Occasionally car won't start
 

Hey guys, I'm having a problem with my '03. Occasionally when I try to start it, the car goes completely dead. When I turn the key, all of the electronics turn on just fine, then when I go to start it, nothing happens. The engine doesn't crank and all of the electronics turn off. No radio, lights, power locks, etc. I can't get the car to do anything until I disconnect the battery and reconnect it. Usually after I do that the car starts just fine, so I'm fairly confident it's not an issue with the battery. It happens in both warmer and colder weather. I scoured the forums and couldn't find anything similar to this, does anyone have any ideas?

Just an idea, maybe it has something to do with the security system

alternator, battery cable(loose, corroded)?

Maybe a faulty/failing clutch sensor (just an idea)

Sounds like a battery cable problem.

Change your battery terminals.

I occasionally have the same problem on my 03. It's the factory security system. Look and see if the red LED is steady on when you're trying to start it. All i do is take the key out and it starts right off. Have no clue what the fix is.....

Check this out. Might be your cure!

[QUOTE]so i was having trouble pinpointing exactly what was wrong with my z. i had posted a couple of threads asking for help! i was havng problems when i would try to start it, it would just crank and crank but no start. i thought i might have messed up the MAF because i have a pop charger or that possible the spark plugs were bad.

i took the car to get the transmission serviced and the tech asked me if i have problems starting my car, to which i replied occasionally and let him know whats up.

His solution was that the Nissan keys have a Magnetized Key Code that has a tendency to wear off after a 30K or if you put them on those magentic strips at the store used to de-activate security sensors( which i do when i pull out my wallet occasionally.)His computer detected the problem immediately where at the dealership in Bakersfield,CA they were trying to charge me to install a new fuel pump and line to ensure a smooth start. $500 in parts alone and a very nice $110 an hour Nissan Mechanic Fee. Not to mention a $225 tranny service.

Tranny service and reprogram two keys and computer with a new keycode came out to $280. Talk about a deal

If anyone needs any Nissan or Infiniti Mechanic at a reasonable price for great service in the Kern County Area, Independent Nissan and Infiniti is the way to go. Its in Bakersfield,CA. (661)837-8170. He was a lead mechanic at Nissan for 18 Years and quit to open up shop!
Freakin happy now that my Z starts on demand, not by luck

I solved my problem. It seemed to me that if all of the electronics turned on just fine, then the car should start just fine. What had happened was when I installed my subwoofer I hadn't tightened positive battery cable enough. When the car wouldn't start I would yank the battery cable off and put it back on and the car would start just fine. I left the cable loose so that when the car wouldn't start, I wouldn't have to bust out a wrench just to do the disconnect and reconnect. Since I tightened the battery cable, I haven't had the problem. It's been about a month without any problems when it used to happen every few days or so. It just didn't make sense that all of the electronics would work, but the car wouldn't start. Oh well. Stupid mistake, live and learn.

yeah the same exact thing happens to my car, the engine doesn's crank or anything then after somewhere btwn 1-30 tries, the engine starts perfectly, and this happens at random times. iall check the battary connection tomorrow.

I have the same issue. I turn the key and no crank but dash turns on. After a few tries it goes. (I dont even turn the key, just layoff the clutch for a second and press it again). I had the dealers look at it and they said they adjusted the contact point but it started again after a few weeks. Anyone have a permanent solution? Is it hard to adjust the contact point with out going to a mech?

starting problem
 

I have had the same intermittant starting problem with my 05 enthusiast. I have had my keys reprogrammed and replaced and that solved the problem temporarily but, it started to do it again. I had something inside the ignition replaced and it worked for about 3 months but, it has started to do it again. I'm sick of going to the dealer because there just guessing at this point. Anyone ever find a permanent solution?

Is this with the 2003 models? I might have to check into this.

I have been having an issue with the clutch sensor that exhibits similar symptoms. Reaching down and pushing in the clutch button while turning the key seems to work most of the time, but i def need to replace the sensor. (make sure you are in neutral if you are going to do this :)

starting problem
 

occasionally when i go to start my car it wont turnover. everything sounds fine except it doesnt start. I then switch it to off, count to 5 and try again and then it fires up fine. anyone have any idea as to what this can be?

The guy above you mentioned the clutch switch. While it will not exhibit symptoms like the OP had, a failing clutch switch (if that is the proper term) will basically make it look like you've simply not turned the key. The instrument cluster will be lit- the car will have power- it will simply not turn over. Check the switch down below the clutch (it senses when the clutch is depressed) and see if that's the thing that's keeping you from being able to turn the car on. It's a cheap part to swap out and many people have had this issue on their MT Z's.

wait but i am hearing the engine trying to turn on but it doesnt start. is this still the clutch switch preventing it from running? i have had a couple encounters of turning the key and nothing working except instrument cluster too

Ah, I misunderstood you, bro. If the engine turns over, that would definitely not be the switch.

damn, any other ideas?