Lights flashing and the engine not starting in Nissan Rogue can be annoying and frustrating. While your car seems to be in deep trouble, this is a common issue you can easily resolve. So, what does it mean when the dash lights flash but the car won’t start?
The most common reasons for Nissan Rogue not starting lights flashing are a weak battery, corroded terminals, loose battery cables, or ground wire problems could be to blame.
Let’s examine these issues and how to address them.
Answer: Weak Battery
The starter motor requires sufficient charge in the battery to start the engine. If the battery is weak or dead, it’ll not power the starter nor ignite the engine.
Several reasons explain why this issue might occur. For example, you might have left electrical devices or headlights on after turning the ignition off. These devices and headlights will cause a “parasitic battery drain,” sucking all power from the battery.
Another issue could be a faulty alternator that fails to charge your battery. If your Nissan Rogue has a weak battery, you’ll hear a clicking noise as you try to start the engine.
Solutions:
Test your Nissan Rogue battery with a multimeter to know if the issue results from low voltage. If your car has a healthy battery, your multimeter should read 12.6 volts or more. Less than 12.6 volts indicate you have a weak battery.
Recharge the battery fully in your garage and check if the car starts. If you’re in a hurry, jump-start your Nissan with another car’s battery and jumper cables. If you have a battery booster, use it to jump-start your dead battery.
Test your car’s alternator and replace it if faulty. You can also check if the alternator light is on while starting the vehicle. Replace the alternator to prevent your battery from getting drained again.
Answer: Corroded Battery Terminals
Car battery terminals can get corroded over time and interrupt current flow. Corrosion on battery terminals occurs due to a chemical reaction between the battery’s acid and the metal terminals. Also, hydrogen gas can react with moisture, air, or salt on the terminals and cause corrosion.
A corroded battery will result in Nissan Rogue not starting lights flashing. This is due to loss of contacts or a reduction in current.
You can easily spot corrosion on the terminals as it might be a blue, white, or greenish powder. This powder can accumulate on the terminals and connections, reducing current flow. Eventually, the corrosion will cause a loss of contact between the terminals and connections.
Fixes:
Before examining the battery, start by disconnecting the negative terminal. Then disconnect the positive terminal to check for corrosion.
If the terminals appear corroded, you’ll need to clean them thoroughly. Pour a small amount of hot water and baking soda over the terminals. Allow the mixture to melt away the corrosion. You can wipe the gunk with a towel.
Note: clean one corroded terminal at a time, and don’t allow water puddles to form. Doing so prevents water from touching both terminals and shorting the battery.
Alternatively, you can clean the corroded terminals with sandpaper, a wire brush, or a dedicated battery terminal cleaner. Lastly, reconnect the terminals and check if the engine starts.
Answer: Loose Battery Cables
Another issue that can cause your Nissan Rogue’s lights to flash and not start the engine is loose battery cables.
Battery cables can get loose due to driving conditions or human error. If you drive the car on rugged roads for an extended period, the connections will eventually become loose. Failure to tighten the connections after uninstalling the battery can cause this issue.
Loose battery cables cause loss of contacts and reduced current flow. They’ll cause the dash lights to flicker, but the engine won’t start.
Solutions:
Wiggle the battery cables back and forth to see if they’re loose. If the cables move, disconnect them from the terminals.
An adjustable wrench or Phillips screwdriver will help disconnect the cables from the terminals. Reconnect the wires and use your wrench or screwdriver to tighten the connections.
What if you can’t access a wrench or screwdriver while driving? In this case, wriggle the connections and push them down on the terminals. Then drive your car home or to the nearest repair shop to tighten the connections.
Answer: Ground Wire Problems
The ground wire in Nissan Rogue connects the negative battery terminal to the car’s body/chassis. It completes the circuit, allowing a seamless current flow from the battery to the vehicle’s electrical system.
Issues with the ground wire and connection could result in Nissan Rogue not starting lights flashing. You can also notice other issues, including clicking noises or malfunctioning starter motors and solenoids. Problems with the ground wire can occur due to the following:
- Rust or corrosion on the ground connections
- Loose ground connection
- Damaged ground wire
Fixes:
Locate the ground wire and inspect the connection points. The ground wire has the following connections:
- Two from the battery to the chassis
- Two from the chassis to the engine
Clean the connectors with sandpaper or a wire brush if they appear corroded.
Disconnect the ground connectors and reconnect them. Ensure the connections are tight to avoid compromising the current flow.
Examine the ground wire for signs of fraying or damage. Electrical tape can wrap the frayed parts on your ground wire. However, if the wire looks excessively damaged, replace it.
Answer: Starter Issues
The starter turns over the engine after you’ve turned the ignition on. If the starter has issues, your Nissan Rogue might fail to start but flash the dash lights.
The starter has a cable running from the engine. If this cable is loose at the starter connection point, the engine won’t start, but the lights will flicker. Rust or corrosion on this connection point can interfere with the smooth flow of current.
Moreover, heat from the exhaust can damage the starter battery cable and prevent current flow.
Damage to the starter can also cause problems starting the car. The lights will flash, but the starter won’t start the engine.
Solutions:
Locate the starter battery cable and inspect it for physical damage. If damaged or worn, replace it. Then, check the connection point at the starter. Clean this part with a wire brush to remove corrosion. You can secure the cable connection if it’s loose.
Examine the starter and replace it if broken. You can also remove the starter and test it with jumper cables and your battery to see if it’s functional. Replace the starter if the pinion won’t spin.
Final Thoughts
Several issues can lead to Nissan Rogue not starting lights flashing. If your encounter this issue with your Rogue, check the battery, as it is the primary culprit. A weak battery, loose battery cables, or corroded cables could be to blame.
Then examine the ground cable, alternator, and starter to see if they are the cause. Fix these issues and check if your car starts normally. If you can’t fix any of these issues, allow a professional mechanic to troubleshoot the no start, lights flashing problem.