# 91 Nissan pick up starting issue **URL:** \ **Category:** Maintenance/Repairs\ **Tags:** nissan\ **Created:** [August 3, 2013, 4:55am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/91-nissan-pick-up-starting-issue/80698 "2013-08-03T04:55:42Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 9\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![AKGrandma](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/a3d4f5/32.png) [@AKGrandma](https://community.cartalk.com/u/AKGrandma)\ **Post date:** [August 3, 2013, 4:55am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/91-nissan-pick-up-starting-issue/80698/1 "2013-08-03T04:55:42Z")
I have a 91 Nissan pick up that is just making a clicking noise upon trying to start it. I replaced the battery. The inside light works, radio works, dash clock works, but still just clicking upon trying to start. Is there a clutch safety switch that could cause this, or starter, or ??? I’m open to suggestions. ---
**Author:** ![Tester](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/user_avatar/community.cartalk.com/tester/32/15976_2.png) [@Tester](https://community.cartalk.com/u/Tester)\ **Post date:** [August 3, 2013, 4:59am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/91-nissan-pick-up-starting-issue/80698/2 "2013-08-03T04:59:47Z")
There is a clutch inter-lock switch that prevents the starter from operating unless the clutch pedal is depressed. But if you hear a click when turning the key to start it’s not the inter-lock switch. Check the starter relay. Tester ---
**Author:** ![db4690](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/user_avatar/community.cartalk.com/db4690/32/2583_2.png) [@db4690](https://community.cartalk.com/u/db4690)\ **Post date:** [August 3, 2013, 5:49am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/91-nissan-pick-up-starting-issue/80698/3 "2013-08-03T05:49:31Z")
@AKGrandma That click could be the starter solenoid Do you have a multimeter? Make sure the starter gets a voltage signal when you try to start it If it is, the starter has failed ---
**Author:** ![Cougar](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/user_avatar/community.cartalk.com/cougar/32/21348_2.png) [@Cougar](https://community.cartalk.com/u/Cougar)\ **Post date:** [August 3, 2013, 8:13pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/91-nissan-pick-up-starting-issue/80698/4 "2013-08-03T20:13:43Z")
There is a safety switch used in the starting circuit but if you are hearing multiple clicks while in the START mode then there may be a power connection problem in the wiring for the ignition switch. If you are just hearing a single fairly load click then that would point to the starter solenoid contacts being bad or the main battery cable going to the solenoid has a problem. ---
**Author:** ![AKGrandma](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/a3d4f5/32.png) [@AKGrandma](https://community.cartalk.com/u/AKGrandma)\ **Post date:** [August 27, 2013, 4:54am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/91-nissan-pick-up-starting-issue/80698/5 "2013-08-27T04:54:38Z")
have bypassed the clutch safety switch, bench tested the starter, got a tester for the ignition switch, tried push starting, still just minor clicks ---
**Author:** ![Cougar](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/user_avatar/community.cartalk.com/cougar/32/21348_2.png) [@Cougar](https://community.cartalk.com/u/Cougar)\ **Post date:** [August 28, 2013, 5:56am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/91-nissan-pick-up-starting-issue/80698/6 "2013-08-28T05:56:47Z")
You need to check to see if 12 volts is getting to the safety switch when you go to the START mode. If that is good then you need to see if 12 volts is getting to the small wire of the starter solenoid. Applying 12 volts directly to the solenoid connection should activate the starter. Make sure the transmission is not in gear if you bypass things. ---
**Author:** ![AKGrandma](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/a3d4f5/32.png) [@AKGrandma](https://community.cartalk.com/u/AKGrandma)\ **Post date:** [September 25, 2013, 4:16am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/91-nissan-pick-up-starting-issue/80698/7 "2013-09-25T04:16:55Z")
I don’t have a tester for 12 v to anywhere. i did replace the starter assembly. it has started snowing, so might just push it into the grass and leave it for next year. I did ask on craigslist for someone with a tester. ---
**Author:** ![Cougar](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/user_avatar/community.cartalk.com/cougar/32/21348_2.png) [@Cougar](https://community.cartalk.com/u/Cougar)\ **Post date:** [September 25, 2013, 5:50am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/91-nissan-pick-up-starting-issue/80698/8 "2013-09-25T05:50:10Z")
You can purchase a test light probe at any auto parts store for around 10 dollars. ---
**Author:** ![AKGrandma](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/a3d4f5/32.png) [@AKGrandma](https://community.cartalk.com/u/AKGrandma)\ **Post date:** [October 12, 2013, 7:48am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/91-nissan-pick-up-starting-issue/80698/9 "2013-10-12T07:48:00Z")
broken piece in the rotor cap, so replaced that, then went ahead and replaced starter. so, with a new battery, starter, rotor cap, still not starting. had a friend come over with a tester, and guess what, it was the starter relay! Thanks Tester! it’s now running!