starter not working

2001 INFINITI I30
102,000 MILES • 6 CYL • FWD • AUTOMATIC
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SKINNEYHIPPIE
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car wont start put in a new battery but lites don't dim and all I get is a click when I try to start it .
Nov 8, 2009 at 1:15 AM
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STRAILER
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Hello,

This sounds like the starter has gone out but to be sure lets testing first, here is a guide that will show you how.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-replace-a-starter-motor

The test is at the bottom.

Here is a diagram on where the starter is on your car.

Please run this test and get back to us so we can continue helping you.

Cheers, Ken
May 26, 2017 at 8:08 PM
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STELLER HALL
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It will start some and then the next time it will sit there and turn and turn , then it like to much gas is going to the motor it like it jump back
May 27, 2017 at 12:09 PM (Merged)
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HOUNDBYTES
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The car has an automatic transmission. I tested the inhibitor switch. It seems to be fine. I tested the starter motor and solenoid, they passed. The theft warning relay, ignition relay and inhibitor relay passed. I performed voltage drop test on battery cables, they passed. Battery passed. No blown fuses, corrosion, broken wires or faulty connectors. (the hood switch is disconnected).
May 27, 2017 at 12:09 PM (Merged)
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PROMECHANIC
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Sounds like it's time for a voltage drop test on the whole starting system.
Did you do a "load test" on the battery?
May 27, 2017 at 12:09 PM (Merged)
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HOUNDBYTES
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Is it possible that the key and/or lock cylinder are worn? Could the ignition switch be faulty? If so how do I test for these conditions?
May 27, 2017 at 12:09 PM (Merged)
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PROMECHANIC
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It is possible. I would drop test the whole starting system first as that is way more likely. Let me know what the voltages are and I can help you more.
May 27, 2017 at 12:09 PM (Merged)
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WANDA21
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Lots of power- even tried w booster pack. Tried locking/unlocking doors manually, tried disconnecting battery, no luck
May 27, 2017 at 12:09 PM (Merged)
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RACEFAN966
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I would say remove the start and take it to your favorite parts store and have them test it. If it tests good then I you need to see if there is power to the small term at the starter that comes from the ignition switch. Get back to me with what you find ok.
May 27, 2017 at 12:09 PM (Merged)
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DONLIE
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but will sometimes start up with a jump. starts fine up to ten times then shut it off and try it again a few minutes later and nothing at all. tried it in neutral and park. battery good.
May 27, 2017 at 12:09 PM (Merged)
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ASEMASTER6371
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have the starter motor checked. it may have a dead spot in the armature.

Roy
May 27, 2017 at 12:09 PM (Merged)
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SATURNTECH9
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So you had the alternator and battery tested?Also made sure the battery cables are clean and tight?Do you a multimeter to do some testing?
May 27, 2017 at 12:09 PM (Merged)
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DONLIE
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I was guessing possibly the starter. When it does it, would hitting it with a hammer be a way of checking it? I do have voltmeters. Should i test it for resistance and what should it be?
May 27, 2017 at 12:09 PM (Merged)
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DONLIE
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I just got done replacing a shift solenoid in the trans of a saturn today which I had to check with a meter. Similar?
May 27, 2017 at 12:09 PM (Merged)
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SATURNTECH9
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Yes you can try hitting it with a hammer while the key is in the start position.Also you can see if the small trigger wire has power at the starter while the key is in the start position.
May 27, 2017 at 12:09 PM (Merged)
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DONLIE
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ok thankyou. I'll check it out next time it messes up. (probably tomorrow)
May 27, 2017 at 12:09 PM (Merged)
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SATURNTECH9
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Alright keep me posted.
May 27, 2017 at 12:09 PM (Merged)
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DONLIE
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Thankyou for your advice. The starter was smoked. Now I'm trying to find out why the security light is always flashing except when the doors are locked-then solid red
May 27, 2017 at 12:09 PM (Merged)
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CALVARY
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My car wont start when key is turned, but when it is a rainy or damp day it will turn over all day (rainy).
May 27, 2017 at 12:09 PM (Merged)
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JACOBANDNICKOLAS
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When you say it won't start, do you mean the starter won't engage or it does engage and turn the engine, but it refuses to start?
May 27, 2017 at 12:09 PM (Merged)
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JACKHUGHES81
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Electrical problem
1999 Infiniti I30 6 cyl Front Wheel Drive 150000 miles

I replaced starter/solenoid and the inhibitor relay.
Still, I turn key and all proper lights come on but no starter-- not the classic chatter of solenoid issues- silence. Things dim like its putting load on starter but only multiple turns back and forth to the start position will make it fire up. When it does, all sounds great.
Seems like when its hot, its worse. Battery is new too. This is a rebuilt engine from a Maxima.
May 27, 2017 at 12:09 PM (Merged)
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RASMATAZ
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Sounds like you need to test the ignition switch
May 27, 2017 at 12:09 PM (Merged)
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JACKHUGHES81
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Thats what I had feared- it sounds like some work.
What does testing the switch involve? Dont have repair manual, but are there schematics free somewhere?

Thanks again for your help- jack
May 27, 2017 at 12:09 PM (Merged)
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CAPT0770
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Ignition key turns and all dash lights come on but car does not start i have to try several times then car starts replaced starter but did not solve problem could it be the ignition switch and not the starter?
Usually i have to turn the key all the way forward to where their is no more room in ignition to go before car started in the past feels like at times if you keep turning key might break off in ignition.
May 27, 2017 at 12:10 PM (Merged)
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TY ANDERSON
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Does the engine crank over and not start or does nothing happen? Any noises when the attempting to start engine? When ever diagnosing starting system first check I make is the battery terminal clamps. The starter consumes a large amount of energy and requires tight electrical connections for proper operation and long gevity. Check the battery terminal clamps by trying to move the clamps by hand, they should not move. Any corrosion on the battery terminals? The wiring to the battery clamps should be tight also.

Do you live at a elevation above 5,000 feet and tempuratures below 40deg.F. or does the no start concern occur after driving the vehicle?
May 27, 2017 at 12:10 PM (Merged)
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FORSAKENMOTHEROF2
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My car has been acting like it didn't want to crank for weeks not it will not crank there's gas comming out of the distributed and the car is turning over
May 27, 2017 at 12:10 PM (Merged)
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ASEMASTER6371
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check fuel pressure, and check compression for possible timing belt issue

Roy
May 27, 2017 at 12:10 PM (Merged)
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FORSAKENMOTHEROF2
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How do I check the compression
May 27, 2017 at 12:10 PM (Merged)
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ASEMASTER6371
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you need a compresion tester, remove spark plugs and crank engine to see what the actual compression is.

Roy
May 27, 2017 at 12:10 PM (Merged)
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MR I DONT GET TIRED
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I just put a motor in my 2001 I30 it doesn't want to start meaning it not turning over I put all the sensors from the old motor and put them on properly and it don't want to start and my transmission gage that displays park,reverse,neutral and drive lights don't want to come on when key is in the on position an when I do turn the over drive light keep flashing
May 27, 2017 at 12:10 PM (Merged)
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HMAC300
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try resetting security system if no manual look online. then have a local pro scan for codes.
May 27, 2017 at 12:10 PM (Merged)
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TACGUY253
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I have a 96 infiniti I30. And I went thur a car wash and then my car start making a really loud noise now it wont turn over or making a clicking noise. What can I do?

Car wash, really loud noise, now wont turn over put still get power on the inside fan still comes on.
May 27, 2017 at 12:10 PM (Merged)
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KHLOW2008
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Most probably you have a loose belt somewhere and it could be the alternator belt which is cauing the loss of charging.
May 27, 2017 at 12:10 PM (Merged)
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NURSE3108
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Engine Mechanical problem
2000 Infiniti I30 6 cyl Front Wheel Drive Automatic 100000 miles

my 2000 infiniti I30 will turn over, make a "revving noise" but won't start- we just replaced the battery about 2 weeks ago, because it would turn over but wouldn't start! could it be the starter?
May 27, 2017 at 12:10 PM (Merged)
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ZACKMAN
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If it is cranking (as if it wants to start) but doesn't turn over, your starter is working. You need to check for fuel pressure on the fuel rail and also power at the fuel pump connector. If there is no pressure and you have power, chance is your fuel pump is bad.
May 27, 2017 at 12:10 PM (Merged)
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My 1996 Infiniti I30 will not start. The dash lights come on, and the headlights turn, showing their normal brightness. When I turn the key to start the engine there is no noise (no crank, no click, nothing). Since the lights I mentioned work, I don't believe it is the battery. It has had trouble starting for a while, but now it seems to have hit its limit. I think it is probably the starter, but tell me what you guys think.

Thank You,
Aric
May 27, 2017 at 12:10 PM (Merged)
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KHLOW2008
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It could be the starter or ignition switch. Try tapping the starter with a hammer and if it clicks or cranks up, the starter is due for replacement.
May 27, 2017 at 12:10 PM (Merged)
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SHEDA
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I have a 2000 Infiniti I30, and recently when I tried cranking my car and putting it in reverse, it cuts off and I have to keep cranking it for it to start. Lately I haven't drove it, so today I tried cranking it and it will not crank at all.
May 27, 2017 at 12:11 PM (Merged)
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KHLOW2008
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Seems the battery is drained. Get it charged or try using a jump start.
May 27, 2017 at 12:11 PM (Merged)
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MCINTOSHGURLS
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About six weeks ago I went to the ATM came back to the car and it wouldn't start. Put a new starter in and didn't have another problem, it ran beautifully. Today the exact same thing happened. It hadnt given me any concerns since installing the new starter 6wks ago. I did notice it seemed to be a bit sluggish in excelerating. I stopped momenrarily to use the restroom, turned the engine off...came back immediate and it wouldn't start. Still has power for lights, radio etc... but won't start. Could it be a defective starter or what do you suggest I check.
Aug 18, 2017 at 4:22 PM
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STRAILER
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Hello,

Yes, a defective starter is what I was thinking. This is where is pays to get the starter from the dealer or a re-builder like Dens .

They cost a bit more but as you can see they are worth it.

Here is a link to the starter you need.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000C5WDCG/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=2carprcom-20&camp=1789&creative=9325&linkCode=as2&creativeASIN=B000C5WDCG&linkId=858e6696545263ea1b86de28ea9d6860

Here is a guide to confirm the problem.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/car-cranks-but-wont-start

Please let us know what happens.

Cheers, Ken
Aug 19, 2017 at 11:59 AM