Hey Scotty,
I have a 2002 Nissan Pathfinder with over 190,000 miles. Recently it started having issues starting. When I turned the key I could hear the starter clicking but not turning over the engine. After a few attempts the car would start. The dealership said it’s Normal and it’s nothing to worry about, because it’s just an old vehicle. However it’s gotten worse over time. What could the problem be?
Thanks.
Sounds like your starter is going bad. The bendix is sticking not throwing the gear out onto the flywheel. If it’s clicking and you tap it with a hammer and then it starts that’s usually a good diagnosis. Certainly not normal.
Exactly, certainly not normal..
Start simple, load test your battery & alternator and take it from there -
https://carkiller.com/scottykilmer/qa/nostart/
Could also be poor connection at battery terminals as well.
As long as your battery terminals are clean and tight which they seem ok since it’ll start after a few attempts it sounds as though the armature of the starter is sticking internally. Replace the starter with oem if available and you should be fine. I’ve seen aftermarket starters cause the same concerns so I would avoid if possible
