QuestionQUESTION: Hello Mr. Sudderth,
I have a 1997 Nissan Altima GXE, 4 cyl., 2.4L. Mileage: 226,000.
The car won't start. I was driving along when it seemed to suddenly shut down. It will not restart. I think it is possibly something electrical because none of the lights on the instrument panel are working. But the headlights and power windows do and the door chime. When I turn the key there is nothing, completely dead. I had my oil changed this week and the technican tested the battery and it is good. Any ideas to what the problem is? Thank you in advance.
ANSWER: Lisa,
Check the master fuses and fuse links at the positive terminal of the battery. If these are good have the alternator and battery inspected. I know the battery tested good before but stranger thigs have happened.
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QUESTION: Thank you for your advice and quick reply. I checked all the fuses and also the battery. They are all good. The only thing that works is the headlights, tail lights and door chime. (The windshield wipers or turn signals are not working either.) Anything else I should look for? Many thanks.
AnswerLisa,
I would check for a dead short to ground. Nissan has a couple of circuit breakers on the inside of the firewall, above your feet, that open in the event of a short. I had a 240SX that had the electric front driver's seat where it's wire was melted to the floorpan and was a dead short. Anyway, the wire caused all kinds of things like you describe. The converter had melted the wire and that caused the short. Another cause would be that the master switch (ignition Switch) is defective. Someone will need to get a test light and check each circuit coming form the ignition switch harness to be sure.
