QuestionI should clarify - it will jump-start, but even running the engine for 20 minutes will not charge the battery enough for it to restart if I turn off the engine. The first time this happened, I changed out the battery, so this is the second battery with which this has occurred, and this battery is only about 6 months old. I removed the positive terminal from the battery, and the truck ran for about 10 minutes fine, so I don't think it's a problem with the alternator. Maybe just a bad terminal, or is something draining the battery? Thanks
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When I turn key in ignition, I hear a rapid clicking sound, but Xterra doesn't start. This has happened 4 or 5 times previously over the last 6 months and at different times, when I turn the key, rear window wiper will move slowly without switching on, or when I depress the brake pedal I lose other electrical accessories, or I might get no electrical power at all. I hear a clicking sound near the fuse compartment and under the hood. Previous times this happened, I disconnected the battery, waited, reconnected battery and engine started. This time, it has not. Alternator? Starter? Thanks.
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Nate,
I would check the battery first. Now, have you jumped the car off? If you can get it started you could take it to Checker or Autozone and get the electrical system checked for free. If not, you can take the battery out and take it down to get it checked. But, I would think the battery is going. This is based on my experience with Nissan vehicles. The starter usually lasts a few years longer than it has... Email me back and let me know what you find.
AnswerNate,
Be careful in disconnecting the battery with the vehicle running as the electronics are sensitive to this. But, you did answer the question on the alternator putting out enough to keep the vehicle running. So, now we need to look at what might be draining the battery. I would look at the fuse links at the battery and see if any of them are blown as well as the fuses. There is a charge fuse link on the positive battery post that could be going out and that could cause the slow drain of the battery. Other goodies that drain a battery are usually aftermarket since Nissan switches the cigarette lighter, glovebox light and the like. So, you are going to have to be resourceful in looking at circuits that remain on. Now, if you have an aftermarket radio that is wired wrong, Nissan uses a strange wiring scheme that switches a power to ground once the circuit is off, and that could cause the problem. Email me back and let me know if you have further questions or if there is something I left off...
