Why does a Infiniti I30, with gas and a new battery, sometimes fail to start?

[Alan Chen]

When I turn the key, the car does not start. The engine doesn't even attempt to turn over and the car just makes a clicking sound. When this happened 2 weeks ago, I replaced the battery, which had failed. Problem solved.

Today, I had the same problem, but when I tried to start the car an hour later, everything was fine! What is going on?

Car: 1996 Infiniti I30

 

[sykho]

Firstly, check both "+" & "-" battery terminals, ensure that they are plug in, sit on and tighten properly. Secondly, wires that attached with terminal were tighten too, especially the "+" terminal. If all above is OK, do send for alternator charging test. All the best...

 

[medred91lx]

It's the starter motor, those are prone to fail on i30/35s. Not difficult to replace either.

 

[HondaInfiniti]

Neutral Safety Switch?

Did you ever try the Neutral Safety Switch/Backup Light Switch? I had a similar problem with my 2000 I30 - plenty of power and whatnot, but intermittently no power to the starter. If I put in gear and back into park, it would start right up - but it got worse over time. I got the part at NAPA for about $35, put it on ramps and found it on the front of the transaxle. Needed to remove a few air dam screws and there it was. Replacing was pretty easy once I figured out where it was. Totally fixed the issue. Not bad for $35. I had to buy one of those really small 1/4 ratchets to get at the top screw, so that was a little annoying, but still, that was less than $6 and still saved me about $150.