Electrical problem, 2008 Nissan Sentra

There have been two instances where I have shut the car off and then it is dead when I try to restart. Not even any clicking. After it sits, it may start again. We replaced the battery, but the car wouldn’t start again. Same symptoms… No clicking, or anything like that. Nissan dealer says the battery is fine and if it happens again, replace the battery because maybe it’s faulty. Sounds fishy to me. Any second, or even third opinions would be welcome.

I would look at the battery conections, make sure they are clean. Then trace the positive and negative cables and make sure they are attached securley to where ever they go (the ground cable can run to the car or the motor, the positive usually to the starter). This has got to be step one

If gsragtop’s suggestions don’t help, then try the following when the engine doesn’t start:

Move the shift lever from “Park” to “Neutral”.
If the engine then starts, this is a strong indicator that your Neutral Safety Switch needs to be replaced.

When you turn the key to the position right before the start position, do the dash lights come on?
If they don’t come on, does the dome light come on like it normally would (ie. door open)?
If they do come on, turn the radio on and see if that goes off when you turn the key to crank.

If the dome light comes on but the ignition switch doesn’t appear to activate anything, you may need to have the ignition switch looked at. The battery is clearly hooked up well enough such that the dome light comes on so the dash should light up as well, as when you turn the key.
Of course, it doesn’t mean the switch is bad but it could be the wiring to it, etc.

For the second condition (dash lights on), if the radio does not turn off while starting, your starter or something related to it may very well be the issue. Usually the starter draws a lot of current and it causes the radio to starve for power, turning off. If it doesn’t draw current, it could be the wire to the starter, a bad battery connection, a bad starter, etc.