Starter works 95% of tries. – Nissan Altima 2005

Car Forum › Repair & Maintenance › Starter works 95% of tries. – Nissan Altima 2005

  • ggrider
    Community Member
    June 17, 2022 at 11:52 am

    My 2005 Nissan Altima has run fine for the past seven years of ownership. Today the starter wouldn’t turn (dim lights on the panel). Had it towed to the shop, where it started right up. Fifteen tries, they say, and started every time. (New battery installed 2021, and new connectors.) The mechanic is stumped. I’ve been driving cars since Ike was president, and so am I. Any ideas? Thanks.

    Brand: Nissan
    Model: Altima
    Year: 2005

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    Boki
    Community Member
    June 18, 2022 at 7:55 am
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    ggrider, I had a similar situation several times. Turn the key and the starter just doesn’t want to turn. In one case, the starter itself had seized (which is not likely your cause, as it works now). In others, the starter solenoid didn’t engage. A gentle wack with a hammer solved the issue. This is probably what happened to yours, and the solenoid ‘unjammed’ as the car was bouncing on the tow truck.

    ggrider
    Community Member
    June 18, 2022 at 9:49 pm
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    Boki,

    Sounds like a good call. This may rescue me from having swap cars, one of life’s most unappetizing projects. The hammer sits on the floor, ready to try out your idea the next time this happens.

    Many thanks,

    George

    P.S. Are you a professional?