If your Nissan Altima is clicking but not starting when you turn the key, there are a few possible causes to investigate:
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1. Weak or dead battery
One of the most common reasons a car won’t start is a weak or dead battery. When you turn the key, the starter motor draws a lot of current from the battery to get the engine spinning. If the battery doesn’t have enough charge, the starter won’t be able to engage properly and will just click instead of cranking the engine over. Here are some signs of a weak or dead battery being the culprit:
- Dim headlights when you turn the key
- Lights inside the car are very dim
- Electrical components like the radio or power windows work slower than usual or not at all
- The clicking sound is coming from the starter motor itself, usually near the engine block
You can test the battery yourself with a voltmeter or have it tested at any auto parts store. A fully charged 12V battery should show 12.6+ volts. Anything less than 12 volts means it’s low and needs to be recharged or replaced. Keep in mind that cold weather reduces a battery’s cranking power so it may test lower if temperatures are very frigid.
2. Loose or corroded battery connections
If the battery itself checks out but is not properly connected to the vehicle’s electrical system, it still won’t be able to provide enough power to start the car. Some things to inspect are:
- Battery terminals – Ensure the connections at the posts are tight and free of corrosion. Clean any corrosion with a wire brush or baking soda/water solution.
- Battery cables – Check for frayed wires or loose connections. Make sure the cables are tightly attached to the terminals.
- Ground cable – This connects the negative battery terminal to the car’s chassis. Confirm it’s in good shape and securely fastened.
Fixing any loose connections or cleaning corrosion allows proper current flow between the battery and starter motor.
3. Faulty starter motor
If the battery checks out fine, the next thing to suspect would be a problem with the starter motor itself. Some common issues include:
- Bad solenoid – The solenoid is part of the starter that engages the drive gear to spin the engine when powered on. If it’s faulty, the starter won’t turn.
- Stuck drive gear – The drive gear that meshes with the flywheel can become jammed and not pop out as it should.
- Brushes worn – Internal brushes conduct electricity inside the starter. Over time they wear out and need replacement.
- Burned windings – Starter windings can overheat and short, preventing normal operation.
Diagnosing starter problems can be tricky without testing. But if you hear the click coming directly from the starter area, it’s likely the culprit. Have the starter inspected and tested by a professional to identify any issues.
4. Neutral safety switch
All automatic transmission vehicles have a neutral safety switch (NSS) that prevents the car from starting unless it’s in Park or Neutral. This switch gets triggered when you press the brake pedal. A faulty NSS might not allow the starter to engage if it thinks the car is not in gear, even though it actually is. Here are some signs of a bad neutral safety switch:
- Car starts in Neutral but not Park
- Shifting to Neutral seems to fix the no-start issue
- Transmission feels like it’s slipping in and out of gear
The NSS is located near the transmission selector and is usually easy for a technician to test. If it’s determined to be defective, the switch will need replacement.
5. Immobilizer system
Many modern Nissans have an immobilizer antitheft system that disables the starter unless the correct key fob is present. If this system malfunctions, it can sometimes prevent the engine from starting. Indications of an immobilizer issue include:
- Security or immobilizer warning light on the dash
- Car starts briefly then stalls right away
- Intermittent no-start problems
The immobilizer needs to be reset by a dealer or locksmith with a special diagnostic tool. Reprogramming new keys is also required in some cases. If you recently had new keys made, make sure they were properly programmed and synced to the system.
6. Faulty ignition switch
The ignition switch sends power to the starter when turned to the Start position. If this switch is damaged or worn out internally, it can cause intermittent starter problems including:
- Key feels loose or wiggles in the ignition
- Key gets stuck or requires excessive jiggling to turn
- Car cuts off suddenly or stalls while driving
- Some positions like Accessory mode stop working
Issues like these point to possibly a bad ignition cylinder that may need replacement. An ignition switch problem will usually cause problems during normal driving though, not just with starting.
7. Low fuel pump pressure
On many modern fuel injected cars, the fuel pump runs for a few seconds when the key is first turned to pressurize the system. The PCM then checks for adequate fuel pressure before allowing the starter to engage. So if the pump is weak or failing, the engine may not receive the required fuel pressure to start properly. Symptoms can include:
- Long cranking before engine starts
- Fuel pump noise from the rear of the car when turning the key
- Engine sputters or stalls after initially starting
Fuel pump problems are not extremely common, but it’s one possibility if the other main cranking components check out okay. Testing fuel pressure is required to confirm if pump failure is the root cause.
Conclusion
A Nissan Altima that clicks but won’t turnover when you try starting it can be frustrating to diagnose. But there are several common issues that can cause these symptoms. The battery, starter, neutral safety switch and other components should be inspected to pinpoint the exact problem. If you’re not comfortable testing some of these systems yourself, enlist the help of a professional technician to get your Altima back up and running.