kauai1800

Well my 2004 rolled over 70,000 miles today and then it died. Over past 2 days has gotten harder and harder to start. Last night I tried putting the trickle charger in the battery but the charger indicated the battery was fully charged. Indeed the voltmeter also says 13-14v. Drove to work but now it has died. Just tried to jump the car with cables and it still didn't start nor even turn over. I've cleaned the terminals, cleaned the contacts on the car side but still nothing. Maybe the starter motor has died? I do still have bright headlights interior lights etc. Never seen a problem like this before...any ideas?

yosip1115

Before you change the starter just verify the solenoid is getting 12v when you turn the key. Do this in a safe manner, in neutral and what not. If it's getting the 12v signal go ahead and replace the starter. I'd get one off ebay low mileage used, two bolts and it's out. Good luck.

Edit: solenoid wire is the small one on the starter FYI.

kauai1800

Thanks for that fast reply! Unfortunately the car will have to be towed to Nissan due to the fact it died 10 miles away from my house. That means I'll have to use oem parts. Can you say$$? But Nissan just replaced the spark plugs so there's a small chance they will accept some responsibility or cut me a deal. $125 just for the tow...grrrr..

yosip1115

aw man that's too bad. I wouldn't count on any deals... Good luck!! Spark plugs? lol......

kauai1800

OK well it was the starter as I suspected. This is when living on a tiny island sucks - because there's only one Nissan dealer and hardly any other options. The tow back to my house would cost as much as the labor for the starter motor!
So just have to spend that money this time and be glad I got the car so cheap in the first place.

tmdz

Lol - You live on Kauai and drive a 350z?

I might be going out on a limb here but I bet that doesn't suck.

kauai1800

Lol! No it definitely doesn't suck.
Living here is a blessing no doubt. Amazing scenery, perfect weather, empty beaches - even a few twisty roads. And you don't want to own a European car because no one can (will?) fix them!

And actually the only Nissan dealer is perhaps the best car dealership I've ever dealt with. Very honest and upfront. They offered the option of new $600 oem starter or $300 factory rebuilt Denso starter so that's pretty chill in my book. It's not a $50 eBay starter but at least it comes with a warranty.
I should have the car back tomorrow so all-in-all not too bad..$525 plus the towing. I still have only ~$6k in the car total.

kauai1800

Update- car is fixed and running well. New starter and positive battery cable installed. Dealer only charged $240 for new rebuilt starter so that's not too bad.
Big mahalo (thanks) to everyone's helpful comments.
ps this dealership has a new 2016 370 I bet they'd take $25k for...Kauai Nissan