2

Day 1: My 2013 Infiniti JX35 won't start. When I press the ignition button, the car loses all electrical power and I can hear repeated clicks under the hood.

I installed a new battery, and it started up right away and drove fine.

Day 2: The problem came back. Here's what I've done:

  • Checked the voltage on the battery: 12.6
  • Turned on accessories without starting the car: no problems
  • Scanned for codes: no codes

Then I jump-started the car:

  • Jump-start worked
  • Checked the voltage on the (running car) battery: 14.2
  • Disconnected the black terminal on the battery: car continued to run

When I turned the car off and removed the jumper cables, it wouldn't start again.

Day 3:

I went out to the car to check on things, and it was still clicking from the night before.

Seth
  • 141
  • 3

1 Answers1

2

This ended up being a bad negative terminal connected to the battery. The vibration at engine start was just enough to disrupt the connection. When I jumped the car, the clamp secured the terminal and the connection -- and, of course, the extra juice helped too.

I confirmed at the dealership (don't judge) that the alternator and starter are fine.

Make sure your battery terminals are tight and clean.

Seth
  • 141
  • 3