NEED HELP! Rig has trouble Starting! I'M PERPLEXED!!

[Granite Ridge Overland]

I have a 2000 Xterra! This past week it had trouble starting and acted like the battery was on it's last leg. I would jump it off with my Genius GB40 1000A or off my wife's Altima. It would start right up. So I installed a new Optima Red Top along with new Raptor high end + and - battery terminals. SAME THING....It turns hard and slow and it may or may not start. Jump it off...Fires right up! I'm attaching the jump box and jumper cables battery terminal to battery terminal. Not using the block our anything else as a ground. Or, and once its running it runs fine, charges fine,etc etc

Anyone got any ideas?

 

[M Rose]

I have a 2000 Xterra! This past week it had trouble starting and acted like the battery was on it's last leg. I would jump it off with my Genius GB40 1000A or off my wife's Altima. It would start right up. So I installed a new Optima Red Top along with new Raptor high end + and - battery terminals. SAME THING....It turns hard and slow and it may or may not start. Jump it off...Fires right up! I'm attaching the jump box and jumper cables battery terminal to battery terminal. Not using the block our anything else as a ground. Or, and once its running it runs fine, charges fine,etc etc

Anyone got any ideas?

It sounds like the starter is going out... the extra amps allows it to start.

 

[diabetiktaco]

I have a 2000 Xterra! This past week it had trouble starting and acted like the battery was on it's last leg. I would jump it off with my Genius GB40 1000A or off my wife's Altima. It would start right up. So I installed a new Optima Red Top along with new Raptor high end + and - battery terminals. SAME THING....It turns hard and slow and it may or may not start. Jump it off...Fires right up! I'm attaching the jump box and jumper cables battery terminal to battery terminal. Not using the block our anything else as a ground. Or, and once its running it runs fine, charges fine,etc etc

Anyone got any ideas?

I'd also test the Optima. They don't sell as quickly as other batteries in locations and could very well be DOA.

 

[Granite Ridge Overland]

It sounds like the starter is going out... the extra amps allows it to start.

Thanks Michael, that’s what I was thinking but not sure!

 

[Granite Ridge Overland]

I'd also test the Optima. They don't sell as quickly as other batteries in locations and could very well be DOA.

Will do!

 

[Farook Ismail]

remove the Positive cable from the starter and clean it with sand paper.
remove the Negative cable from the engine and clean it with sandpaper and also the block where it attatches.
if that does not work change the battery, the starter and alternator.

yes i'm serious... it will prevent any further problems and if this is an overland rig its cheep insurance.

 

[Smileyshaun]

I would also go down both battery cables about 6-8 “ and cut back the sheathing and make sure the cable is not corroding from the inside out . If you’re running a lot of electrical components it might be a good idea to upgrade your cable size. Also double check your other ground cables on the vehicle there should be one from the engine block to the firewall from the engine block to the frame. If any mechanical work has ever been done it’s usually really easy to forget to put the straps back on.

 

[bgenlvtex]

Has it had a timing belt?

 

[Granite Ridge Overland]

Has it had a timing belt?

Went and add the starter tested on the Xterra….When cranking it's pulling 290 Amps. I have all my add on electronics disconnected also.

 

[Granite Ridge Overland]

Has it had a timing belt?

The timing belt is a few years old, previous owner replaced it and the water pump 600 miles before I purchased it.

 

[Granite Ridge Overland]

I would also go down both battery cables about 6-8 “ and cut back the sheathing and make sure the cable is not corroding from the inside out . If you’re running a lot of electrical components it might be a good idea to upgrade your cable size. Also double check your other ground cables on the vehicle there should be one from the engine block to the firewall from the engine block to the frame. If any mechanical work has ever been done it’s usually really easy to forget to put the straps back on.

I'm actually gonna switch out the OEM positive and Negative cables. It's on my list to do. Being in the 12V industry I have seen too many times scorched cables internally!

 

[Granite Ridge Overland]

remove the Positive cable from the starter and clean it with sand paper.
remove the Negative cable from the engine and clean it with sandpaper and also the block where it attatches.
if that does not work change the battery, the starter and alternator.

yes i'm serious... it will prevent any further problems and if this is an overland rig its cheep insurance.

I've upgraded my old battery to an Optima Red Top, Ordering a new starter as we speak and "when" my alternator craps out I'm upgrading to a Nissan Quest alternator bc it bolts up the same on the Xterra and gives 125 Amp output! Versus the 80 Amps I'm getting now. Since my "old" is still good, I've got all the parts, wires, isolator and a fuse panel to turn that one in my secondary battery!

 

[Farook Ismail]

sounds like a good plan, good luck with it..

 

[Dilldog]

I would say it sounds like bad connections or cables. 290amp draw does seem a bit high for a 3ish liter V6. Start with a good cleaning of battery cable connections, followed by replacing the cables, followed by the starter.

 

[Granite Ridge Overland]

I would say it sounds like bad connections or cables. 290amp draw does seem a bit high for a 3ish liter V6. Start with a good cleaning of battery cable connections, followed by replacing the cables, followed by the starter.

I've got a new starter coming Tuesday and already have new 4 gauge power and ground wires ready to swap!

 

[Granite Ridge Overland]

Welp, the irony! New starter at the house and got stuck at the grocery store!

 

[Anak]

That's not irony.

That's Murphy.

Get a second starter and carry it in the vehicle and you will never again need to replace it. Of course your fuel pump or ECM will go out instead.

Murphy's a scoundrel.

 

[Granite Ridge Overland]

That's not irony.

That's Murphy.

Get a second starter and carry it in the vehicle and you will never again need to replace it. Of course your fuel pump or ECM will go out instead.

Murphy's a scoundrel.

Aint that the truth! Got the new starter on and my father in law is going to rebuild the old starter!