Push button start will not work

Asked by GuruXXKRS Oct 18, 2018 at 12:02 PM about the 2018 Nissan Sentra

Question type: Maintenance & Repair

I have a new 2018 Sentra SV and when I push down on the brake to start the
car and then push the button all the lights come on but the car will not start.
This has happened a few times and I hav had it to the dealer twice for repair
but they can not find the issue.
Is there an answer to this or am I headed for the lemon law.

70 Answers

1,550

I BOUGHT THE SENTRA SV END OF FEBRUARY 2018 AND UNABLE TO START WHEN I PRESS BRAKE AND PUSH THE START BUTTON. IT HAS BEEN HAPPING AND I DO NOT KNOW WHAT TO DO.

155 people found this helpful.
860

I have a 2018 sentra Sv as well. I have had it 7 times in the shop mainly them, stating about the brake switch. I am having the same problem, my car not start. I started the lemon law process. I bought my car in July 2018. My problem is intermittent and random situations. When you bring your car for service, can they duplicate the issue?

86 people found this helpful.
1,580

Yes me too. Found out this morning it is actually a weak Bluetooth signal in the key faub. If you place your index finger on back of key faub when you start it will work.

157 people found this helpful.
470

I have a Nissan Sentra 2018, i have the same issue. Has anyone tried to contact Nissan directly? The dealer does not give me any solution.

47 people found this helpful.
350

I have a Nissan Sentra SV with the same problem of yours !!! It doesn’t wanna start when I press the push button it doesn’t do it all the time but at least once every week , I already contact the NISSAN corporate but they didn’t do anything either..

35 people found this helpful.
360

Same problem... sentra sv wont star... This has someting to do wt the brake sensor

36 people found this helpful.
1,060

My daughter has a 2018 Nissan Sentra SV and was experiencing the same issue with the car not fully starting. We took it to the dealer and they put it through the diagnostic testing and found nothing said the car was fine. My husband was not settling for that answer and had our daughter drive the car around the dealer location until sure enough she shut the car off and it would not start. The mechanic had to go where she was with the car and saw for himself. Then figured out that it was the brake switch not working. It was not trigger to the starter allowing to start. Now the car is back to normal so far.

91 people found this helpful.
1,060

Yes it was. Now the car is working normally.

15 people found this helpful.
270

i have had my brake switch replaced and my car is still not starting after a week and a half of it working fine. it is not the brake switch

27 people found this helpful.
130

I’m having The same problem on my 2018 Nissan Sentra Sv can’t find the problem

13 people found this helpful.
350

Why doesn’t my Nissan 2018 start when I push the break and push start button

35 people found this helpful.
280

same here, I have taken it twice to the dealer and they said nothing, so I really don't know what to do. Plus what makes it worst is that there is no emergency start option for a key.

28 people found this helpful.
250

I have same crappy issue. 2018 Nissan Sentra sv. 5 times in dealer. Works for a bit then won’t. I did get lemon law small settlement but car still doing it. It’s a joke.

25 people found this helpful.
300

I'm currently having the exact same problem. I press the start button while pressing the brake.. Lights come on like it's about to start but never starts

30 people found this helpful.
320

I've had it happen a few times had to try a few times until it started until one time I got so mad that I just pushed the break a few times in a row after it didn't start at the first try and fair enough it started at the second try

32 people found this helpful.
340

My daughter just called to tell me she is having the same problem - trying to start her 2018 Sentra for the first time today and only the lights and radio come on. I told her to go through the owner’s manual to troubleshoot while I looked for this blog. When she called back she said the manual instructed her to hold the intelligent key (no need to open the key) to the ignition button or very close when pressing - started right up. She also remembered seeing the key icon light flashing - indicating a weak or dead key fob battery.

34 people found this helpful.
450

My mom has a sentra and it wouldn't start when me and my husband were in Atlanta and we stay in Birmingham. We called a tow truck thinking it was the battery. He said it was a full charge. He got in did a few things and it started he said put it in neutral then put it back in park and it will start. We get it back to my mom and she has no problem with it starting. There was a icon blinking it was of a car with a key in the middle. We had her second key fob. I felt it wouldn't start because we had the secondary fob but hey it's up to her to figure it out

20 people found this helpful.
450

My mom has a 2018 Nissan sentra and hers wouldn't start. They told her to make sure the brake lights came on when she mashed the brake and if not pump them 4 or 5 times then when the brake lights come on it will crank if the brake lights not on it won't start go to the dealership and tell them to check the brake light switch or its also called the stop lamp switch and the problem is solved

25 people found this helpful.
130

I have a Nissan Sentra 2019 I had the same issue. Send it to the dealership and they said they replaced the break switch, now its working fine.

13 people found this helpful.
290

I just bought a used 2018 Sentra with 25K miles and same problem. It won't start. Headlights come on, radio is on, etc. but when you press the button it will not turn over. This has happened intermittently four or five times but this time I'm having to tow it to the dealer.

12 people found this helpful.
90

I had the same problem for the second time in a month today. Last ime the dealer replaced the battery in the key fob

9 people found this helpful.
150

I have the same problem, I have to sit in the car then close the door , after that lock the car then unlock it then try to press the brake several times then wait then try again then it will start...even the push button on the door handle stopped working I have to use the key then press... can anyone guide me what is the issue please

15 people found this helpful.
180

I had the same issue with my Sentra not starting. Took it to Fucillo Nissan today and they diagnosed the problem as a faulty brake lamp switch. They replaced it and so far it starts right up. I'll keep you posted if this corrects the issue.

18 people found this helpful.
290

The dealer replaced the brake switch about two weeks ago. It's been working fine since.

17 people found this helpful.
80

I have a 2018 Nissan Sentra and it want start it turn over lights come on I changed the brake switch I'm wondering do I need to change the cruise control switch can anybody give me some advice

8 people found this helpful.
710

I have a 2016 Nissan Sentra SV and it was doing the same took it too nissan dealership they replaced the brake switch everything ok for about 12 months then when the weather changed it has started doing it again! Took back to dealership and he adjusted the brake switch under the pedal said that should do it! I sure hope so?

13 people found this helpful.
710

Someone at Nissan needs to fix this! No one should have to worry about a child's car not starting and putting their life in danger!!!!! There should be a recall for this defect on the Nissan Sentra SV

58 people found this helpful.
150

I came back from work, late, everything was fine, it was a particular cold day. Once I parked I realized I parked a little too close to my mom's car so I wanted to tun on the car to give a little reverse, but the car wouldn't start. The radio, the lights all the electronics worked but the motor didn't engaged. Plus some warning lights lighted up like a christmas tree. I tried multiple times but to no avail. Mine is a Sentra 2018 SR. I don't even have a year with the car! I am taking it to the dealership tomorrow and mention the break switch.

15 people found this helpful.
160

Brake Light switch , they are 2 sensors on the brake pedal , the black one is brake light switch (Top sensor )it’s really easy to changed , just twist the sensor and it will pop out . You can also take it out with wiring still connected and try to start the car .

16 people found this helpful.
80

Ours is 2015 Sentra, car has been doing fine till few weeks ago. Same situation as above, car can't not start after park. Call dealer, tow car to dealer... I has been stocked in many place. Each time took different actions, replaced key battery, dealer replace brake lamp switch, replace car battery. But the problem still there. Now dealer said to replace motor starter. I might need to wait after holiday to do it. My few experiences in parking lot. If it is not start, wait for about 2 or more hours, then the start might work again. Its scary for uncertainty & drive at night time.

8 people found this helpful.
90

I’m having similar problems with Sentra 2016. I’ve had to call service tow truck four times. I bought this car because I’m 80 yrs and just want a small dependable car. I’ve been a Nissan customer for twenty years. I’m thinking of starting the lemon law. I’m not secure with this car anymore. I’m afraid to go anyplace (especially after dark). Worried when I want to leave my car won’t start. My car is actually in the service department and I’m driving a loaner. Very disappointing. What should my next step be

9 people found this helpful.
70

I have the same problem with Sentra 2016, It has happened several times. The dealer keeps telling me nothing is wrong. So this time I tried moving the shift down from Park to Neutral and shift back to Park and IT TURNED ON. Im assuming it may be some type of safety sensor that does not allow the car to turn on if it does not sense the car to be in a fully Park Position. Good Luck!

7 people found this helpful.
220

My 2019 Sentra SV started doing this same thing last night out of nowhere! I eventually got it started after having to have someone jump my car off like the battery was going dead but everything electrical in the car was working fine, then all day long today it's worked fine, even went and had the battery tested to make sure it wasn't a bad battery, the guys who tested it said my battery was good. Then tonight again I'm getting my car jumped off to where I can get home from work!!! So frustrating! What good is it to have a 2019 vehicle with less than 20k miles if it isn't reliable!!!

22 people found this helpful.
110

I have a 2017 Nissan Sentra SV. After reading this page, I tried disconnecting the brown plug on the brake pedal and wiggling the black plug to make sure it was in. Plugged brown plug back in. Car started right up. It’s happened about 7 or 8 times. I hope this is the answer for next time it happens.

11 people found this helpful.
30

Nissan Sentra 2016... car wouldn’t start and the break would get very hard to push. Nissan Repair Shop said it was the break switch that needed to be replaced.

3 people found this helpful.
10

I bought my 2018 Sentra in February of that year. Right off the bat I thought I was not pushing the break and start button correctly. Now, my car won’t start at all. Calling a tow truck.

1 people found this helpful.
70

I have a 2017 Nissan Sentra SR, Same issue the switch assy stop lamp has been replaced two times the first one under the warranty and the second I had to pay 295.05 for the switch to be replaced, I asked to be replaced for free they said the part only have one year warranty and mine was replaced like 14 months ago, I opened a case with Nissan this is ridiculous my car is just 52 thousand miles three years old and clearly they have an issue with this switch, I saw that they have a recall, the service guy at the dealership never mentioned to me, I found out yesterday when the offered me the new Sentra 2020 and since my car is paid off I asked what is the trade in value in my car and of curse no answer I decide to investigate my self and It is when I found out about the recall mention the same issues I been experiencing I push the brake and my car not start, sometimes I can ear my radio on, my lights, the AC but the cart don't start, they told me to kick the brake hard and was able to start my car. sometimes I need it to kick the brake pedal five times really hard.

7 people found this helpful.
110

https://www.amazon.com/Genuine-Nissan-25320-AX00C-Switch- Assembly/dp/B00BFE31ZQ/ref=sr_1_2?dchild=1&keywords=25320- AX10A&qid=1586715256&sr=8-2 Ok, I am ordering the Brake light switch. Took 30 seconds to twist out (see youtube)...I will let you know how it goes.

5 people found this helpful.
60

This is a crappy brake switch problem if you’re having this issue call all the way up on your brake pedal with your hand as hard as you can then press the brake pedal back down the way you would normally do to start it ,the car should start at this point, sad they won’t just do a recall for all of these vehicles

6 people found this helpful.
130

I hate that my brake switch goes out all the time I get left stranded I hate this car so much

13 people found this helpful.
40

Good Morning! I am having issues with my 2018 Nissan Sentra SV as well. I bought it new in June 2018. It will not start like this issue but there are several other issues as well. The brake assist light and sound activate when there is nothing in front of me. This happened again last Friday and I was almost rear ended. I took the car in for the 5th time. Last time I took it in with a Lemon Law Lawyer and they had it for 8 days with no codes and cant duplicate the issue. They had it this time for a few days. I left it at the dealership. I need help. It will be 2 years in June that I have had the car and I cant get real help.

4 people found this helpful.
110

I had the same problem car wouldn't start and I only had it less than 3 months when it started doing it then it would be good for about a month and then not start. Then one day it just refused to start. I kept reading everyone issues online so I took it to the mechanic and he said it was the brake sensor and that the original manufacture part must have been defective if its a common issue, he replaced the brake sensor and I have had no more issues it start right up no problems and it only cost me $180.00 to fix.

3 people found this helpful.
70

My 2017 Nissan Sentra has never done this until just now. When I called my dealer and talked to service, they said it is a common problem with Nissan Sentra. You have to pump the brake several times, then push brake down hard to get it to start. And that works, but I'm probably going to have to get it in to have new sensor .

7 people found this helpful.
30

I have a 2019 Nissan sentra. Got it brand new last year. I figured new car no miles. I should be good for a couple years. I recently started having problems with starting it. I though it had to do with the doors. Then the alarm. But I guess like everyone says it's the brake switch. So I'm gona have to take it in and replace it. And hope no problems after that. Should of stayed with my altima. Never gave me problems with the start button. Even after having it passed 200,000 miles

3 people found this helpful.
20

same issue. i just locked the door with the key and tried to start engine. it worked. i don't know it is random or not.

2 people found this helpful.
80

I have the 2019 Sentra and still I'm sitting at home depot in the rain and I'm stuck...this is about the 7th time this cat has done this in the 8months that I have had it... NISSAN? WHERE ARE YOU...FIX THIS MAN!!!

8 people found this helpful.
110

Hi Erica, trust me when you get the brake sensor fixed it will solve your problem. I got mine fixed last month and I have not had any problems since. I still have PTSD thinking it won't start but it starts right up.

8 people found this helpful.
30

I have a 2017 Nissan SR -- just replaced battery a month ago along with new battery for my FOB. Went out to move it and same thing happened that everyone else is saying -- Lights on , radio on, doors work, etc BUT cannot get it to start at all. So I went through my Manual - Useless -- they need a Manual KEY location to start this car in an emergency or a PORT - but nothing. So went online and found these posts --- LIFE SAVER -- I did the brake pump and it started right up. Taking it to Dealer in morning and telling them to replace my brake switch. Thanks to everyone for reporting this and helping a senior lady get through this. This definitely should be a RECALL !!!!!

3 people found this helpful.
40

I have a 2018 Sentra SR ... I have had the brake pedal switch replaced.... $89 later I still periodically have a car that won't start. Also, the malfunction light starting the collision avoidance is in error, the stability light is on, and of course cruise control will not work with these issues going on. So IRRITATING!!!!

4 people found this helpful.
240

I had the same issue with a 2019 Nissan Sentra SV. These posts have helped a ton so thanks. There are two switches below the console in my Nissan. There is a U Tube video by Dullah Goso that is very good but shows an orange and brown switch. The switch shown is actually for the cruise control but for some reason will release the brake start issue temporarily. I did it and it worked so thank you so much. I actually bought an extra cruise control switch (correctly named ASCD Cancel Switch and Nissan Part No. 25320-BR00A) and brake sensor switch (correctly named Stop Lamp Assembly Switch and Nissan Part No. 25320-AX10A) for a 2019 Nissan Sentra SV but Nissan Altimas seem to have the same issue. You may have to give your VIN number for the correct cruise control switch. The cruise control switch is actually orange and brown and the lowest below the console. The brake switch is green and black and works in a similar way. The issue is the two metals rubbing against each other that corrode and leave corroded material that looks like dirty silicone between the contacts. The brake sensor works best to clean with a Q tip. Now for the most important note...if you are ever stuck like this reach under the console and release the brake sensor switch by turning a quarter turn counter clockwise. Keep it dangling until you get home or to a safe place. The brake lights will show being on but who really cares when safety is potentially at risk. This provides the quickest fix that anyone can do quickly. I hope this helps others. This should be a recall that Nissan fixes but it has been going on for years with no word of an issue mentioned from Nissan. I have owned many Nissans over the years but may switch after this experience.

16 people found this helpful.
50

7/21/20, my daughters 2018 Nissan Sentra just did this and she was almost late for work. I got it to start however. I pushed the brake pedal in harder than usual and then it started right up. Did it several times to make sure it was gonna start. Obviously not a permanent fix so we'll still need to address this issue at some point.

5 people found this helpful.
240

Everyone it’s this issue should file a safety complaint with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. This will help show that it is an issue that a number of drivers is having. Their safety hotline is 888-328-4236 and their internet sight is www.nhtsa.dot.gov...click on the Report a Problem button and it will direct you to a fillable form. You can also check on recalls for any vehicle by putting in your VIN...

8 people found this helpful.
110

Oh and please replace your fob batteries. This entire issue when I took it to the dealer was solved because I had incorrect fob batteries. That was an expensive lesson but you don’t have to suffer like I did. Please check the fob batteries.

6 people found this helpful.
70

QUICK FIX. Wiggle the brake switches. If you look under your dashboard above the brake petal you will see two sets of wires, one with a square black plug and one with a square orange one. Give them both a good wiggle. Try starting the car now. If it still doesn’t start, repeat the process. Repeat until the car starts or you give up. But it works. Especially for when your in a situation and need it to start now. But then when you can, have the switches checked by a professional. It’s just a bandaid.

7 people found this helpful.
20

For me it seem to have been a drain/dead key fob battery. Check out this website (https://tamaroffnissan.com/how-to-start-a-nissan-with-a-dead-key-fob) it was very helpful. Works fine after replacing the key fob battery. Prior to replacing the battery, as a quick fix in an emergency, place the key fob on the ignition start button while pressing the brakes. Prior to this I was told by one mechanic to press the lock and unlock once in the car....this was a mistake! I learn from another mechanic and from the manual, this only makes it worst as it immobilize/armed the vehicle as the system thinks the car has been broken into and an intruder without the proper key is trying to start it. Another reason for non-start is the key signal could be blocked by interference (see your manual). Also, according to the manual, you could damage the starter if you keep pressing the ignition button without the engine turning over. Hope this help someone.

2 people found this helpful.
80

We own a 2019 Sentra, and we had the same issue of car not starting when pressing the brake and push button. First, we press the brake pedal and rear brake lights didn't turn on, so we thought it had to do with the brake switch. Then, my husband checked the brake switch, and the electrical connections under the dashboard next to the brake pedal. The connections were not inserted all the way in. As soon as he did that, the brake lights started working, and the car turned on. So far the car is working properly. I hope this can help someone. Good luck!

8 people found this helpful.
30

i have the same issue with my Nissan Sentra 2018. :( so disappointed.

3 people found this helpful.
30

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fer8-SGFSXk Very helpful video

3 people found this helpful.
60

there is a sensor behind the brake pedal. joggle it a bit and then try it. sometimes it gets stuck. but best if you replace it. had the same issue on my nissan sentra 2017.

4 people found this helpful.
20

I am having the same exact problem. Mine is a 2019. Thankfully, it's still barely under the bumper to bumper warranty. The first time it happened, I had only had the car a week! They said it was a faulty brake switch and they replaced that. I drove from the dealership, back to work. When I got off work, again, it wouldn't start! So, I had to worry all weekend. I got it back to the dealership and they went over it with a fine tooth comb for 2 days, tightened all the wiring and everything. He tried to start it multiple times and of course it started, every time! He left it running for me when I came to pick it up. Again, I went back to work, turned it off, then when I got off, it wouldn't start! Took me about 20 minutes of trying before it finally started. It's sooo frustrating! Thankfully I have taken a video to show them, so I don't get charged. But I am in a lot of debt to have a "reliable" car. I've always driven 20 year old cars that last a couple years. Now, my almost brand new car won't start a lot of the time. :(

2 people found this helpful.
110

Nissan just issued a recall (in March 2021) for 2016- 2019 Nissan Sentras because of a problem with the switch causing this issue. If you’re having this problem, contact your Nissan dealership and they will replace the stop brake switch for free. Apparently there will be additional work needed, but the part for that won’t be available until fall 2021 so you’ll get an additional notice then telling you have to take it back in to the dealership for more work to finish addressing this issue. If you visit https://www.nissanusa.com/recalls-vin/#/#/Home and type in you VIN, it will verify if your car has been recalled and tell you what to do about getting the issue fixed. I’m attaching a screen shot of part of the recall notice for my 2016 Sentra (which has been having the push start won’t work issue lately)

11 people found this helpful.
60

Same problem with my 2019 Sentra, car wont start but the dashboard is lit. Will have my car towed to the dealership for free using Nissan Roadside Assistance. Will leave it there until they get the parts in and have it fixed. Service tech said it might take from 1 up to 3 days for the parts to come in. Let's see how true that is. Waiting for the tow service now.

2 people found this helpful.
60

FOR NEWER NISSAN CARS 2016 - PRESENT, IT IS COVERED BY NISSAN ROADSIDE ASSISTANCE (A LOT OF NISSAN OWNERS DON'T KNOW THIS SERVICE EXIST!!). SO IF YOUR CAR WON'T START, HAVE IT TOWED TO THE DEALERSHIP FOR FREE!!

4 people found this helpful.
60

Try moving/jiggle the sensor and then try turning the car on. I did that a few times before it gave up completely but it gave me a chance to eventually buy and replace the sensor. I spent about $26 and the problem was solved. The sensor shall be under the break pedal. Check your manual or go to youtube

2 people found this helpful.
10

I got a 2019 Nissan Sentra a year ago and it's been fine until this morning, the break pedal wouldn't go down and the car wouldn't start, but all the lights and the screen turned on. eventually I held the key fob in my fist and pumped the break pedal hard and fast several times and the car started. called the dealership and they said replace the battery in the fob and wait to see if it happens again.

1 people found this helpful.

We also have a 2019 Nissan Sentra. Two years ago we had the brake light switch replaced. There is a factory recall, so it should cost you nothing to have this done. It worked fine for two years and then about two months ago it started having issues again. We took it back to the dealer and they said the brake light switch was installed incorrectly. How it ran fine for two years after being installed incorrectly makes no sense to me. They reinstalled the switch and It worked for about a month. Three weeks ago the problem came back. It is at the dealer now. They cannot replicate the issue and said that because it is starting fine they cannot trouble shoot the problem. The car only has this issue intermittently. What I would like to know is whether people have successfully addressed the push to start issue for more than two years and whether there is a way to diagnose the issue without the dealership technician seeing the problem first hand?

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