Hey guys so I can't figure out why my 2003 350z won't start or crank, first thought it was the battery so I went and got it tested at orielly and they said the battery tested low but they charged it up and tested it and said it was good, came home and still nothing, then I went about replacing the clutch safety switch thinking it was that but still nothing, I replaced my alternator 6 months ago so it can't be my alternator and I also thought it had to do with the security system and i don't think its that either because the blinking light goes away as soon as I put the car in the on position, I also checked all my fuses under the dash and in the engine bay next to the battery and all fuses are good, also it's not my fuel pump either because I can hear my fuel pump prime when I turn the key in the on position. idk what it could be at this point! And if this helps I had noticed for a few days the car would kinda lag before starting like it would sound like it would have trouble starting but it would start up so I'm not sure if that's related but I didn't think anything of it until now. Please help!

 

this is how i picture you typing this....

 

Lol

 

Perhaps all the electric connections should be looked at, fuses also.

 

Time for a new starter... But just to be sure push start that bad boy.

 

You could also have someone tap on it (the starter) while you try starting it. Make sure the person in the car doesnt run you over. Chalk the wheels. On second thought just push start it.

 

Dirty cables? You could be getting enough power to prime/light, but it might not be getting enough to turn.

Clean the posts and cables: sand, then wash with warm water and baking soda and try again.

Try cheap fixes before throwing parts at it.

 

If it starts with a jump then its the battery.


Id you get a single clicking noise when started, probably a starter. Rapid clicking noise usually a battery.

 

You can get a single click with dirty contacts too.

 

True dat!

 

My money is on the starter...

 

what about your body control module? when you go to start the car does the security light stay on? I had a key go south on me and the bcm wouldn't let that key start the car. had to cut a new one for like 45 bucks from nissan

 

Good thinking

 

i got an easy way to not waste money, pull the starter out and bench test it.

 

sub'd

 

Thank you. We tend to overthink things. Solenoid much?

 

Having the same problem!!!! Frustrating! Replaced battery, tested starter, checked the fuses. Now the fuses under the dash, the "start signal" 10a fuse didn't light up with a test light. thought it might have been a bad fuse. replaced the fuse. . . .still no light. Took the clutch safety switch off. . .took it apart, and cleaned the contacts. Reinstalled. I am running out of ideas.

 

If you bought the vehicle used make sure there is not an aftermarket alarm installed. Sometimes they can be activated after a battery dies and there may be a need to disable it.

 

Good advice. You also might want to try an alternative key. Sometimes when you get a used car some of the keys are not programmed to start the car. Just throwing that out there. All this great technology isnt always so great. If it has an aftermarket alarm look under the dash for the bypass switch. It probably doesn't have one but you might get lucky... If it did you pretty much just push it and hold it while you start the car... Aftermarket alarms really blow the big one.

 

wait, you used a test light on your fuse and it was bad. did you check for continuity after you pulled it out? if your test light didn't come on when testing the fuse that sounds like it can only be the fuse. did you check the new fuse before and after install? maybe your system is shorting out and blowing the fuse immediately.