010, 07:09 AM	#13
clark Zilvia FREAK! Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: new york Posts: 1,035 Trader Rating: (1) Feedback Score: 1 reviews	see if the car starts if you have someone push you until rolling and pop the clutch.

02-03-2010, 08:04 AM	#15
ManoNegra Guild of Skullduggerous Intent Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: Socal Posts: 7,841 Trader Rating: (48) Feedback Score: 48 reviews	Everything that's been said and check to make sure the fuel pump is coming on.

02-03-2010, 09:21 AM	#18
clark Zilvia FREAK! Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: new york Posts: 1,035 Trader Rating: (1) Feedback Score: 1 reviews	if you can't push start, then it's not your starter. i'd now start checking to make sure everything has good clean contact such as your main ground cables and alternator cables and battery terminals... i'm talking shiny metal clean with a file/wire wheel/sand paper. check your big 75a fusible links.

02-03-2010, 10:34 AM	#22
DRIFTING_SIL_EIGHTY Zilvia Addict Join Date: Nov 2002 Location: gardena/los angeles Posts: 754 Trader Rating: (14) Feedback Score: 14 reviews	Though you did have the battery checked, I say check it yourself. Same thing happened to me with a short in the harness due to an accident (caused a drain). Took it to Kragen and everything checked out. But when trying to start the car, it would drop to 8-9 volts (static it was 12.4). Have another person check it with a multimeter while your trying to start it.

02-03-2010, 10:47 AM	#24
Sterlz Zilvia Member Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: the land where everybody gets it all wrong Posts: 172 Trader Rating: (1) Feedback Score: 1 reviews	This happened to me. Is the car manual? If so, check the neutral position switch (that click you hear when you fully press the clutch pedal), if it's broken/missing, just put a bolt/screw so that there can be contact. I discovered that on accident

02-03-2010, 03:03 PM	#29
fos240 Leaky Injector Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: boonville nc Posts: 146 Trader Rating: (2) Feedback Score: 2 reviews	these little pita problems are more common in s13's more so than s14. yet another reason s14>s13. frankie

02-03-2010, 03:28 PM	#30
jimmytango00 Users Awaiting Email Confirmation Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Los Angeles, CA Age: 40 Posts: 2,246 Trader Rating: (14) Feedback Score: 14 reviews	FUCK! so i went back out just to quadruple check and make sure the car turns on and BOOM! shits doing the same thing again. Since the car started i know the starter is fine, grounds are good, battery is good and relays are good. I dont need to have the clutch pushed to turn my car on so i know that little clip behind the clutch is not broken. only thing left is that my ignition switch is failing. Any other ideas guys?