Starting and Alternator isses

[blackbird]

Nissan Terrano 2.7

Sometimes doesn’t start , Just a click , no attempt to start, just click , turn key again and it starts after 2 or 3 turns of the key.
the other day it didn't start after lots of clicks , so tried to jump start off another vehicle
nothing

ran the other vehicle for 15 mins still connect
it then started 1st time

New battery fitted. (good one)
but still sometimes doesn’t start , Just a click , no attempt to start, turn key again and it starts after 2 or 3 turns of the key.
Also
Alternator only shows output of 12.x something for the 1st 5 mins , then suddenly jumps to over 14 and shows a constant 14.x after that , no matter how long you drive

Starter Motor ?
Alternator ?
Both ?

Bad Earth ??
more than one bad earth ?

 

[jims-terrano]

I reckon two problems. Suspect the charge problem is alternator belt needs tightening or replacing. Cold weather kills those belts.
Starting issue could be several faults. Try turning the key really slowly as this may help prove faulty ignition switch. Actual starter could be faulty. Could be battery cables often the positive that is breaking away from terminal.

 

[Lazy-Ferret]

As Jim says, could be a couple of faults...

I have noticed on the older diesels (97-99), that when the glow plugs are on, the alternator seems to struggle to get the voltage over 12.4volts, and then after the engine has warmed up, and the glow plugs drop out, it goes up to the 13.8-14.1 area, I put that down to the age of the alternator, as over time, their efficiency does drop off.

The Four most common starter motor related issues are:-

The original battery terminals have a habit of breaking, but unless you look closely, it is not very obvious. Jump starting and generally messing around in that area can cause them to make better contact so it seems that jump starting solves the issue, when in fact it is just he fact that they have been touched/moved.

The Starter motor is on the way out, there are many posts on here with exactly the same symptoms, and after a lot of trying stuff, changing the starter motor cures it.

Some people have had issues with the actual starter switch, and but wriggling the key a bit, tends to prove if that is an issue.

Dodgy earth. Usually corrosion where the earth leads bolt to the body.

On mine, it was the battery clamp, and the earth lead.

 

[solarman216]

I would change the Ignition switch, cheap from Nissan, Rick

 

[bbbmmm55]

When my starter was on its way out it very very sluggish when turning over. Really laboured. New one fires its round really hard and fast. So might be an easy idicator if its your motor.
I also borrowed a dc amp meter. Was sucking 500+ amps while trying to start and thats what was killingb the battery.

 

[blackbird]

Tried to start it last night , nothing
Click , no attempt to turn ,
All dash light on ok
Tried to turn the key slowly , nothing
Used a jump lead clipped from battery to block to give better earth , nothing

Was showing 12.X something
Shows 11.X something with ignition on .

Put jump leads to my Bluebird with Bluebird running , started 1st time straight away ,
Further investigation required
will try starter motor 1st

About how much is a starter motor ?

 

[blackbird]

The original battery terminals have a habit of breaking, but unless you look closely, it is not very obvious. Jump starting and generally messing around in that area can cause them to make better contact so it seems that jump starting solves the issue, when in fact it is just he fact that they have been touched/moved.
.

Where /how do they brake ?

 

[Lazy-Ferret]

Where /how do they brake ?

It's been a few years, I changed them out on Suz's car as a matter of course, but if I remember correctly, they are sort of a pressed metal affair, that is folded round in such a way that the bit the wire actually fits into is inside the cage that goes round the post, and the two bits of metal at the bottom under where the cable is, snap, but at a glance, look OK, and it's only when you disconnect the battery, and feel how loose the clamp is, that you can spot the breaks.

Yours may have been already changed. I was looking for a picture, but can't find one that looks exactly the same, but it is a bit like this.

 

[solarman216]

I go with Cive on that one, now we have more info, Rick

 

[Fez_uk]

Check the battery terminal because it's free (if your careful you could run a extra + lead to the starter).

But my money is on starter motor.

 

[Terrano Steve]

If you suspect one of the battery leads to be the problem use a set of jump leads & connect over the top of the + terminal on battery then down to starter, if that doesn't work try the same with a jump lead from negative on battery to say one of the bell housing bolts to give a good earth, this will help determine which lead is giving trouble.

 

[blackbird]

Looks like it's the starter motor

 

[jims-terrano]

Still worth doing the starter, rear top bolt is a pig but people do replace themselves.

 

[bbbmmm55]

I think the main issue is just access as when I changed mine, the bolts had to be undone through the drivers side wheel arch. Saying that once you remove the battery and some cables its only 2 bolts holding it to the car. I just followed a guide on here and all went well.