Nissan Sentra 02- clicking sound, dash lights flicker, does not start?

Question

When you turn the key to crank up, a low electrical hum then a continous clicking sound while lights on the dash flicker but no actual cranking (its not like the cranking is taking place but the engine is not firing up- simply no cranking). It became progressively worse (before it would start after a few attempts). From my research either the battery is not charging due to a PCM condition or a bad alternator.

The check engine light has been on with P0051- low circuit in heated oxy sensor Bank2 Sensor 1. Replaced the sensor but the light did not go away, upon erasing the code, came back on with the same error. That research showed that the there could have been a corrosive aspect for a board in the PCM for 2002 sentras and the o2 sensor may be a false alarm.

I wonder if the PCM is indeed the main culprit.

Answer 1

no that wont make it not start,it has a starter relay that could be bad or the starter its self could be bad,id also check all the battery connections ,any dirty or corroded connection will cause that too happen also,it sounds like to me its just not making good connection some where,and that will cause it not to start,try cleaning all the connections,and getting it started,and see if it shows its charging ,if you unsure take it to auto zone or advance and have them check the battery alternator and the starter,they can tell you which one is bad,and the check is free on it,good luck hope this helps.

Answer 2

Clicking sound = dead battery.

Why is the battery dead?

Could be dead, bad battery. Have it checked.

Could be dead, bad alternator. Or not. Have it checked.

Could be corroded contacts on the battery, or elsewhere.

Often, in some newer cars, the alternator is controlled by a computer; if the computer isn't working (because of, for example, bad, corroded contacts) the alternator won't charge (or, worse, won't stop charging).

I've had the computer affected (fried, actually) because a paper towel that I used to check oil got sucked into the air intake on a 1991 Dodge Caravan. The computer overheated and fried. The alternator overcooked the battery, the battery exploded the next time I started the car (I thought I had been shot). Had to replace computer, battery, and alternator. Expensive.

Trouble codes tell you the system affected, not which component to replace- and, in fact, the fault may not be anywhere near the suspected component, but a broken or loose connection somewhere else. You can't simply replace parts without knowing for a fact that they're bad- diagnosis by parts replacement is a very costly way to fix things.

Answer 3

Nissan Sentra Lights

Answer 4

The clicking is your solenoid not getting enough juice to start the car. Battery is dead, if it starts when you jump it that would be the second sign. Go to Advance Auto and have them check to see if it is the battery or the alternator. Both easy fixes. Dodge man is correct

Answer 5

me thinks that with that much techno whizz info that you should have the answer.

it's simple. eiher you have too much corrosion on the battery terminals, or you need a new battery. Or an alternator. but if it was doing this for a while, chances are it's the battery. put jumpers on it and see if it starts.

Answer 6

i think youre right about the battery not charging. you can carry your alternator to most auto parts stores and they will check it out for free, that should help narrow down your problem

Answer 7

Could also be a bad/dead battery. You already mentioned it`s not charging. Guess that was not a clue huh?

Answer 8

Dead Battery.... you're making it far to difficult.