My 1991 300ZX NA won't start

Asked by John Aug 14, 2010 at 10:56 AM about the 1991 Nissan 300ZX 2 Dr 2+2 Hatchback

Question type: Maintenance & Repair

My car won't start, when I turn on the key the dash lights up and radio/cd work, but it won't crank.
It was running and starting fine the other day, but after I shut it down, no more.
I checked the battery, charger says it's full.
It has a AutoPage 750LCD Alarm, I use the Valet feature.
Looking for ideals

15 Answers

45

Have you checked the alternator? Could possibly be the problem.

2 people found this helpful.
60

i agree it could be the alternator but you have to remember these cars are pulling electric juice even when sitting idle (the clock etc). The battery may be full - but still maybe bad. I had a similar problem, the battery was about 8 years old, and the car is driven only 3000 miles a year, sure enough, after a full charge and no start up inly interior lights etc, I had the batt tested and found two cells in it were blown. Never thought that one would happen. had the battery replaced and she is back and running strong again!

5 people found this helpful.
6,935

Have someone CAREFULLY lay under the car, and tap the side of the starter with a hammer while you try to start it. It will probably start up; starter's bad.

2 people found this helpful.
365

Unhook the electrical connections (both ground and power) and make sure they are clean and can make good contact too. I was having this problem on my Z31 and it was because the oil filter sits right above the starter and every time the oil filter was changed it would leak onto the starter and get in between the connections and cause them to lose contact. I would have to clutch start it, which if there is no hill and/or limited space, can be a b*tch

3 people found this helpful.
200

I'm having the same problem on my '93 2+2. What was your solution?

8 people found this helpful.
150

Check the fuse box on the kick panel (under the dash). There is a 10amp fuse for ignition on the lower row. My 1991 2+2 had the lights all on and everything worked but wouldn't engage the starter. It was as simple as replacing that fuse. Hope this helps ya out.

15 people found this helpful.
200

Thanks Chris! My problem (now solved) was the ground in the THEFT relay under the hood...apparently it wasn't making a good connection.

12 people found this helpful.
110

i have a new battery and new cables and it only starts when i take it out of park ..go to drive..then back to park...or push up on shifter while it is in park and it will start..whats up with that?

8 people found this helpful.
110

oh i forgot it is a 1988 nissan 300 zx

3 people found this helpful.
90

My 1990 doesn't want to start, I used it all day to go and come from school. I was going to put it away and it didn't want to start. No noise, no nothing. All the lights turn on and work??? Help?

9 people found this helpful.
10

kim your neutral position sensor is bad

1 people found this helpful.
30

(With the automatic Z in Park get out and push it until it meets the park gear.)I drove my 93 300zx n/a coupe automatic to work. I shut it off and it wouldnt turnover when i got back in it. The key turned and nothing happened. Security flashing on the instrument panel. I checked my battery cables and every fuse and relay. All good. The power windows p locks and windshield wipers would not turn on. The headlights and radio did turn on. Wierd right? Even weirder the gearshift pulled out of park without applying the brake pedal. (TALL TALE SIGN). After reading forums all night i went back to work. Got in the car and same thing. SO I pushed the car while sitting in it w my left foot until it met the park gear. Turned the key and it started up no hesitation. SO SIMPLE! If you get frustrated walk away for a few.

3 people found this helpful.
10

A bit late to the party but I have this problem now and I think it's to do with a dodgy connection at the ptu, I'm going to solder all connections and see how it goes tonight

1 people found this helpful.

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