3 Common Reasons Your INFINITI Wont Start & How to Troubleshoot Them

May 27, 2021

Whether you've just installed a new battery but your car still wont start without a jump, or you're met with silence when your engine wont crank, and there's no clicking or lights, don't worry! The most common problems that prevent a car from starting typically involve one of three parts: the battery, the alternator, and the starter. Learn the reasons why these parts might keep your car from starting and how to troubleshoot them quickly.

Issues With the Battery

Everything in your INFINITIs electrical system works because of the battery - after all, its the reason you're able to start your car in the first place. A typical car battery, also known as a lead-acid battery, is powered by chemical reactions in its cells that generate electricity. Turning your key in the ignition signals the battery to send electricity to the starter motor, which engages the engine and gets you moving.

Battery trouble is one of the most common causes for a car that wont start. Your INFINITIs battery should be the first place you look if you find that your vehicle isn't starting.

Signs That Your Battery Is the Problem

1. Car Clicks But Wont Start

If you hear rapid clicking when you try to start your car, chances are the battery is either drained or the flow of electricity is getting disrupted somewhere between the battery and starter. If you accidentally left the headlights or interior lights on overnight, simply jump-starting your car with a pair of jumper cables should be enough to get you moving again.

No accidental lights left on? Check your batteries cables and connections. Vibrations from the road may have loosened the battery clamps, leading to poor electrical contact. You may also find that there is a lot of corrosive buildup around the battery terminals. This can also limit the electrical output of the battery. To solve these problems, simply retighten the connections and clean away the corrosion.

Finally, it could just be that your battery has reached the end of its life. On average, car batteries last around three to four years, but longevity varies with your driving conditions. You can easily test your battery with a multimeter or simply bring your vehicle to your nearest INFINITI dealer for a free battery inspection.

2. Car Wont Start, No Clicking, No Lights

Most often, the clicking sound you hear when trying to start a car is the starter motor pinion gear attempting (and failing) to mesh with the flywheel on the engine. This usually happens when the battery doesn't have enough juice to fully power the starter motor. However, if you turn the ignition switch and don't hear any clicking at all, it means battery power isn't reaching the starter motor.

In most cases, no clicking and no lights on the dash indicate an open circuit on the battery that disrupts the flow of electricity. Your best action may be to clean and resecure the battery terminals and cables, ensuring sufficient electrical contact.

If the battery is in good condition and the connections are stable, you may be dealing with a blown fuse that's preventing power from reaching the starter. With the car turned off, use your owners manual to find the fuse box and check for any exposed or damaged wires.

Issues With the Alternator

The alternators job is to charge the battery and supply your INFINITI with electricity once the engine is running. While driving and idling, the alternator powers your cars electrical system - everything from the radio to the onboard computer - and recharges the battery to ensure it is always charged enough to start your car from the off position.

Alternators are typically designed to last the vehicles lifetime but may fail due to worn parts, frayed wiring, water exposure, or a broken drive belt. Though it is rarer for an alternator to be the source of your car starting trouble, it is not impossible.

Signs That Your Alternator Is the Problem

1. New Battery But Car Wont Start Without Jump

If you've tested your battery to make sure it is working fine and the connections are intact - or if you have recently installed a brand new battery - but your car still only starts with jumper cables, the problem could be your alternator.

Activating the starter motor is a huge power drain on the battery, so the alternator has to recharge the battery while you drive. If the alternator isn't sending enough power back to the battery, you may be stuck with a car that wont start the next time you turn the key in the ignition.

Look for failing or low-powered accessories while driving to tell if the alternator may be the issue. If you notice the windows are rolling up more slowly or that the headlights are dimmer than usual, your alternator may have a problem supplying power. Inspect the alternator for any loose or damaged wiring, as well as the drive belt for any fraying or loss of tension. If you suspect your alternator is the problem, the best course of action is to have it inspected by a professional.

Issues With the Starter

As its name suggests, the starter is what starts your engine. Turning your key in the ignition completes a circuit between the battery and the starter solenoid, which activates the starter motor. The starter motors job is to "crank" the engine or, in other words, set it in motion.

Like the alternator, your cars starter is designed to last the lifetime of the vehicle but may fail prematurely. If your car is not starting, avoid cranking the engine repeatedly, as it may overheat the starter motor and cause internal damage.

Signs That The Starter Is the Problem

1. A Single, Loud Click When Starting

Rapid clicking typically indicates that your battery is not sending enough power to crank the engine. However, a single, loud click when activating the ignition switch usually indicates a problem with the starter itself. This single click most likely means you have either a faulty starter motor or the solenoid that has jammed.

Try jump-starting the car to resolve the issue. The power from two batteries may be enough to free up a jammed starter motor.

2. Car Turns Over But Wont Start

If the engine turns over but still wont start, the issue may be caused by faulty spark plugs, lack of fuel pressure, or insufficient compression. However, it could be that the starter motor is too weak to crank the engine to life. This may result from a weak battery or a loose or corroded connection that loses voltage from the battery before it reaches the starter.

3. Car Wont Start But Battery Works

Suppose your car wont start even though you've tested the battery and the electronic accessories are working as expected. In that case, the problem may be with either the starter motor or ignition switch. A clicking sound with no engine turnover means the starter may not be receiving enough electricity to crank the engine.

Similarly, a broken ignition switch may not be engaging the solenoid that activates the starter motor and cranks the engine. Problems with the ignition system or starter should be repaired by a trained professional.

Get Help Starting Your INFINITI

Is your INFINITI having a little trouble getting started? Shop genuine replacement parts for your INFINITIs electrical system and battery from INFINITI Parts online. Install them yourself or head to your nearest authorized INFINITI service center for professional installation.