i got a 96 sentra and recently i can't get it start. A week ago the weather was cold and the car has been sitting there for a week. I cannot get it start then and I thought it's the weather, but i tried again today when the weather is warm (in the 50s) and still no luck. I cleaned the terminals and the battery gives out 13.5 V when it's off. When i turn the key, there was some noise which sounds like it's trying to start but just not quite enough juice or whatever it is. The battery is only 6 months old and the alternator is 4 months old, it was a remanufactured one but it should last longer. I haven't tried a jump yet, but the voltage of the battery seems normal. what the problem would be? maybe the starter or spark plug or something else? Thanks!
rookieJKL
need more info--- is the engine trying to turn over? is it making a rapid "clicking" sound when you try to start it or a single click then nothing? ---these are low battery signs is it making a loud, single "knock/click" when you try to turn it over from lower down on the engine?- that would be a starter or starter solenoid problem.. is it a standard or automatic? if its a standard(manual transmision) can you roll start it? most places will test your battery for free(autozone/o'reileys/autoquest) are the headlights dim when you test em? is your batery a low maintenance or a maintenance free/... if low maintenance is the battery low on fluid?
Look at the most likely things first.
Battery. You mentioned not jumping it yet. Do that first. A new battery can go bad, its happened.
If no luck, check your cable connections at the battery. Take them loose and clean them. Clean both the cables and the battery posts. Charge battery or try jumping again.
If no luck, check the Ground connections. follow the negative cable and unbolt and clean both places where it is attached. One is to the chassie near the battery and the other is on the engine or transaxle.
If no luck, Suspect the starter or starter relay or ignition switch. I would first go for the starter.
Good luck, John
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