NEED HELP ASAP: 06 Nissan Altima...starting problem

[foreverfalcon40]

So the Ms. Has a mint 06 Nissan Altima that she has owned since new and has 54k on it. Kept up with all its maintences...

At times it cranks, cranks, cranks and then turns over. So I replaced the orignal leaking battery with a DIEHARD GOLD like 725 CCA more then what the car will ever call for.

It went away for a little then BOOM. It happened all over again. I was at work and I missed it all. She claims the neighbor came out played with a few wires and it turned over.

So I left work with new terminals and went to go service her car. BEFORE I EVEN TOUCHED THE CAR, I cranked it and it started right up. The terminals were on tight JUST as I left them. I just pulled them off and re-cleaned them real good. I cranked the car 10 times and it started right up! I never bothered switching out the terminals.

About an hour ago, she had the problem all over again. Car crank crank crank but won't turn over. Car sat for 20mins started like a charm.

HELP HELP HELP, I am beat...hate to take it to the dealer!

 

[06xl]

Ignition coil ,starter,alternator possible causes

 

[sumo]

give more info please, 2.5, 3.5? Temp outside? dtcs? Ill see if alldata has any tsb

 

[foreverfalcon40]

Can't be the ALT...or else car would eventually go put, been on on going issue for a month. Vehicle has never been needed to be jumped.

Starter....hmmm any to test it? Starter issue....no cranking at all?

---------- Post added at 12:26 AM ---------- Previous post was at 12:25 AM ----------

2.5, been doing weather its been cold out and warm like 65-70 degrees is the hottest its been.

 

[ScottyBoy]

I have an 05 Altima had the same problem. It also was in the 55k mile area when it did this. In addition to the starting issue, when it was running the trans seemed like it was acting up at highway speeds. Almost like a jerking action. I googled it and found some Nissan forums and found a thread that says this is caused by faulty knock and crank sensors. Its the same sensor for both and they will both throw the same code, so just replace them both. It seems this is a fairly common problem, so much so that Nissan redesigned the sensor. You need to get two sensors from the dealer. They are the only ones who sell the new style sensor. The new style has a metal cap over the end. The old style (and the one the parts stores carry) is all plastic. It seems the plastic couldn't take the heat of the engine, over time it melted the solder joints inside the sensor. At least that's what I read on google anyway. I got both sensors from the dealer for 116 with tax. It took me 30 minutes to change them both, and the dealer quoted me over 500 to do the same job. After both sensors were replaced the engine fired right up with not a single hiccup. That was over 2 years and over 30k miles ago. Still runs perfect.

 

[sumo]

found this. Even though its not cold dosent mean that this unit could be the cause
Classification:
EL04-014b

Reference:
NTB04-111b

Date:
October 13, 2006

ENGINE WILL NOT CRANK (NO START)
WITH OUTSIDE TEMPERATURE BELOW 10°F

This bulletin has been amended. Models have been added to the Applied Vehicles and the Parts Information has been updated. No other content has been changed.
Discard all previous versions of this bulletin.

APPLIED VEHICLES:
2002 - 2006 Altima (L31)
2004 - 2006 Maxima (A34)
2004 - 2006 Quest (V42)
2003 - 2006 Murano (Z50)
2003-2006 350Z (Z33)
2004 - 2006 Titan (A60)
2004 - 2006 Armada (TA6O)
2005 - 2006 Pathfinder (R51)
2005 - 2006 Xterra (N50)
2005 - 2006 Frontier (D40)

IF YOU CONFIRM:

A "No Crank" (starter doesn't work) incident under all of the following conditions:

1. The vehicle sat for several hours (cold soak) with outside temperatures below 10°F (12°C); and

2. The vehicle was then driven for a short period of time (5-10 minutes); and

3. The engine was then turned OFF for a short time (5-10 minutes); and

4. The engine would then not crank when a restart was attempted (starter doesn't work).

NOTE :This TSB applies only if all of the above occurred.


ACTION:

Replace the Intelligent Power Distribution Module-IPDM (see the Parts Information).

^ For IPDM replacement information, go to the Service Manual, section PG, Removal and Installation of IPDM E/R.

 

[foreverfalcon40]

I have an 05 Altima had the same problem. It also was in the 55k mile area when it did this. In addition to the starting issue, when it was running the trans seemed like it was acting up at highway speeds. Almost like a jerking action. I googled it and found some Nissan forums and found a thread that says this is caused by faulty knock and crank sensors. Its the same sensor for both and they will both throw the same code, so just replace them both. It seems this is a fairly common problem, so much so that Nissan redesigned the sensor. You need to get two sensors from the dealer. They are the only ones who sell the new style sensor. The new style has a metal cap over the end. The old style (and the one the parts stores carry) is all plastic. It seems the plastic couldn't take the heat of the engine, over time it melted the solder joints inside the sensor. At least that's what I read on google anyway. I got both sensors from the dealer for 116 with tax. It took me 30 minutes to change them both, and the dealer quoted me over 500 to do the same job. After both sensors were replaced the engine fired right up with not a single hiccup. That was over 2 years and over 30k miles ago. Still runs perfect.

THanks so much! is there anyway to test these?

Any1 here have access to ALLDATA, at work we have it, but since we are only allowed to do certain things, parts of ALLDATA are blocked

I don't know where these sensors are.

Can it be done in the drive way with a jack?

---------- Post added at 10:27 AM ---------- Previous post was at 10:24 AM ----------

found this. Even though its not cold dosent mean that this unit could be the cause
Classification:
EL04-014b

Reference:
NTB04-111b

Date:
October 13, 2006

ENGINE WILL NOT CRANK (NO START)
WITH OUTSIDE TEMPERATURE BELOW 10°F

This bulletin has been amended. Models have been added to the Applied Vehicles and the Parts Information has been updated. No other content has been changed.
Discard all previous versions of this bulletin.

APPLIED VEHICLES:
2002 - 2006 Altima (L31)
2004 - 2006 Maxima (A34)
2004 - 2006 Quest (V42)
2003 - 2006 Murano (Z50)
2003-2006 350Z (Z33)
2004 - 2006 Titan (A60)
2004 - 2006 Armada (TA6O)
2005 - 2006 Pathfinder (R51)
2005 - 2006 Xterra (N50)
2005 - 2006 Frontier (D40)

IF YOU CONFIRM:

A "No Crank" (starter doesn't work) incident under all of the following conditions:

1. The vehicle sat for several hours (cold soak) with outside temperatures below 10°F (12°C); and

2. The vehicle was then driven for a short period of time (5-10 minutes); and

3. The engine was then turned OFF for a short time (5-10 minutes); and

4. The engine would then not crank when a restart was attempted (starter doesn't work).

NOTE :This TSB applies only if all of the above occurred.


ACTION:

Replace the Intelligent Power Distribution Module-IPDM (see the Parts Information).

^ For IPDM replacement information, go to the Service Manual, section PG, Removal and Installation of IPDM E/R.

I understand...

just that its 50k, this car is babied. Thought the paint would go first and carpets fade b/c she gets it detailed every damm week!

Starter is easily accessible, I might try that too, b/c if the starter is good I can just throw the OEM one back in and return the old one. Have a feeling with the sensors I'm ******!

 

[07Burb]

The starter is definitely a possibility for this issue. It could have a "dead" spot in it that'd cause this issue randomly but would eventually go completely out leaving her stranded.

 

[foreverfalcon40]

At 50k?...wtf ill try this weekend...

 

[07Burb]

At 50k?...wtf ill try this weekend...

Yeah but it is 5 years old and if she stops and starts the car a lot it's not too unrealistic....

 

[ScottyBoy]

Wait, I am confused now. In your first post you said. "It will crank crank crank but it will not turn over". WTF? Cranking and turning over is the same thing. So is the starter engaging and cranking the engine over but it will not actually start or fire up?? Or will the starter not even crank the engine over at all??

 

[sumo]

from what i read sounds like cranking, but wont turn over.

 

[ScottyBoy]

If its cranking (turning over) but not actually starting, it might be the crank sensor I mentioned above. Here is a picture I took when I replaced mine. The old one is on the left and the new one is on the right. If you go to buy one at a parts store and it looks like the one on the left, DO NOT BUY IT. You want the new style with the metal cap.

---------- Post added at 10:53 AM ---------- Previous post was at 10:47 AM ----------

Ok, I found the link to the write up on the Nissan forums. I followed this write up and had both the crank and cam sensor replaced in about 30 minutes.

http://www.nissanclub.com/forums/f-...haft-position-sensor-cps-2006-2-5-altima.html

 

[foreverfalcon40]

Starter doesn't work the car won't even crank...the car cranks at times but it won't turn over.

 

[sumo]

ahh then, possible bad spot in the starter. All you get is click right? If you keep turning the key then it will start? Sounds like the starter has a bad commutator and with each click of the key it slightly moves the starter a bit until it finds a good spot.

 

[07Burb]

ahh then, possible bad spot in the starter. All you get is click right? If you keep turning the key then it will start? Sounds like the starter has a bad commutator and with each click of the key it slightly moves the starter a bit until it finds a good spot.

x2...this is what I was trying to convey in my earlier post...

 

[foreverfalcon40]

x2...this is what I was trying to convey in my earlier post...

Starter is not the cause AT ALL!

The car cranks, cranks, cranks, and then turns over. Symptons like it is a bad battery. But with a new battery as well as a thorough service and a evaluation of the electrical components to the battery that is not the porblem.

If it was the starter it would not crank at all.

Repeat

NO CLICKING AT ALL. Just cranking...maybe I am not using the appropiate term, but it has spark and fuel (two components in order for the engine to combust) just does it intermitenly. Symptons like a battery starting to go bad.

---------- Post added at 09:46 PM ---------- Previous post was at 09:34 PM ----------

If its cranking (turning over) but not actually starting, it might be the crank sensor I mentioned above. Here is a picture I took when I replaced mine. The old one is on the left and the new one is on the right. If you go to buy one at a parts store and it looks like the one on the left, DO NOT BUY IT. You want the new style with the metal cap.

---------- Post added at 10:53 AM ---------- Previous post was at 10:47 AM ----------

Ok, I found the link to the write up on the Nissan forums. I followed this write up and had both the crank and cam sensor replaced in about 30 minutes.

http://www.nissanclub.com/forums/f-...haft-position-sensor-cps-2006-2-5-altima.html

Thanks for the link and write-up. Just need the knock sensor location.

I was reading thru other members post on the forum and the car does not buck at all. Runs flawlessly while driving all speeds and conditions.

I know a crank sensor can go bad and cause any vehicle not to crank.

I am going to pull the orignal one see if it has melted. Is there anyway to test it? I know there is a way to test if it still functional. Need a multi-meter and if the ohms are infinite then the sensor is no good. Thats old school, wonder if this will work on newer make and models!

Once again THANKS FOR ALL YOUR HELP SO FAR!n (everyone!)

 

[07Burb]

Yeah, I think I'm getting confused on the terminology or something then...With that said I think I'm with ya on what you're trying to say.

Is the fuel pump original? But you say you're getting fuel AND spark but still nothing?? If that's the case I'm kind of at a loss then...

EDIT: just saw your second post above. Let us know if that fixes it or not.

 

[ScottyBoy]

If the starter is acting like that, its possible the starter is bad. I had a starter do that to me before on an old Oldsmobile I had. It mainly did it when it was hot. I even took the starter off to have it tested, and it passed the test fine. I got fed up with conmstantly being stranded, or having to wait until it cooled before it would start and I just bought a new starter. That solved the problem. It worked fine after the new starter. I am not saying thats your problem, but I am saying that it is possible. Check all your battery cables, connections, and grounds for tightness and corrosion also. Not just at the battery, but at the starter, engine, and chassis ground as well. A loose or bad connection can cause the symptoms you have.

And the knock sensor location is on the back drivers side of the engine, if its a 2.5 liter. Its kinda hard to get to, and you cannot even see it, you have to feel for it. If you lay on top of the engine and get your face right up against the firewall, you can kinda see down there where the harness plugs into it. Be sure to use a bright light so you can see down there too.

 

[sumo]

slow starting like a dead battery, but battery is good. Ok it still be can be the starter, Could have excessive starter drag where is not spinning fast enough. Seen that before.