Hi everyone,

 

I'm having a really weird problem starting the car - when I turn the ignition to start the car, the engine won't turn (I can't hear the starter motor chugging) and everything switches on and off really quickly. Theres a sortof clicking sound as the stereo and avc-r and everything electrical switches on and off.

 

Any ideas where to start looking? I'll get this bloody thing working if it's the last thing I ever do!

 

Cheers,

John

Might sound stupid but check the battery connection, loosen them and give them a clean, also check that the battery is holding charge.

 

Failing that it sounds like a sticking starter motor.

 

Tim

Hi John,

 

TT Tim is pointing you in the right direction. Back in January I had similar problems - one day all was well, the next it wouldn't start. My problem turned out to be battery failure. Basically, what happens is that over time some or all of the cells in the battery go dry and as you top up the fluid the damage is done and the cell will never hold the same charge again. What has probably happened to you now is that there is just enough "juice" to turn on the lights or run a radio but not enough to turn over the starter motor. Do this simple test: with the ignition off turn on the lights and then try to start the engine. If the lights dim then you know it is the battery that hasn't got enough charge. Best solution is to purchase a new battery with plenty of "cold cranking" amps. Do a search on the forum for my name because I've posted the type of battery I ended up buying - it's very good and only cost about £45.

Hope this helps mate,

 

Danny

Yep, agree with that, start with the main earth connection first though - both ends. Exactly the problem I had with mine a couple of years back. See if any of the connections arc (spark), smell funny or get warm as you're trying to start it, that will probably be the cause of the problem.

manual or automatic?

 

------------------

"Polished on drive"

"Dirty at 156mph"

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Z first and anything else is secondary and live life a quarter mile at a time!

John Newcomb (NukeEm)

www.geocities.com/jn300zxtt

 

Sounds like the starter solenoid/relay sticking to me (well - not literally sticking to ME - you know what I mean). I'm presuming Z's have one or is that another of the 10 commandments that Nissan broke...?

 

Cheers,

 

RobH

Does the clock reset itself ? If so then that is a fair indication that all power is being interrupted and you should be looking for a poor connection that is arcing out.

Hi guys,

 

Thanks for the info, It seems to be the battery that's at fault. It charges up fine, the voltage is OK - but it just doesn't seem to be able to put out enough current to turn the starter.

 

It can power the other electrical things fine, which is why I thought it might be something more sinister - I haven't seen a battery do that before.

 

CheerZ

John

Hiya mate,

 

The 300ZX Z32 needs a battery that can supply 470 CCA Cold Cranking Amps for just the starter and ignition systems alone. I had exactly the same prob, if you use a less powerful battery, over time the plates will fuse together and not give you enough power to turn over properly.

 

I bought a Halfords Magnesium 5 yr warrantied battery with 675 CCA, It starts perfectly and has tons of power spare.

 

Good luck.

 

Amer.