Greetings All,

I have a 2003 G35 sedan will 175,000 miles on it, had it since 32,000.

The other night I drove it to Advanced Auto and it was fine when I went in, came out 10 min. later and it wouldn't start.

Dash light, headlight fine, but wouldn't make a sound when I turned the key - complete silence. Had to have it towed to the house.

Ok, this is what I've done.

Checked the fuses on the positive battery cable, all seem fine.

Replaced the battery (had a Bosch with 26 months on it with some charging problem but free replacement). Made no difference.

Whacked on the starter, still no sound. Nothing, lights but no sound electrical or otherwise.

Figured if these are common symptoms of a common problem with the G35's you all would know about it. Electrics are not a strength of mine so I'm a little lost at this point and don't want to replace the starter if I don't need to. Though I recognize with the mileage that could indeed be the problem.

Thanks

 

Here are the books you need to track your problem.

http://www.nicoclub.com/manuals/G35/Sedan/2003/sc.pdf
http://www.nicoclub.com/manuals/G35/Sedan/2003/pg.pdf

Basically, there is one large cable which directly connects the battery + to the starter (because the power requirement is huge). The ignition sends power to the solenoid (on the starter) which is like a very powerful relay able to switch on the high current power and crank the starter.

But there are a couple things on the ignition switch side of the circuit which need to happen or nothing will get there. The 40A "M" fuse on the battery terminal is the first requirement, but you checked that. There is also a small relay in the IPDM which gets info from the clutch switch on a manual (!!!) or the Transmission Control Module on an auto which confirms that your car is in Park or Neutral.

If your car has a manual trans I would first suggest looking at that clutch switch.

 

Is the security light on the dash solid or blinking?

 

Thanks for your replies and help.

It is an auto so I'll check the module. I double checked that it was going into park completely but it is.

The security light on the dash is blinking as it normally does.

With the door open, I notice just now that there is an engagement "click" (a single click) under the car when I turn the key. I assume it is the solenoid trying to engage the starter motor but am not positive.

Bruce

 

Bad battery or corroded connections. Take the battery down and have it tested, remove each battery cable and clean the lug and mating surface thoroughly with a wire brush, apply anti-oxidation grease and put everything back together.

EDIT: BOTH ends of BOTH wire.

 

New Battery.
Full lights

 

Doesn't matter if it's "new" or not it still needs to be tested to verify its not the problem and it's the easiest item to test. The solenoid is engaging meaning it's not NATS preventing the start and the start circuit is intact and functional (including neutral safety, etc), Battery current needs to be high enough to physically turn the starter motor which can be either the battery itself or resistance in the circuit usually caused by corroded terminals/wires.

-Test the battery
-Clean electrical contact points (battery terminal, wire lugs, starter post, battery to chassis, chassis to engine under the coolant reservoir and timing cover) use ILSCO de-ox or equivalent on reassembly.
-Measure resistance on each circuit (zero ohms)
-Remove and test starter

If it still won't crank then remove the spark plugs, turn crank by hand with a socket to verify it's not a spun bearing.

 

Got thanks.
Will work through your checklist this week.