Car not starting? Is button broke?
 

Hey everyone, wanting to see if someone else out there has had this problem. I will push my clutch in, hit the start button and nothing happens. The screens light up etc but no engine start. I will have to go through the sequence about 8 to 10 times before it finally actually tries to start. Most of the time, lights on ACC mode, then off again, no attempt to even start the engine. Only thing I wonder is I switched out my stock start button for a GTR one but it was a straight fit as you guys know. Do you think the switch near the clutch might be messed up? Thoughts please!! :tiphat:

Thanks

Clutch switch has my vote

I see you got an 09. Steering lock possibly? Im not sure what the symptoms are tho.

Could be either one. There are several threads on clutch pedal switch problems and more threads than you can shake a stick at on steering locks. IMNSHO, the site's search function sucks - I prefer to use Google and add "site:the370z.com" to my search string.

I had a very similar problem to yours. My car would not start same as you described. I had it towed to the dealer. They replaced the clutch pedal switch and that did nothing. They could not figure out why it would not start and told me that if I wanted them to investigate further I would have to pay out of pocket since the problem was most likely caused by the aftermaket head unit that was installed. I said no thanks and had it flat-bedded back to my house... Sat in the car after the flat bed dropped the car off and it started right up?? It was probably the battery, at least that's the only thing I can think of since I have not had that problem again since then. I would try hooking the battery up to a charger to make sure you get a full charge and then try to start it.

Were you doing anything to your car when this happened or did you just walk outside and the car would not start?

Just walked outside! Crazy. It started it once in awhile and then its became a huge problem. The stereo and all lights up and starts playing but its like the car is not getting the signal to start the engine itself! The steering lock was fixed last year on the recall and I have no aftermarket audio, just the stocker with Nav.

I'd look at the clutch switch. A cheap VOM will do the job.

I doubt it would be the push button switch or else it wouldn't give you acc or on, never know though.


Could always check the clutch switch, might be a tight fight to get to but you unplug it and insert a digital multimeter's red test probes into the pin and the black to chassis ground or any bare metal on the firewall or frame under the steering c. Check both sides of the plug to see if the switch is getting voltage when you press it.

Don't disagree that it could be the clutch switch, but when did you swap out the original ignition switch for GTR one? Do you still have the original switch? If so, you might want to try switching back … just to confirm the GTR switch isn't the problem.

Second this^

changed out the button in Feb I think. Yah its an easy pop out, I guess I can try that again.

If the car is cycling through the different modes (ACC, &c), then the start button is OK and the clutch sw or ESCL is bad. Since you changed the ESCL recently, I'd start with the clutch sw.

If it is not cycling, then the button/connector/wiring is (probably) the problem. If everything checks out at the button, check the connector at the ECM.

The FSM is very valuable for troubleshooting. It's a free download, so no reason not to have it handy if you do any work on your Z. Or if you just want to better understand how the car works.

swapped out the GTR button for the stock button and its doing the same thing! Its got to be where the clutch is because its not going anywhere and it sucks. I bought it through a used dealer and it came with a 2 year certified warranty but not via Nissan, some q certified so im trying to find their number now to call.

It's easy to verify operation of the clutch switch with a VOM. The hard part is getting comfortable with your head stuck under the dash and your feet out the door. :)

Always a good idea to know what the problem is before talking to the service department. It can save them some trouble-shooting time and you'll know if they try blowing smoke up your a**.