Elec Sys Push button start getting cranky

[Loretta Van Riet]

Hello! I own a 2008 Nissan Altima that has push button start.

So, at 7 years old I must now push that button about 5 to 6 times to get my car to start.
Tried a different "fob" with a fresh button battery, also.

What are my options, and how much do you think they will cost?

I know little about cars, do have the oil and filter changed every 3,000 miles and other recommended maintenance stuff.

The hard to start thing began about a week ago.

Thank you, in advance!

Loretta V.

 

[Publius]

Hello! I own a 2008 Nissan Altima that has push button start.

So, at 7 years old I must now push that button about 5 to 6 times to get my car to start.
Tried a different "fob" with a fresh button battery, also.

What are my options, and how much do you think they will cost?

I know little about cars, do have the oil and filter changed every 3,000 miles and other recommended maintenance stuff.

The hard to start thing began about a week ago.

Thank you, in advance!

Loretta V.

Seeing how you do the regular tune up and oil changes along with "Air Filter"?

Could be fuel filter or even fuel pump! If the engine does not get the proper fuel pressure at the injector's the car will be hard starting or not start at all.
Not all fuel pumps quit at once, some will slowly die and the pressure lets off as it does this.
Some shops can check the fuel pressure at the injector rail (the rail is a fuel line that all the injectors are connected to).

 

[tech]

Just to clarify, is it taking that many pushes to start the car, or to get it to spin over? Makes a big differrence...

 

[Loretta Van Riet]

Update...

When button is pushed, the accessory lights, etc come on but no sound of engine trying to start.

I mentioned this to another friend, he thought there could be some problem with the brake pedal not sending some signal or some such thing.

So...even though I have had this car for 7 years, I moved my foot a little over to the left of the brake pedal and, BINGO! It starts first time, again!

Go, figure.

 

[imaginative]

What if your battery dies? Are you able to put the car in neutral with a push button?

Remember when cars had 3 keys? Door, trunk & ignition

 

[West]

I just know, that when she gets cranky, it's to easy to push her buttons.

 

[BBC489]

Hi Loretta, it is more than likely your electronic steering column lock. It locks the steering column with a plunger so that your steering wheel won't move as anti-theft protection. Same as the key operated steering wheel/column lock.

As a necessity the ESCL needs to operate or the car won't start. Would not be good being able to start the car and driving off with a locked steering wheel!

The ESCL is a silver looking box under the dash attached to your steering column with an electrical harness coming out of it.

You might check with the Nissan dealer there is a recall on these I believe.

Sigh, I just noticed the date of the post... Hopefully this will help someone else, I am assuming the OP has it fixed by now.

 

[The Mountain]

Sounds like a sensor is the culprit. Were I in your place, I'd have it checked now while the car still starts. You don't want to be stuck somewhere and not be able to start when you need to. I know this is an old post, but that sensor isn't getting any newer.