Engine won't start (battery fine, even with jump start)

And since this post was resurrected, I thought I'd at least add something useful to the discussion on why the steering lock mechanism might cause a no-start. There are a bunch of DTCs associated with the steering lock mechanism, if present (not all of the 2nd generation has this--mine doesn't). The fail-safe for a fault in the steering lock mechanism is the BCM will not let the starter motor activate (...BCM grounds the control side of the starter relay circuit and provides power to the control side of the starter control relay circuit). See the example DTC description below.

Not sure why Nissan implemented this as a fail-safe as it doesn't seem to be necessary to me, but I guess it's another thing to consider if the engine won't crank and everything else in the starter system seems to be o.k. This is definitely another reason why it's good to have a scan tool that can read body and chassis codes as I suspect the OP would see DTCs related to the steering lock mechanism if that's what is causing the no-start.

Based on the comment that the shop the OP took it to can't connect to pull codes because the start switch doesn't cycle through the various power states, this seems like it's going to end up in the PCS section where you have to troubleshoot the push button start switch and figure out why the it's not going into ACC mode where you should be able to connect a code reader to it. The manual is expecting you to use a consult device so if that's using a different comm network than regular scan tools all bets are off.

I read through the various chapters for no-start troubleshooting and you go from starting system (STR) to security control system (SEC) to power control system (PCS) because all of them expect you to be able to communicate with the various modules when you push the button (using a consult device). The fact that this one doesn't power up to talk seems like it's pointing at the push button. PCS-65 has you check for power and ground at the switch harness and confirm continuity to the BCM. Seems like you have to start way back there if the thing won't cycle through the power states.

And I THINK i learned that my rig doesn't have the steering lock. From what I think I read is the steering lock should go to the lock state with the door open and the ignition switch in the OFF state. Mine doesn't do this so I'm assuming I have no steering lock (hooray!). But I'm not really sure. It sure looks like alot of things can get in the way of the car starting.




Here's why I think I don't have a steering lock. I don't know how to check if I'm supposed to have a steering lock other than crawling around and looking for it. I really hope I don't have one as it seems like just another thing to malfunction and disable the vehicle (and $$$ to replace). If the immobilizer or the age of the car doesn't prevent it from getting stolen, I seriously doubt a steering lock will. This is another system I'd want to disable for sure but it looks really super integrated and mandatory to have working in order to enable starting.

jbarnett250 said:

Based on the comment that the shop the OP took it to can't connect to pull codes because the start switch doesn't cycle through the various power states, this seems like it's going to end up in the PCS section where you have to troubleshoot the push button start switch and figure out why the it's not going into ACC mode where you should be able to connect a code reader to it. The manual is expecting you to use a consult device so if that's using a different comm network than regular scan tools all bets are off.

I read through the various chapters for no-start troubleshooting and you go from starting system (STR) to security control system (SEC) to power control system (PCS) because all of them expect you to be able to communicate with the various modules when you push the button (using a consult device). The fact that this one doesn't power up to talk seems like it's pointing at the push button. PCS-65 has you check for power and ground at the switch harness and confirm continuity to the BCM. Seems like you have to start way back there if the thing won't cycle through the power states.

Click to expand...

Good catch. I overlooked the OP said his mechanic couldn't get a scan tool to work. After some further research, this language from the SCS file may explain why...notice that the the BCM turns on the power supply to the accessory relay (#9) and ignition relay (#10) after the steering lock is confirmed to be in the "unlock" position (#7). Quite fascinating that in order to pull the DTC you probably have to fix the fault first, . Seems like a possible engineering flaw to me and now it's obvious why the engine won't start since that would be a bit difficult when the ignition relay won't energize.



Frankly, this absence of the steering lock mechanism in the Starting System section of the FSM is a big oversight by Nissan, IMO. Anything that can cause a no-crank no-start should be clearly spelled out in that section. Dealerships and "professional mechanics" should not be "at a loss" of what the problem might be if the steering lock mechanism fails.

jbarnett250 said:

Here's why I think I don't have a steering lock. I don't know how to check if I'm supposed to have a steering lock other than crawling around and looking for it. I really hope I don't have one as it seems like just another thing to malfunction and disable the vehicle (and $$$ to replace). If the immobilizer or the age of the car doesn't prevent it from getting stolen, I seriously doubt a steering lock will. This is another system I'd want to disable for sure but it looks really super integrated and mandatory to have working in order to enable starting.

Click to expand...

Power supply to the steering lock is Terminal #11 of the IPDM (pink wire). If it's missing, you don't have a steering lock.