Ignition Issue

[franksterz]

Hey everyone!

My S14 recently broke down. I was driving inside my local Sams Club parking lot when it lost all power. Turned the key on and no power to anything, no dash lights or instruments and no crank. I thought it was my alternator because I tried jumping it and it failed.

Pulled the alternator and got it checked at my local auto parts store and they said it was still good. Did some checking in my fuse panel and found that the 30 AMP Ignition fuse was blown. I put my alternator back on and replaced the fuse with one from the store that is the correct amperage but it just had 2 extra notches on the the plastic casing which i shaved down just to see if that was the issue in the meanwhile I ordered an OEM one. The new fuse got all my power and instruments back up and running, my car now cranks but will not start. There is also an odd buzzing/clicking noise coming from the engine bay when the key is in the on position that was not there prior to this. Im wondering if the temporary fuse is still the culprit or if its another issue.

Starter and Battery are new within the last year.


The only odd thing with my car is I currently have a court ordered ignition interlock system installed, but that seems to be functioning properly.

Thank you in advance.

*EDIT*
Called Intoxalock, my unit is functioning correctly according to them, so its not that.

[Kaifd3s]

"buzzing/clicking" is usually a relay. Know how to use a multimeter?

[franksterz]

I do somewhat, I can definitely look up how to use it though. Which relay do you think it is?

[anti tyler]

Clutch interlock relay next to the battery on the inner fender?

Is the main fuse blown?

[LoganDavenport]

Clutch interlock relay next to the battery on the inner fender?

Is the main fuse blown?

If it was the clutch interlock relay the car would not crank period. He said it was cranking but wont start.

[franksterz]

Clutch interlock relay next to the battery on the inner fender?

Is the main fuse blown?

I will check the main fuse.

[anti tyler]

If you're getting cranking spend the $45 and get an msd blaster coil. see if your ignition coil is bad.

[franksterz]

"buzzing/clicking" is usually a relay. Know how to use a multimeter?

Got that multimeter, and the OEM fuse, will install the fuse today see if thats the issue

[stravi757]

hope you fixed it

[turboboxer6spd]

Have you actually verified you have no ignition or spark and do have fuel? Start with that and usually you can feel relays buzzing but this sounds like a good time to learn some electrical diagnosis. You could have a short somewhere where insulation is worn away or just a faulty compnent

[Ktt88]

Check your wiring; especially your fender harness. Mine rubbed through and I was experiencing similar issues

[jumboflan]

You have gremlins dude. A 30-amp ignition fuse doesn't blow for no reason. Tshoot it more.

[franksterz]

Have you actually verified you have no ignition or spark and do have fuel? Start with that and usually you can feel relays buzzing but this sounds like a good time to learn some electrical diagnosis. You could have a short somewhere where insulation is worn away or just a faulty component

I will get on this!

While checking my grounds, I traced where i believe the buzzing clicking noise is coming from, I traced it to the EGR Solenoid (Nissan Hitachi AESA123) which sits right next to the fuel rail. It also vibrates when the key is in the ON position. Any clues as to why this is? I'm starting to think this might be it. The buzzing was non existent before this whole ordeal.

[turboboxer6spd]

So it vibrates or buzzes with key on. How about key off? I don't have EGR so I couldn't tell you the component specifics but I'm wondering if the whole buzzing thing is coincidental only. I wouldn't think that there would be anything related unless a wire from this ckt is rubbing against a wire that has to do with ignition or fuel.
1) I still need to know if it is definatley getting fuel
2) did you continue to check all fuses or stop at the popped 30 amp fuse?

There are a lot variables but even if you have been working on cars 100+ years you still need fuel/spark/air/compression and electric components need power/ground and will rarely work with any shorts. There is no need for guesswork if you learn to use a DMM (digital multi meter) and get a wiring diagram. With electronics you can guess all day and create more headache than the learning process for electrical. Plus diagnosis will yield better results in the future. Lol sorry for the preaching. I can help all you want as long as you can get the basic info

[franksterz]

FIXED:

Problem was faulty battery clamps, and a bad connection for the fuel pump fuse.

Thank you all, I learned a lot from this.

[eek]

FIXED:

Problem was faulty battery clamps, and a bad connection for the fuel pump fuse.

Thank you all, I learned a lot from this.

I was just about to post that since I recently had the same issue. Replaced the battery clamps and no more issues.