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Titan Won't Turn Over - Starter Clicks Once

147K views 76 replies 27 participants last post by  4mula1fan  
#1 · (Edited by Moderator)
06 Nissan Titan, I've looked over all the most popular threads and haven't had any luck.

Symptoms:
  • When I turn the key to 'start,' one loud click is heard in the middle of the engine (near the starter's location), and the radio/clock turns off as long as the key is held to start.
  • For the past two months, every now and then, this problem would occur, but I would turn the key off, then start again, and it always worked. It's now stuck in my driveway.

What I've done so far:
  • I read through the IPDM issues and swapped the ECM relay, didn't help.
  • Swapped the starter relay with another; it didn't help.

From what I can tell, it is NOT the IPDM. The motor does not try to turn over at all. The truck always ran fine when started. It didn't die out or bog or anything. If I had to guess, I'm thinking starter/solenoid issue.

Any help would be awesome, thanks!
 
#2 ·
"It's Always the Battery" ~ BAC

You make no mention of the battery, so it had to be said. Do your gauges flutter when you try to start it?
 
#8 ·
You very well may be right, but mine did the same thing.

Stopped at a gas station to get a drink. Got back in the truck, went to start it and nothing but a click. Radio would play, lights were on, but no start. Asked for a jump start and it still would not start. Took the battery to parts store and it was bad.

It is much easier to get the battery tested than replacing a starter on these trucks.
 
#6 ·
Then if you're absolutely positive you have a good battery, I'd say the starter could be the culprit. I honestly don't know how you'd test that theory, though. You should at least try to jump it, just for kicks and giggles, before you go chasing the starter.
 
#7 ·
I say battery as well. Could also just need a good cleaning of the battery connections

You may have enough juice for the radio and electronics to run but not enough amperage to crank the starter properly.
 
#10 · (Edited)
Just got the battery tested at Advance Auto Parts and it came out "Replace Battery." Only producing 525CCA instead of the rated 700CCA. Bought a new battery and the Titan is still doing the same thing... there is no attempt to turn over. Is there a solenoid for the starter?

EDIT: It seems like this guy had the same issue: http://www.titantalk.com/forums/tit...m/forums/titan-problems-dealer-service/232290-audible-click-but-wont-start.html
He said that it was just corrosion. Mine is definitely free of any corrosion on the surface that touches the terminal... I suppose corrosion inside the positive cable could cause the issue?

I'm still thinking it's the starter, I wish there was some way I could tap on the starter while turning the key to see if it's stuck but doesn't help that it's under the intake plenum.
 
#67 ·
Just got the battery tested at Advance Auto Parts and it came out "Replace Battery." Only producing 525CCA instead of the rated 700CCA. Bought a new battery and the Titan is still doing the same thing... there is no attempt to turn over. Is there a solenoid for the starter?

EDIT: It seems like this guy had the same issue: Audible *click* but won't start!
He said that it was just corrosion. Mine is definitely free of any corrosion on the surface that touches the terminal... I suppose corrosion inside the positive cable could cause the issue?

I'm still thinking it's the starter, I wish there was some way I could tap on the starter while turning the key to see if it's stuck but doesn't help that it's under the intake plenum.
You an actually see, and get a small bar through the back 2 intake risers. It is not technically under the intake. You just have to remove it to change it.
 
#11 ·
The big cable that comes off the positive side of the battery can sometimes be the problem.
 
#12 ·
Got jumper cables?
Clamp one end on the negative terminal. Clamp the other end to a solid piece of metal on the engine somewhere and then try to start it. If it starts, replace your negative battery cable.

Some people walk like an Egyptian. I walk like the pope with a cane.
 
#14 ·
Those symptoms sound similar to what I had on my '91 Ford Ranger. I think I started with a new battery and ended up replacing the starter, which resolved the problem. The Ranger was a much more simple vehicle though.
 
#16 ·
If you can get to the starter check the positive cable connection there. I have had lots of machines, trucks tractors etc do stuff like this. A pop sounds like a loose connection. Please before you do this unhook negative cable at battery. Then you can check it without arching off anything. The nut needs to be clean and tight but not wrestle mania tight.
 
#17 ·
The other end of the positive in under the intake manifold with the starter. But I have to agree about connections.

sent from the halfass app. is it even running or is it locked up again?
 
#18 ·
#19 ·
When I had the same issue I ended up having to cut off part of the positive side terminal, drilled a hole through it And used a battery terminal with a threaded post and wing nut to make a good solid connection.

I had the same exact symptoms. k.i.s.s.
 
#21 ·
You have a starter issue, get ready to take on a big task or take it to someone who can do it for you...
 
#23 ·
I had the same issue on my 04. Came out one day and just a click. Had a mechanic friend come over and after hours of troubleshooting found nothing. When we. Bypassed ignition and hit the starter direct it turned over. So I decided to put a temporary push button starter. As we were installing it I notices two wires with a small black harness hanging just below my steering column ( not the one for code check) it was similar but smaller and had a fuse in it. Out of curiosity I checked the fuse and it was burnt out. Replaced it and she started right up. Apperantlu some models came with this feature so you can easily install an after market alarm. So when the fuse went out my ignition switch shut down. I found it odd but happy to be cruising my baby again. This is just my experience that may benefit someone. I was also one who looked everywhere online for a solution but found nothing. So zi am posting it here.
 
#28 ·
Are you sure you did? It is buried on these trucks.
 
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#27 ·
do a voltage drop test first to confirm if it is the wires and connections.. follow an actual diagnostic flow chart for your symptoms...
 
#32 ·
My truck had this problem for a lil while also. Culprit was the battery terminals were shot. For some reason they love to corrode bad and the terminals from the factory are wire thin. Went to autozone got new beefier terminals, replaced my old ones an cleaned the corrosion off with baking soda water and wire brushes. Haven't had a problem since. Now just the bolts on the terminals corrode so I clean them off sporadically. Truck is also an 04.