So I have a 2011 Nissan Sentra. It's an automatic 2.0L. She has just under 211k miles. I just replaced the alternator, spark plugs, ignition coils, both O2 sensors, MAF Sensor and battery in my car in the last 2 months. Everything was working great until this morning. She sounds like she wants to start but no shaking from the car due to the engine trying to turn over. I'm not 100% what the issue is because it could be a few things. Any ideas on what the problem is?
Please do not post the same thing multiple times!
Sorry!! I didn't realize it posted multiple times. I was just deleting the other ones!
Easy mistake to make since there can be a bit of a delay while your post is being processed. Just be patient and don't hit the Answer or Add Comment button again while the site is doing its thing.
If I understand you correctly you're saying that the starter is not even cranking the motor over? Or is it cranking and the engine is not firing up?
If the starter isn't working it could be a number of things such as failed new battery (it happens), bad ignition switch, bad starter, bad battery cables, problem with anti-theft system. To see if the starter is operating you can hot-wire the solenoid and see if it cranks.
If the engine cranks but does not start, if it is otherwise in good condition it's going to come down to lack of spark or lack of fuel. A quick way to test which is at fault is to spray a little starting fluid in the intake. If the engine fires up briefly that means it's not getting fuel. If it does not fire up even with starting fluid you have no spark. (This assumes no internal engine problems.)
Has it been scanned for codes?
Yes, it has been scanned for codes. The code that came up back at the end of September was P0420. I have been going down the list of things that could be the problem. I do know that usually when you replace an Alternator, you will end up replacing the Starter as well.
You can hear it trying to crank, but the engine is just not doing anything. All of the lights come on, including lights on the dash.
I have heard about the starting fluid trick before and might try that. I have ordered a new start and waiting on it to come in to replace it.
Well, it's not necessarily the case that you replace both the alternator and starter in a short period of time. (On my own car I replaced the alternator several years ago and the starter is still just fine, original 25 years old part.) It's always best to do diagnostics before replacing parts.
Sounds like your starter motor is the only thing left to replace.
It's a sound I have never heard an engine make before, however I am still a novice when it comes to repairing my car. So you think it could be the starter?
Can you make a video demonstrating the sound and upload to youtube or a file sharing site and post the link here?
Just curious if that is the original CVT transmission?
Yes it is.
That's excellent! How often did you change the fluid?