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Harry Lewis, RMI Senior Technical Advisor, helps a technician struggling to connect with a Nissan Note.
Q: A customer’s Nissan Note cut out and won’t restart. It has intermittent crank function and will only crank for a few seconds before the starter cuts off. Once that happens, it won’t crank again until the ignition has been cycled. We have tried using a diagnostic machine and it powers up OK via a diagnostic connector, but there’s no communication with the engine control unit, so live data and fault codes are unavailable. Where do we go from here?
A: This is likely to be caused by a blown fuse. Firstly, inspect the power train control module connections and check that the control unit has the relevant live and earths to try and resolve the lack of communication issue. If the loss of a live feed is identified, check the related fuses, as a fuse may be blown in the intelligent distribution module in the engine bay (behind n/s/f headlight). Replacing the fuse will restore power to the control module, which will allow the diagnostic machine to communicate again. Read the note and clear the system, then the vehicle should start with all systems returning to normal function.
The cause of the blown fuse must also be rectified before returning the car to the customer. Check the wires between the cylinder head and the inlet manifold, as you may find one has been trapped during a previous spark plug replacement. Repair and reposition the wire, then carry out a road test to check everything is back to working order.
The RMI Technical Helpline is available to discuss, advise and support technicians experiencing problem repairs, help with undocumented fault codes or guide you through wiring diagrams. For more information, please call the IGA member helpline on 0845 305 4230.
