Nissan Repair: 1988 Pulsar doesnt start, 1988 nissan pulsar, nissan pulsar

Question
I have a 1988 Nissan Pulsar, 1.6L manual transmission. All of a sudden one day it wouldn't start just out of the blue. I have replaced the battery with a new one and also removed the starter and had it tested and it works fine, but when you turn the key the starter does not run. However, all of the electrics work fine including the head lights and horn, just not the starter. I was wondering what the problem is likely to be.

Answer
Hi Justin -

First of all, do a quick test - With the headlights on, try to start the car. If the headlights go very dim, or shut off completely, then check for a very loose or faulty connection at the battery terminals or cable connections.

If that checks out OK, then your next test is to see whether you have power at the starter. For this you will need a probe type 12V circuit tester, a few dollars at any auto parts store. The starter has 2 wires going to it, one smaller than the other. Get your probe and ground one side. The other side, touch the large terminal of the starter. That should have power all the time. If not, then check your large circuit fuses, fusible link, and the entire cable connection between the positive side of the battery and the starter. If you have power to that terminal, then check the other side. Touch the probe to the small terminal while someone tries to start the car. When the key is turned, that terminal should have power. If not, then probable cause is the ignition switch. If it does have power, then you have a defective starter.

Hope this helps -
aloha
calvin