Hey guys,

I have a high mileage (275k) sedan that has really had no issues in its epic lifetime (I replaced a camshaft position sensor once).

About ten days ago, I brought it in for an oil change and air filter change. On the notes they left, it said "engine leak" but nothing was actually spoken about it, so didn't think much of it (it does have nearly 300k miles, so a little oil leak I figure was not too abnormal).

Ever since that oil change I have noticed the car having more and more difficulty starting. Nothing too major, but barely enough to notice the difference. It never got bad enough for me to worry, and figured another camshaft or crankshaft sensor was going, and I was just waiting to pull a code.

Suddenly, go to start it, and absolutely nothing. That first time, it made just the slightest attempt to turn (maybe one rev) and that's it. Since then, nothing. Just a single click from I assume it a relay. The battery is good, and no codes. I'm really hoping for a fuse or relay issue, but if anyone has any other ideas, I'm all ears!

 

to me it really sounds like the battery. get it checked and double checked.

 

Yeah, that's where I started. Jumping attempt made absolutely no difference.

 

Crappy jumper cables?

Swap out a new/good battery and try again

Telcoman

 

They are not crappy jumper cables, and I'm pretty sure someone who has owned and maintained a car for nearly 300K miles is experienced enough to know:

1. The battery is almost always the issue for starting problems.
2. To perform the necessary steps to eliminate the battery as the cause as the first step.

The battery is fine.

 

Have you tried following the troubleshooting steps in the FSM?

http://www.nicoclub.com/service-manu.../Sedan/2003/sc

Grab your multimeter and see

page SC- 09

"The starter motor plunger closes and provides a closed circuit between the battery and starter motor. The
starter motor is grounded to the engine block. With power and ground supplied, cranking occurs and the
engine starts."

Cranking will not occur with a defective battery.

Test the specific gravity of all the battery cells with a battery hydrometer.




Telcoman

 

With the single click, my best assumption is the starter motor needs replacement. I can get one with good reviews on Amazon for $70, so that's my next move, most likely.

 

I'd look at the starter too.

 

New starter installed, and everything is back to normal. Better than normal, actually

Thanks everyone.

 

Yup I would have said starter, mine stopped working at like 170k I think, it will be a little sluggish starting for a couple weeks before it finally stops. Then when it stops nothing at all. Good think I was able to "pop" start it to get me home into my garage