I have the strangest, intermittent problem with my Z. A lot of times it just won't turn over. I have to take out the key, wait a couple minutes and try again. Of course, since this is intermittent, it won't do this at the dealer.

It seems to do this the most if I turn it off for a short period of time ... ie running into a store real quick, stop at ATM, gas, that type of thing.

 

That is probably a problem with the security system that reads the sensor in the key to prevent hot wiring. Try your other key to see if the problem is in the key or the electronics that reads the key. A friend of mine had a suburban that repeatedly failed to start. He had it towed to the dealer about a dozen times. They replaced everything in the ignition, stearing column, starter, ecu, etc. Eventually Chevy bought it back from him. Hopefully the Nissan quality and service is a little better.

The other possibility is the clutch switch on a MT car or the transmission/brake interlock on an AT car. You might want to play with these a little if switching keys doesn't fix it.

Good luck and take it to the dealer if it persists.

 

Jenna,

Do you have an automatic transmission? If so, check to see if the transmission is locked in P or N when it fails to start. If it is locked, you can pop out the plastic plug from the shift lock next to the shift lever. Push a key into the slot and move the transmission out of P or N. Once the transmission is unlocked you should be able to start.

 

Nope, it's manual.

And I've been driving a stick for 10+ years...the first time it did it, I thought well, maybe I just was in a hurry and didn't have the clutch in or something silly...however, it happens at least 2-3 times a week. Usually what I have to do (and this really seems strange to me) is take the key out of the ignition, wait a couple seconds, put the key back in and voila! it starts. I've tried all sorts of combination of things, but that's what works. If I don't do one of the above, it just doesn't start. And it doesn't make any sense to me at all.....I'm taking it back to the dealer again, but if they don't resolve it, I think I'm calling Nissan. How bad does it look for them for a brand new Z to not start? It just does that 'I'm trying to turn over, but I just can't make it' noise (really descriptive, I know!)

I'll try my other key for a week or so, and see what happens. I'll mention that to my dealer as well...that makes some sense considering I have to take the key out of the ignition for it to start again!

 

a friend is having the same problem with her g35c. it's an auto and occasionally, has a problem turning over. going to dealer this weekend. i'll let you know what she finds. also, shifter is not locked when it happens.

 

i agree with dr_gallup. something probably isn't reading the chip in your key properly. it could be the key, or be in the steering column.

 

It sure sounds like the key and ignition switch interlock as dr_gallup describes, but I suppose there could be other sensors and interlocks that are tested before it will start, e.g. airbags? The dealer should be aware of these or be able to find them out from Nissan. I only remember the key and clutch being mentioned in the manual, but that doesn't mean others aren't present. Is the starter actualy cranking the engine? If so, its not likely the key-ignition switch interlock, as that would cut out the starter and you shouldn't hear anything from the engine when first turning the key . You could be hearing the fuel pump, which is in the fuel tank.

My old jetta has an interlock with the shoulder belt. The belt is one of those kind that automatically comes over you when you open the door. I disconnected it once to work under the dash and forgot I'd done so. When I turned the key, you could hear the fuel pump in the gas tank, but no engine cranking. It took about 15 minutes of poking around and wondering what I'd screwed up, until it occurred to me that the seat belt might be interlocked with the starter.
We will all be curious to hear how you make out.

 

Do you have one of those magnetic key fobs or somthing like a Mobil Speedpass on your key ring?? These things can interfere with the key security code.

Just a thought.

Silverstone Performance
Phoenix AZ