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stumegan
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| Posted: Aug 11 2008 at 1:01pm | IP Logged
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Hi folks.
Just joined . First post. I not too truck savvy so bear with me if you think I should know the answer. I own a 2001 Frontier Crew Cab, very low miles, used only 2/3 times a month. I am retired.
Here's the problem
Truck starts fine. Go to store 3 miles away. Do stuff , back in 30mins-1hr, Leave there and truck seems to start fine also. Go to second stop.. eg bank. When I get back in and start truck,it shows power everywhere ( eg lights on dash ok).
I turn key and it starts to crank at full power but then seems to rapidly fade as though something is draining the power. I seem to have one shot at this and may or may not start it before everything dims. Then I am SOL.
I tried this another way by just driving around and heading back to my garage no stops in between ,. turn off ignition.. wait 10-20 secs. starts fine.
Anyway, I checked the battery connections and as sometimes I dont use it for a week or so , I stick it on a trickle charger, but that always shows power/green lights etc.
Any idea of what it might be? I am sure this is a truck 101 question. but I am an idiot when it comes to vehicles ;)
thanks in advance.
Stu
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Boomer
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| Posted: Aug 11 2008 at 1:08pm | IP Logged
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How old is the battery in this truck? I've seen batteries that seem to accept a charge but are really incapable of holding a charge. If it is the original battery, it is about 8 years old, pretty old for a standard lead-acid setup. Take thye battery in and have it tested as well as the charging circuit in the truck. My guess is you will find the battery is ready to be replaced.
Also check the ground connections in your truck. Look where the battery is grouinded and make sure the connection is tight.
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2007 Nissan Frontier SE 4X4
Crew Cab, short bed,
2003 Saturn L-300 sedan
2013 VW Passat TDI
State College, PA
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stumegan
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| Posted: Aug 12 2008 at 1:37am | IP Logged
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Thanks Boomer. Its the original Battery.. the thing is when it drains itself as i try to start it and I manage to start. get home. leave in garage. 3 days later decide to use it again it starts fine.. when stone cold. So its heat causing it to not start. I will try a few more things.. but thanks for the reply and suggestions.
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Boomer
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| Posted: Aug 12 2008 at 7:04am | IP Logged
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I still think its the battery but you could have a starter that is being overheated by the engine or a coil that is going out and dies when hot, although this would not slow down the cranking speed of the engine.
Getting your battery tested is a small thing. When running, drive over to a place that tests (call first) and have them test it. Make sure you go to a reputable place, not one that just wants to sell you a battery. An eight year old battery just is NOT going to cut the mustard IMO.
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2007 Nissan Frontier SE 4X4
Crew Cab, short bed,
2003 Saturn L-300 sedan
2013 VW Passat TDI
State College, PA
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dannyg
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| Posted: Aug 12 2008 at 9:16am | IP Logged
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Danny here have the battery tested if it pass which is low onn my scale. Boomer is right 8 yeras it a long time for a battery. In florida were i leave your lucky to get 4 years out of a battery. If the battery pass`s have your altanator checked driving over time with a weak battery can make your charging system work harder. Still have the battery checked first
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There needs to be more Archey Bunkers in the world and less fruit loops
06 frontier 4.0 auto
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stumegan
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| Posted: Aug 12 2008 at 8:16pm | IP Logged
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Hi again.
OK , I finally got some time to go get the battery tested .. and If I believe them ;), which is highly likely, the battery amps were fine, the cranking ability was 0 . So I bought a new battery..and managed to get truck started one last time to head home.
Now I cant get the negative battery terminal lead off. I read online about everything from wd40, baking soda and coke to help free it up, but the actual nut on the bolt seems to be soft metal and I cant get a scoket on it or a wrench to hold a grip ;(.
Anyway, that's the new problem. If I go buy a new cable for negative connector online, is that a simple thing to connect at the body end .. ie where it is grounded> is it just bolted in. As I am crap at this kinda stuff , I am looking for the easiest solution as I tend to muck things up more ;)......
So any suggestions? Should I just buy a new terminal cut the old cable off? Is that easy to connect? How is the cable anchored to the terminal? seems to be just compression but that seems a flakey way to connect..
Anyway., thanks for the advice,. which i took.. so I am halfway there.. ;)
Any tips I will gladly take
thanks
Stu
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dannyg
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| Posted: Aug 12 2008 at 8:33pm | IP Logged
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have you tried taping it with a rubber hammer or even a screwdriver handle when it moves wiggle it back and forth to slide off.BTW glad to seen fixed
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There needs to be more Archey Bunkers in the world and less fruit loops
06 frontier 4.0 auto
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stumegan
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| Posted: Aug 12 2008 at 9:08pm | IP Logged
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dannyg wrote:
| have you tried taping it with a rubber hammer or even a screwdriver handle when it moves wiggle it back and forth to slide off.BTW glad to seen fixed |
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Well success. I ave up the gently gently approach ;) and managed to free it off gently with a big hammer .. so we think alike ;).
I put the new battery on, and it was either try to free up the rounded nut/bolt terminal or hammer it on ;).. so I turned it upside down, added those felt thingys for corrosion, and hammered it down tappingly ;) new word.. and it started!. I am hoping this will be fine for a while.. though do you think I should go piddle around with the negative terminal now. Its on their tight , just will be a pain to remove it.. anyway, I am all done of trucks for the day,
Just wanted to say again thanks to everyone for the tips and help
Stu
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Nissan Frontier Forums : Problems / Technical
Topic: Wont Start When Hot Problem
