Hey Guys,

I have a 2004 Xterra. I took it out for a drive yesterday and ran into a problem. Everything went fine on my first trip out of the house, but when I went to leave again about an hour later my car would not start. Wasn't attempting to turn over or anything. Must be the battery I thought. So I went down to the store to pick up a new battery (mine had the original factory battery still in it). Put in the new battery and I am still experiencing the same issue:

Car won't start, when I open the door I hear a rapid clicking noise from inside the cab and the dome lights flicker, but no ignition when I turn the key. Horn is very weak sounding when I use the key fob to lock it back. Could it be I just got a bad battery or is this symptom of an alternator issue?

Thanks!

Usguy1

Might check your fuses first to see if they're still intact or has been shot. I'll let the others chime in for other ideas.

almost sounds like to me you have an issue with the alarm. i think thats what the culprit was the last time someone posted an issue similar to this

The sound you are hearing is a relay. You should check the connections on your battery. Upgrading to brass battery clamps would be a good idea as well. Follow the ground wire. You will see that it goes to the bod, and also the block. Loosen those connections and then re-tighten them.

Check your battery cables!
Clean and or replace if needed.

Yeah, Check all the battery and ground connections.

Thanks for the help guys. I replaced the battery connectors and she started right up.

i had the same problem a while back... glad to hear you got her fixed.....