Starter won't crank

185

Asked by Drumtest Jan 24, 2017 at 11:32 PM about the 2005 INFINITI G35 x Sedan AWD

Question type: Maintenance & Repair

I removed the starter and took to NAPA.  
They bench tested it and I saw it work.   
The hot wire from the battery shows 12v,
the s terminal wire shows 12 volts with the
ignition turned ( maybe 11, tricky to get
good contact).  What else could I check
before I have it towed?  Could it be the
ground?  (I grounded the s terminal to the
motor housing when measuring voltage
during starting.   I hear a solid click
(solenoid). But the motor doesn't crank
when in the car.  

7 Answers

220,505

Sounds like you have a low battery. Try jumping it from another vehicle or use a jump pack/battery pack. The battery voltage fully charged should be 12.7V. It still would start at 12.5V. Have the battery checked along with the charging system.

9 people found this helpful.
185

Thanks, I forgot to mention that I tried all of that. First jumping, then jumping from charger at 75a, then fully charging for electrical tests at starter. My voltmeter is kind of crappy, not an auto specific one. But it did show my battery under 12 at first. When jumping, result exactly the same, no crank, no light dimming. Also should mention I replaced crankshaft position sensor a few days before. Car started right up several times since, but I didn't have a chance to drive it, just move it in garage to position for rear window replacement. ( I know, cracked window also, lol )

12 people found this helpful.
185

Just to be clear, my crappy voltmeter is designed for higher volt applications and doesn't show decimals, hence the simple under 12 or over 12 diagnostic. But all indications are battery is fine or at least not the fundamental issue since jumping and charging changed nothing. Thanks again!

2 people found this helpful.
220,505

You are getting a click which means the electrical system for the starting, operation of the starter is working. Unless the starter is load tested, you really know if it works or not. You can just run 12V to it and it would spin out of the vehicle. So still, since the battery is charged, clean the battery cables up, if you see any corrosion in the wires by the clamps, replace the battery wire. Usually happens on the positive cable. If this doesn't work I say there is a problem with the starter, unless they load tested it at the auto parts store.

9 people found this helpful.
185

Thanks, Rowefast!!! No corrosion anywhere, so I looked for a salvage starter thinking it would tell me something. Got one for $35 and the car started right up. I guess the auto parts store doesn't load test. I didn't want to spend $130 on a starter if it wasn't the solution, but for 35, why not? I'm glad I didn't tow it only to find out it was the starter. Your advice saved me a lot of frustration and money. I'll probably just drive this starter until it goes. I'm getting really good at swapping them out. ;)

4 people found this helpful.
100

I also have a G35 2005 and replacing the battery with a new one and we ran it a couple times but started it exactly three or four days later it wouldn't run it will just start and I don't know what to check anymore my remote is broken to my alarm could that be the problem the unlock button came off are you the flat screw to lock my car with the remote but do you think I should replace the remote and see if that is it or is it the starter and my dad's a good mechanic he's checked pretty much everything we could think of but he really didn't have the time to continue trying to figure out what it is could you please help me out

5 people found this helpful.

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