Nissan Rogue Not Starting: Likely Causes & How to Fix

Nothing starts off a bad day like a vehicle that won’t start. This is particularly true for working-class people who depend on their vehicles for daily commuting. This article is written to help you find out why your Nissan Rogue won’t start and what you can do to fix the problem.

nissan rogue not starting

Nissan Rogue Not Starting: Understanding the Situation

When your Nissan Rogue fails to start, it’s either of two scenarios: The first and most common is that it won’t turn over.  What this means is that the engine doesn’t roll when you turn the key.

The second scenario is when the engine turns once you engage the starter, but it won’t fire and run on its own. However, identifying the likely causes of a vehicle that won’t start will help you troubleshoot, taking appropriate measures to get your vehicle fixed.

Why Your Nissan Rogue Won’t Start & How to Fix It

There are a number of reasons a Nissan Rogue won’t start. The most important reasons are:
Most times, you can find a remedy for yourself but other times, you will need the assistance of an auto-repair workshop.

Dead Battery

The most common reason for a Nissan Rogue that won’t start is a dead battery. Several factors cause the battery to drain. For example, cold weather early in the morning can contribute to battery drainage.

You can take a glance at the battery poles where the cables connect.  If you notice that there is green or white corrosion all around it, cleaning the cables may help get you back on the road.

Do you notice that the starter barely turns or do you notice some power fluctuations? This is a typical sign of a dead car battery.

You can check the charge level of a car battery using a voltmeter. A spare battery or a jump start cable would be your next option if available. Otherwise, charging the car battery until the process is complete is the last available option.

Bad Alternator

The Alternator powers the car and charges the battery while driving. There are usually warning signs like dimmer lights, slow operations, and a dashboard indicator. Once the Alternator fails completely, the battery is drained and the car won’t start.

Empty Tank

Your Nissan Rogue won’t start? The engine cannot start with an empty tank. You might notice that the engine starts for a short moment and goes off again.

How to fix Empty Tank

If this is the case, you would have to simply refuel if your vehicle is fuel-powered. However, in diesel-powered vehicles, venting is important. This can be done manually. Some diesel-powered vehicles do this automatically through a process called Onboard Diagnosis.

Fuel System Issues

Not only is an empty tank a likely cause of your Nissan Rogue not starting, but a defective fuel system could also be a likely cause. What happens is that the fuel no longer gets into the combustion chamber as a result of a failed injection system or a damaged fuel pump.

Sometimes, it could be that the fuel pump and injection system are incorrectly adjusted. It could also be that the fuel lines are blocked or that foreign objects have accumulated in the fuel filter.

How to Fix

The best solution to your Nissan Rogue fuel problem is best fixed by a trained mechanic. Do not try to fix any of these yourself. The replacement of these components must be in a workshop.

Starter Issues

Another possible reason your car won’t start is that the starter could be defective. You would usually hear a clicking sound. The starter draws power from the battery for the engine to start. A damaged starter could be a result of a worn-out component or a defective material.

How to fix

If the vehicle has a manual gearbox, it can be started by pushing the car. The Nissan Rogue doesn’t come with a manual gearbox so the only way here is to take it to the nearest workshop where the component will be replaced.

Ignition Issues

One of the major issues that cause a Nissan Rogue to not start is ignition issues.  When there’s no spark, the engine won’t start.  You’ll probably notice that you have a misfire related code such as P0300, P0301, etc. Ignition issues can be caused by many things including a bad spark plug, bad coil packs, bad plug wires, computer issues, and more.

How to Fix

If the spark plugs fail, it is best to be replaced in a workshop.

Engine Timing Issues

Engine timing refers to the ability to fire the spark plug at the right time. If the plugs are firing at the wrong time or something causes the camshaft to not be in sync with the crankshaft, your rogue won’t start. There is often an OBDII code associated with timing-related problems. POO13 is a common code. The crankshaft sensor might be faulty as well.

How to Fix

In these cases of technical faults. you would need to take it to an auto-repair workshop

Engine failure

This is usually rare, but it can also be the cause of the breakdown of your Rogue. If a Nissan Rogue has an engine failure, then nothing works anymore. Typical causes could include tearing of the timing belt, wrong fueling, insufficient oil, or overheating of the engine. Only an experienced mechanic can diagnose engine failure.

How to Quickly Find Out Why Your Nissan Rogue Won’t Start

If your car won’t start, go through the following question checklist to determine the cause faster.

If your vehicle won’t start, try troubleshooting by asking:

  • Is enough gas in the tank?
  • Will pushing the car fix the problem? Check the ignition contacts if this still doesn’t work.
  • Is the fan rolling?
  • Is the alternator working?

Wrap-up

There are several reasons that your Rogue may not start.  Tracking them down can be downright challenging.  But with enough time and patience, you can diagnose exactly what is wrong and get it fixed.