Ughh... car won't start, sometimes...

[psteng19]

Drove to work this morning, 40 miles away, took about 1 hour.

Get close to work, park for 2 minutes in front of deli to grab a snack, and attempt to start the car.
All dash lights go on, engine starts to turn, but with difficulty. Chokes for about 3 seconds and then dies.

Strange... so I try again. This time, dash lights all on, but nothing.
Engine doesn't turn, no clicking, absolutely nothing.

I wait 3-5 minutes pondering, and try again. This time it starts, but with a little difficulty.

All accessories are still working, so it's not battery/alternator related.

So is it the starter? Solenoid?

1995 Nissan Sentra 1.6L engine, 70k miles, Auto transmission
Car is in excellent mechanical condition.
Hopefully it'll start after work, or should I get it fixed ASAP so I won't be stranded?

 

[Scarpozzi]

If it's a straight shift, you can push it off and pop the clutch to start it. It could be a bad solenoid, but it could also be a relay. Take it to a dealer or shop and have them plug it into their computer.... That will narrow it down much faster. Just be sure to leave it running when you take it to them....otherwise, they'll talk you into letting them fix it.

 

All accessories are still working, so it's not battery/alternator related.

Incorrect conclusion.
You may have a weak battery, bad connections, a weak alternator.
When you crank the engine over, how fast does it spin when it does not start ?
Real slow
slow
Normal

Turn on your headlights and crank the engine over.
If the lights dim excessively, bad connections , shorted starter or bad battery.
The best thing to do at this point is to follow through a specific series of diagnostic tests.
PM me when you have time to do these test and I will walk you though them one by one.

 

[SuperSix]

Does the starter spin normally when the engine is cold? Does it get harder to start the hotter the engine is?

 

[psteng19]

Incorrect conclusion.
You may have a weak battery, bad connections, a weak alternator.
When you crank the engine over, how fast does it spin when it does not start ?
Real slow

It spins real slow.
I doubt it's a weak battery, but I'll give the headlight test a try.
I do have an 250 watt amp powering a sub that's on all the time and never showed signs of power loss (i.e. lights dimming when on full blast).
But the setup is a little unorthodox.
I wired the amp to the ACC lead so that it's always on whenever the car is on, even though the stereo isn't, but this isn't a big issue.

My alarm and keyless entry still works fine, but sometimes the alarm doesn't sound either (but the locks always unlock/lock, just no beeping) <-- could it be related?

Does the starter spin normally when the engine is cold? Does it get harder to start the hotter the engine is?

Interesting you say that, because it started fine this morning, but not fine after 2 mins of rest, and then fine again after 5 mins of rest.
So it could be that it starts easier cold? (but I thought batteries are less efficient in the cold).

However, I do notice that for the past couple of months, it's been taking longer for the car to start.
Meaning I have to hold the key in ignition for a second or two until the car is completely started, when it only used to take a second.

 

[StageLeft]

Originally posted by: Scarpozzi
If it's a straight shift, you can push it off and pop the clutch to start it.

He said it's an auto

 

[psteng19]

Originally posted by: Skoorb

Originally posted by: Scarpozzi
If it's a straight shift, you can push it off and pop the clutch to start it.

He said it's an auto

I edited after I saw his post

 

[Spac3d]

It could be the brand of gas you use :Q

I was using all sorts of rband and I was having problems starting my car. I asked my dealer and they said they prefer Shell in the cars for some reason. When I switched to only Shell, I no longer had the problem of starting my car.

Spac3d