I went to start my car today it didn't start. It did nothing. All the appropriate lights and everything came on but alas the motor did not turn over. I replaced the starter about one month ago. It is a 1998 Nissan Sentra. My friend took a look and thought it could be a silinoide? Whatever that is and however that is spelled. Maybe it is the battery? Ideas? I like to know what I am talking about b4 I visit my mechanic. Thanks.
2006-11-23 13:59:33 · 7 answers · asked by doesitmatter 4 in Cars & Transportation ➔ Maintenance & Repairs
Most solenoids will make an audible click when when you try to start the car. If it is not turning over at all you will be able to hear it. If it clicks each time you try, it is good. If it is good check the power to the starter's main cable connection. Have some one turn the key. Volts - bad starter. No volts - wiring problem.
Usually if you put the headlights on, they will dim dramatically if you have a seized starter, dim slightly if the starter is functioning properly (which will result in the car starting), and not at all if your starter has on open winding, or there is a wiring problem preventing current to the starter from flowing.
2006-11-23 14:54:41 · answer #1 · answered by kfhaggerty 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It could be a number of things. It could be a weak battery, loose or disconnected wiring at the starter, starter solenoid, and even the ignition switch. Check the battery and make sure that it's fully charged. This is a simple test you can do. Turn the headlights on, and have an assistant crank the engine over while you are standing in front of the car. If the lights dim and fade out when the assistant turns the engine; then you need to change out your battery. If not, check for voltage to the starter solenoid. After that, if you still can't solve the problem take it to the mechanic. Be prepared to pay close to $300 for the repair.
If the battery is weak take your alternator to get tested. Just to make sure the battery is the culprit.
2006-11-23 22:09:05 · answer #2 · answered by Jesse D 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The Nissan Sentra has a history of losing connection at one of the fuzeable links connected to the positive terminal on the battery.
2006-11-23 22:15:09 · answer #3 · answered by Gunrunner 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
first thing,check to see if the cables are clean and tight at the battery and starter.it could be the solenoid(its a round switch on the starter,it kicks the starter in and turns the engine)i would check the cables first,before going and buying stuff.
2006-11-24 01:11:23 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
It could be the starter solenoid. What you need to do is test the battery and to test the alternator. It could also be the ignition switch. But you started in the right direction.
2006-11-23 22:19:14 · answer #5 · answered by Andie F 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
my toyota did the same thing last year,except all i heard was a clicking from under the hood. turns out it was the starter relay. it wasn't sending current to the solenoid on the starter sometimes. i ended up bypassing it until i got a new one.
2006-11-23 22:17:23 · answer #6 · answered by squatch 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Check the battery, if that's fine check the fuse, then the motor.
2006-11-24 01:01:09 · answer #7 · answered by SGK 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋