Nissan Armada Starter issues?

Asked by rgilmore17 Jun 19, 2015 at 02:09 PM about the 2004 Nissan Armada SE 4WD

Question type: Maintenance & Repair

On occasion, I go to turn my Armada on and it all lights, radio, instruments, etc come on, but when I turn the key over, I just get a click, and nothing else.  Usually the second time it fires right up.  But the other night I must've turned the key 20 times before it started.  Is this the starter?  I have corroded battery terminals so I cleaned them and haven't had any more problems.  This happened a week ago.  This has been happening for over a year, but only once or twice a month.  The Armada has 260k miles on it.

54 Answers

69,895

SOUNDS LIKE A WEAK STARTER SOLENOID..A BACKYARD TEST IS TURN ON THE HEAD LIGHTS AND TRY TO START..IF LIGHTS GO DIM BATTERY FAILING UNDER A LOAD.. THEN SOLENOID THAN STARTED AMP DRAW.

21 people found this helpful.
64,340

Make sure wires going to starter solenoid are nice and tight and starter bolts also.

10 people found this helpful.
230

We are having the EXACT SAME issue with our 08 QX56. Did you ever get it resolved?

23 people found this helpful.
90

Year me too!!! Please we need to know how it was fixed.

9 people found this helpful.
340

Hey everyone I had the exact same problem for some time Armada 2007 with lots of miles. one day at work it just didn't start at all. After about 40 times it started. I took it strait to the mechanic. Starter when bad. Your started is going bad slowly. Not sure if the solenoid or the starter or something. I will take it to the Mechanic and have it check the starter. I had exactly what you are having and after starter replacement, never again. problem solve.

19 people found this helpful.
220

Thank you. I'm having the same problem with Armada 2008. I will replace the starter since above it says that was the solution and let you know if it completely solves that issue

22 people found this helpful.
370

Ok I have a 05 armada sometimes it starts some times not.... I've replaced ignition switch no fix..... So I checked the wire that in the fuse box large white wire with red strip its the ignition wire that goes to starter silanoid had the wife turn the key.......... No power if I use a jumper wire and touch to positive on battery starts every time.... So I replaced the relay to starter no fix after allot of messing with it and frustration I just wired up a push button switch been two years no issues never found the real problem think it has to be wiring issue

37 people found this helpful.
390

I have a 2011 Armada, I was having the same issues, I guess when I changed the battery, somehow the keyless remote stopped communicating with the engine, I think it has to be reprogrammed, anyway.. I used a jumper wire and started right up!! I ended up installing a push button switch and so far no issues at all.. thanks for the idea.

21 people found this helpful.
1,110

Man! I hope you all read this before you do what I did!!! I could have fixed this for free. I had this problem on my 2005 Armada. I changed the battery, changed the IPDM (because it was the old one and that is where the ignition relay is), even tore apart the intake manifold and changed the starter. NO JOY! $600 in parts (not including labor because I did it myself). But i found the problem! Guess what it was? The ignition switch! Yeah the white piece of plastic behind the ignition cylinder. The starter pulls a lot of amps and arcs at the moment of contact. Over time the carbon builds up and actually impedes completion of the circuit. What to do... 1. Reach under and behind the knee kicker board. Remove the switch with a short #0 phillips. 2. Disassemble the switch with a flat head (watch for springs). 3. Whipe pieces clean and reapply dielectric grease and reassemble. You're welcome! (I have more photos to upload, but i am only upload one)

111 people found this helpful.
340

Hello everyone, as I posted 9 months ago that replacing my started solve my problems, it is true to today. I haven’t had a single issue with this problem in 9 months. I know there may be other issues like the person with the switch problem. But taking your suv to the mechanic and have the starter tested is a great first step. My mada has 193000 miles 2007

15 people found this helpful.
70

Jump Muffin, where exactly is that piece you took off and cleaned? Is it under the dashboard?

7 people found this helpful.
590

JumpMuffin was exactly correct, I was able to fix my 2005 Nissan Armada with his instructions see pics

20 people found this helpful.
590

My bad I should have taken a pic from under the dash. I'll try to do this from memory (i'm out of town or i would go and snap a pic), I had to position myself with my right shoulder just about under the brake pedal and looking straight up i cold maneuver to get the 2 screws with a short Phillips head screwdriver. i was able to see it just using kick panel light. FYI, I found the switch plus the housing on autozone site i'll copy their pic and post it. https://www.autozone.com/batteries-starting-and-charging/ignition-switch/duralast-ignition- switch/201144_111686_11571

23 people found this helpful.
160

So you unscrew this piece and remove wire harness? Little more info on removal and reinstall please as this is exactly my issue. I shake the key ignition switch while turning and car starts

8 people found this helpful.
50

Did you replace the switch with that duralast part or did you just clean with electric cleaner and smoother sandpaper??

5 people found this helpful.
80

@Spain196 did you buy the push button from dealership? We are having the same issues with our 2011 Armada and they’re tells mg me it could be close to $5k to change out due to all the electrical stuff.

8 people found this helpful.
390

Yes, I installed a push start button, I think its called a momentary push start button, 15 amps should be enough, the button only has to positive connections so dont worry about connecting wrong! Run 1 cable from your positive on your battery and another from your starter, I was able to run both of these cables from the engine compartment through the firewall, run them through the hood release cable opening, I used a metal coat hanger, tape and soap, took me about an hour or so. It starts right up with no problems at all, total investment about $15.. good luck!

5 people found this helpful.
390

@Amyk05 This momentary push start button I bought it at Advanced Auto Parts, not at dealership... any parts store should carry it, it's really easy to install and will save u a headache if u dont have all that money to spend at dealership right now.. after u install it, u still have to turn your key switch like if u were going to start the vehicle and right after push the button.. Here is a video of how to install: https://youtu.be/rd7Q8pLWQkk

8 people found this helpful.
100

Hi, thx for all the helpful info. Where do I connect the push start button. One wire to battery positive i get that. But the second wire to Starter? The starter is under the plenum correct? How to jump wire first to check out if push button is needed. Thx

7 people found this helpful.
170

Just had this happen to me. It was the ignition switch. I was about to go and buy a starter, till I found out where it was positioned. That's when I started searching the web. Came across this thread. I took out the switch, cleaned it. After 2 trys the car started. I went ahead and purchased a new one just to be on the safe side.. Thanks JumpMuffin.

12 people found this helpful.
160

RealQX56. Can you give us webpage from the website where you bought replacement part? I’d like to try what you did. Thank you! Sal

5 people found this helpful.
215

This is how you remove the switch. It is a newer model frontier but the procedure and location of the component is the same as many other models! https://youtu.be/_4oahfqjVG0

7 people found this helpful.
215

I've seen many ignition switches like ReelQX56's by doing a simple google search..."04 Titan Ignition switch" they range in price from $11 to $95...fitment is critical ...

1 people found this helpful.
215

I have a 2004 Nissan titan, 107k miles. This is what mine is doing: https://youtu.be/Jd2WcmoI5a g 00:17 .... "click ...twang" I have begun trouble shooting because I dont just throw parts at stuff. I started with routine maintenance and checks: Battery is new,correct form factor and cranking amps, terminals clean, load tested good. Checked battery ground..put meter on it zero resistance...tested good...it was old and shitty looking so I replaced it, cheap, easy, clean...routine maintenance https://www.carid.com/nissan -titan-battery-cables/? view=123456&offermpnid=28 66196722&gclid=CjwKCAiAuq HwBRAQEiwAD- zr3Zg9uPyrTj9hhPCS8BpdfFz 7Bg4wYMC1vtqAuS53X_VB05 XqP5vkoxoCbc4QAvD_BwE Next I pulled the Ipdm..it is the latest module.... Checked all relays , all fuses, the imfamous recalled ipdm relay , starter relay and ignition relay all tested good... I then opened the ipdm to look for bad traces and checked the board like this: https://youtu.be/F8E3ZZExqKI The board was clean...no cracks, burns etc...I reasembled the ipdm and put it back in the truck. Next up I'll check the starter switch, pull inspect clean, like Realqx56. In case you missed it.....here it is..here's how you pull it..its practically the same on most nissan models: https://youtu.be/_4oahfqjVG0 That's it for now..I will update and keep posting until I resolve this...My truck picked "the wrong one" to do this to!

5 people found this helpful.
590

the one for a 2005 nissan armada can be found at autozone for around 100 bucks. https://www.autozone.com/batteries-starting-and-charging/ignition-switch/duralast-ignition- switch-ls1461/201144_111686_11571

5 people found this helpful.
590

@tkstone67 not sure if you still need it but i found a replacement @ https://www.autozone.com/batteries-starting-and-charging/ignition-switch/duralast-ignition- switch-ls1461/201144_111686_11571 i'll post a pic after thr new year of me replacing it.

1 people found this helpful.
100

04Titan, I couldn't open the youtube video but if it does loud click that is the solenoid on the starter then if it doesn't start the starter is shot, that was my case. I did long research and was confused what step to do. So I took the starter out tested, was bad, replaced it and know it runs like a champ. Hope this helps

1 people found this helpful.
215

Thanks Miro....I completed testing on the electrical side, hadn't gotten the chance to post ....I get a loud "Clank"....or "Twang" like the starter gear is hitting the flywheel, then nothing... sounds like a bell ringing...."clang" ...at 107k me thinks for certain it's the starter ....I'll do it myself, do it right, do it once, then never do it again....Recommend a starter?...I'm going to go new , not risking a reman do to the complexity of the repair...

100

04Titan, I bought this starter , I got the used like new, https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0041TN26U/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o05_s00? ie=UTF8&psc=1 works great so far(1.5 moths), armada starts like on first or second turn! You need manifold gasket set, I didn't remove the carburetor so I got this one: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B009655YR4/ref=psdc_15728651_t2_B002LWRSFK and I followed these instructions: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kyPkKoWH2u4 good luck and let me know if you have any questions

2 people found this helpful.
590

I cleaned the switch about 7-8 months ago and it started doing it again so I was able to replace it for about 100 bucks.

1 people found this helpful.
215

After Exhaustive testing I determined it was my starter. I changed it out and the problem of intermittent starting went away on my 04 Titan

3 people found this helpful.
160

Solved my issue!!!! Just bought a new 2019 armada!!!! My 2010 started to leak oil from filter housing. Needed breaks. Evap needed to be smoked. Had the starting issues. So I couldn’t hold off wife anymore and just bought one last Saturday! LOVE IT ALREADY!!

3 people found this helpful.
215

Awesome...CGU...enjoy. My love affair with the Nissan brand is over, the quality has gone down Hill. I'm giving my 04' T, to my son and getting a Toyoya. I sold both our Rogues already lol....

5 people found this helpful.
60

First time poster. Same thing happened to me and my 2010 Armada. Had it for about a year. Every now and then it wouldn't start but would on second or third try. The last 2 weeks was hit or miss if it would start at all. Then I found this page. Today I removed the ignition switch. Definitely need a short Phillips to remove. I disassembled it, cleaned out the gunk, reassembled it (best I could), reinstalled it. It started right up. Problem was it would not shut off. I figured I reassrmbled it wrong. Tried 3 different times and same thing. That's when I gave up, went to advance auto, bought a Intermotor CS770 SWITCH/COMMUTATEUR INTERRUPTOR (V16354) for $49, prayed that this would fix everything, and luckily it did. 7-8 starts on first try this afternoon. It seemed pretty simple to disassemble the old switch and put back together, so I don't know what happened. Best advice I have I you try that is to SLOWLY disassemble it and take pictures along the way. Maybe I didn't put it back together correctly. Thanks for everybody's post on this string. Hopefully I'm done with this issue.

4 people found this helpful.
215

The starter was the problem on mine ...I tested everything before throwing parts at it....Now I'm working on bypassing the stock transmission cooler in the radiator with an external one to avoid "The strawberry milkshake of death"

20

2010ArmadaGuy, why does advance auto parts site say that the part you mentioned (CS770) does not fit a 2010 Nissan Armada Platinum? Does anybody know where I can find a proper replacement ignition switch for this vehicle? I looked on Advance, Autozone, eBay, Rock Auto, etc.. and I cant seem to find it. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

2 people found this helpful.
60

DIY2010Armada, I know, you're right. But for whatever reason, it did fit. i questioned it too, but it was exactly the same as the old one. I've got a 2010 Titanium non-flex fuel. An update since i installed it 8 days ago. I'm going to guess I've started it 50 times since then. 47 times it started up. the other 3 times it did not start on the first try, but did on the second, which was the case before it really started acting up 2-3 weeks ago. I'm not happy it hasn't started 50 out of 50 times, but replacing the ignition switch did seem to help a lot. BTW, to add to my first post, I did get the starter, battery and alternator checked at Advanced about a month ago, and they found no issues.

2 people found this helpful.
170

I had the battery, alternator and starter tested at O'Reilly's and Auto Zone. Both said no issues were found. After about 4days of the suv starting right up, it didn't want to start anymore. It was the starter all along. All though O'Reilly's and Auto Zone said it was fine. After replacement of the starter, all is well. You most likely have to replace your starter. Took me 2hrs total for the job.

1 people found this helpful.
50

I have a 2019 Armada and the problem like others is it not wanting to start. But last night I went I went and to put car in park and when it came time to put in drive it would go so I shut the car off and poof it wouldn’t start.. After 10 minutes it finally started and I was able to get home but this morning again nothing and today it wouldn’t start at all had to get towed to the dealer.. my Armada is less than a year old and under 10000 miles.. Dearlr said it’s a switch and they had to call an engineer to disconnect a wire from said switch.. Anybody had this problem..

5 people found this helpful.
40

This was REALLY helpful...Saved the cost of a starter...The dealer wanted to replace the starter and charger close to 1K for it...Saw this thread and voila! It works now. Starts the first time! I included pics to show how dirty it was. FYI-I have a 2012 Armada and the one pictured above from Autozone didn’t work well...I’ve had problems with Duralast parts in the past, so that may very had been the issue.

3 people found this helpful.
50

I have a 2007 Titan with 130K miles, and it started doing this. Turn the key, and no click... just nothing. I removed the ignition switch per the instructions here, but didn't pay attention to the warning about the parts inside. I wound up going to the dealer to get a replacement, and they couldn't find the part in their fiche! I wound up getting a Nissan part numbered d8g50-0m010 for ~$25. The fitment shows it's for 2011 onward, but it seems to work in my truck. Started right up after I put it in. No long-term data yet, but so far, so good.

5 people found this helpful.
60

I have a 2019 armada. Constantly having manual start problems(sometimes it works sometimes it doesn't). I have to start remotely. When i ask Nissan service they said never had any problems. It looks like this problem has been going on for long time. Nissan should be ashamed of themselves for never fixing this problem and are guilty in selling compromised vehicles. I will not recommend Nissan to anyone since they are guilty of selling damaged goods. Buyer beware!!

6 people found this helpful.
20

I have had the same issue with my ‘18 armada. The mechanics couldn’t find anything wrong with it and it was starting fine for them. They said they thought it might be the switch but weren’t 100% sure. So they replaced it for a new one and we’re picking it up this afternoon. I’ll update if this happens again in the future.

2 people found this helpful.
60

my fellows DIY WARRIORS Just had a heck of a week w my 2008 armada over 250k mi. am 3rd owner just put over 50k mi my self ever since got it since 3 years ago had been experiencing starting issues came to conclusion it’s a electrical issue unless it’s defective part like a starter or battery or so on but here is the big breakthrough MAKE SURE YOUR RELAYS ARE WORKING FIRST specially the starter relay (ECM) which are located on the bottom of the module fuse box compartment i mistakenly thought was on top but actually are bottom had to pull out module out it’s housing to reach them. replace couple, connect back + - battery and Boom!!! like lighter right on.

6 people found this helpful.
20

I recently changed all my relays and my starter put it all back together and now it will turn over but will not crank do you know what that could be

2 people found this helpful.
10

I have a 2005 Nissan Armada SE my car would start in the morning with no problem after driving it to town I go to start it and it would not start for an hour to two hours I found a nice day and thought I would take a thorough search I found a prong on the starter solenoid bent after replacing it no problem I don't believe it was getting a good connection the other problem I see a lot of people are having with Nissan is there exhaust is smoking on acceleration or startup I was having the same issue it looks more like blue smoke come find it out it was valve covers and gaskets it is definitely worth the fix however for some reason Nissan does not want is solenoid sold separate from the starter unless it's online hope this can help somebody

1 people found this helpful.
10

I don't have an answer tut question to @jumpmuffin. Or anybody. I need to replace the ignition also that white little round thing you guys are showing pics of. Is it easy to fix can someone tell me what the part is called!? To order thank you

1 people found this helpful.

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