QuestionQUESTION: My car at times will not start I just bought it used with 37k on it. It is an 2006 Xterra. This has happened 2 times at Socratic moments. The car wants to turn over but can't (I put a new battery on it after the first time) Then the next day it works again. The dealer really can't even diagnose the problem?? I think it is the immobilizer. I am afraid to go anywhere with it and especially afraid to let my wife take it to work. Do you have any advice. I read your post. I only had one key in the car when this happened, and My EZ pass was not in the car. What would you do?
ANSWER: Chris,
Does the car turn over when the car will not start? That is, it cranks but does not start? If that is what is going on then I would say the vehicle immobilizer is doing this. Try the other key if it does this. If the car will not crank at all would lead me to think the starter neutral safety switch is defective. If the car cranks slow with a new battery would lead me to think the alternator is not charging properly or there is a loose cable between the starter and battery. Email me back and let me know what the vehicle is doing when you say intermittent starting and we'll focus on the problem.
---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------
QUESTION: The car cranks but does not start. It cranks pretty good too with the new
battery. Again this happens at any time. The other day I was filling up with
gas and then I went to start it and it did not turnover only crank. I am almost
certain I tried it with both keys (just this Friday) for I brought the other key
back to the car with me when I returned with my spare car. Then today my
mechanic said hit was on and off ie. it would start then not start. Then
tonight it started and started and I could not replicate the problem no matter
how hard I tried.
ANSWER: Chris,
Sounds like the fuel pump is not working. I would think the relay is not working or the fuel pump in intermittent. Check the fuel pressure when the car will not start. If you have fuel pressure then you will need to check the ignition for power.
---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------
QUESTION: I just wanted you to know about a few other things. When I took it to my mechanic (which was a mistake for it should have gone right to the dealer) he said that on Monday (it sat there all weekend) it was off and on with turning over and not turning over. He said he "played with the door lock button on the remote and that would allow it to start or not start at different times thoughout the day? Does this mean that maybe the alarm has gone haywire (it did not sound)? Correct me if I am wrong but the alarm shuts down the car by shutting down the fuel pump? Which causes the symptoms I have been experiencing? He seems to feel that it is not a "bad fuel pump" because they just break and that is it. What do you think of his opinion? Could a malfunctioning alarm system be causing this to happen?
This is a terrible situation for right now it works great it starts but who knows when the demon will return? I just don't think I can live with a car like this and my wife will not drive it with this problem as long as it lingers. The dealer has been useless so far they just can't give me any direction because the check engine light is not on. ?? Can I disconnect the Alarm System (i Have been told that the immobilizer can't be disconnect), I am just thinking of disconnecting the alarm is that possible and would that be the best place to start? Or would you focus on teh fuel pump and the relay?
Thanks you so much for your time. If you help me solve this I will get you a nice gift I promise.
AnswerChris,
I wish I could see the car in person. I am in Las Vegas. Anyway, if it were me I would resolve the issue with a couple of things here. First, just to rule out the fuel pump relay I would replace it. Have them give you the old relay to prove that they actually replaced it. Second, I would pay the $100 bucks at the dealer to have both key fobs reprogrammed and the keys too. Since you have had the car in so many times they should do it for free. Also, since the car is new and under warranty, the dealer should be jumping to make you happy. If they are nnt I would be contacting Nissan North America directly. Their number is in the owners manual. If all of the above fails to correct the problem then the problem is most probably the body control module.
