Hi,

My sister has a 2000 plate Nissan Micra with the following fault.

Several times over the last few months, it has just cut out whilst driving, she also thinks that every time the air bag warning light may also have been flashing.

When she tries to restart the car with the key then it just clicks and the car doesn't start over.

The car will also not jump start with jump leads and roadside recovery have said that the battery is not taking charge.

She has had 2 reconditioned alternators and a new battery and the same fault still occurs.

Once home and the car has been stood a few hours we have been able to jump start the car with jump leads and the alternator has been charging the battery, the air bag warning light is not showing (or flashing) and the car may be OK again for another couple of days to a few weeks.

Please could anybody offer any advice?

Thanks for your time.

Besides the ideas below, disconnect the negative battery cable and thoroughly check the condition of the battery cables. Clean the main ground and apply dielectric grease. Clean connections on the under hood fuse box, where the alternator cable attaches. Afterwards, apply dielectric grease.


1. If the starter motor doesn't turn, but the starter solenoid (relay) "clicks" when the ignition switch is turned to Start, the problem is with the battery, starter solenoid, or starter motor connections.

2. Disconnecting the negative battery cable first, clean battery terminals and cable connections with a battery terminal brush or with abrasive cloth. Also, check the battery ground cable connection to the body and engine. Apply silicone dielectric grease, when finished.

3. While the negative battery cable is disconnected, clean starter motor and starter solenoid connections. Apply silicone dielectric grease, when finished. Make sure all connections are secure. When installing the starter cable, make sure that the crimped side of the ring terminal is facing out. Reconnect the negative battery terminal last.

4. Check for codes, by attaching a code reader to the Data Link Connector, located under the dash.

Hi Tx,

Thanks for the quick response. I will try the suggestions you have outlined as they all seem like good advice and I'll let you know how I get on.

Once again many Thanks.