[jrockjrock]

2017 Armada SV has an electronic starting issue: I’ve had this happen 3 times in last year...Has anyone else had this issue?: Engine starts but runs very rough and shakes, but pushing the start / stop button again engages the starter into the flywheel again instead of stopping the motor. Since the Start / Stop button would not stop the motor, I had to wait until the motor just stalled on its own, which took 15-20 seconds. I thought maybe I pressed the start / stop button too close to when I pressed the brake pedal, but I’ve not been able to duplicate the problem, and the dealer couldn’t either. They tried to say its my fault if I’m not pressing the brake before the start button, but in reality, it’s their engineering error because the design should never allow the motor to start unless the proper start sequence is done, and when the motor does run, it should run correctly, and when it is running, the stop button should turn it off, NOT engage the starter. So there seems to be a software issue that allows the engine to false start with some portion of the ECM not functioning (seems like the timing is off or injectors aren’t working right). My concern is possible engine damage from it running uncontrollably and flywheel damage from the starter gear hitting it.

 

[jrockjrock]

Update: of course, nether me or the dealer could duplicate the starting problem, so seems this is another electronic bug that only occurs under certain circumstances. This, in addition to the poor trans shifting issue show the engineers did not perform good software regression testing. Oh well...the dealer did say they will keep my ticket open and ask Nissan engineering about it.

 

[marctronixx]

if your car was bought used, this can open up other thigns related to maintenance of the car.

besides that,

the car should not start if the brake pedal is not acknowledged by the BCM. i cant see this happening randomly. it could be a fault in the ECM, BCM, TCM, ior a fault in the wiring harness.

for the dealer to say its "your fault" is absurd. you would not waste your time if you thought you were not doing something right.

at the very least, go to another nissan shop if you can and have them hook up the diag port (obd) and see if there are any errors that were stored. your issue sounds rare, and could be a number of things...

 

[jrockjrock]

Thanks for the info! Unfortunately, there weren’t any codes saved. I’ll keep this post updated in case someone else ever has the same issue.

 

[jrockjrock]

Oh yea, I bought brand new...it’s a 2017

 

[Bster]

False starting

I have experienced this exact problem on more than 10 occasions since I bought my 2017, very random occurrence, no way to recreate on your own.
I mentioned this to the dealership, on two separate occasions and were told that they couldn't get it to do it for them.
Nothing they can do.
No codes are stored when this happens.
I am thinking that if a guy is on the ball, and can record a video of it doing this, it would help, but no way of forseeing the issue occurring.
They talked to me like I was crazy when I tried to describe what occurs.
I had a hard time believing mine was the only one doing this, I guess it isn't the only one.
Kept checking in on this web page to see but it hasn't been mentioned until now.
Very worried about damage while it does this, doesn't sound good at all, lots of black smoke as well.

 

[jrockjrock]

Thanks for the response!!! I had the same exact response from the dealership, so having at least one more person with the same exact problem helps prove the issue exists. I’ve thought about attempting to record every time I start it up, but it’s a hassle to do that. My impression is unless enough people experience this as well, they won’t make any effort to troubleshoot it. You’re right though, about the concern for the motor, and in my case, the flywheel and and starter as well since my attempts to turn the motor off resulted in the starter engaging the spinning flywheel. They claimed that grinding noise wouldn’t cause any problem, of course they’d say that. But since we can’t hit the stop button to turn the motor off, I agree, it can’t be good for the motor to run that way. Mine shakes the vehicle and seems like it’s flooded and does not turn off until it literally stalls out after 15-20 seconds. Well, let’s stay in touch and share any news. Are we able to IM on this board?

 

[jrockjrock]

Bster, I was under the impression that my false start issues may have been related to the sequence of brake pedal/start button engage timing (pushing both at same time or too close together?), but a few days ago, I realized it’s more than that or not that at all, and might also be related to how long I hold down the start button. In every other new vehicles I’ve ever had, once the engine turns over and begins to run, you can simply release the button. That doesn’t work so we’ll all the time on my ‘17 Mada. I’m starting to notice, on occasion, I need to hold it in a bit longer because the start is a bit rough at first, and if I release like normal, it’s actually stalled/just quit, requiring another more deliberate attempt. What a pain in the butt...I sure hope we get this resolved...

 

[Betty Rahe]

Thanks for the response!!! I had the same exact response from the dealership, so having at least one more person with the same exact problem helps prove the issue exists. I’ve thought about attempting to record every time I start it up, but it’s a hassle to do that. My impression is unless enough people experience this as well, they won’t make any effort to troubleshoot it. You’re right though, about the concern for the motor, and in my case, the flywheel and and starter as well since my attempts to turn the motor off resulted in the starter engaging the spinning flywheel. They claimed that grinding noise wouldn’t cause any problem, of course they’d say that. But since we can’t hit the stop button to turn the motor off, I agree, it can’t be good for the motor to run that way. Mine shakes the vehicle and seems like it’s flooded and does not turn off until it literally stalls out after 15-20 seconds. Well, let’s stay in touch and share any news. Are we able to IM on this board?

We are currently having the same issue all of a sudden. We are the original owners and vehicle has 53K miles on it. We love this SUV but are getting concerned on this false start issue. This has happened to us twice in the last couple of month. Engine starts and sounds like it is running on bad pistons or something, rough and vibrates. We have to wait for the vehicle to finally stall before we can hit the button again for a clean start. Any idea of a solution yet, we are unable to replicate this at the dealer?

 

[jrockjrock]

This appears to be a software glitch that only replicates when very specific conditions exist, because I’ve not had it re-occur in months now. I agree, however, that it is a serious concern because the engine is running so rough, it literally shakes the car, and I’m sure that’s not good for many things, like motor mounts, internal engine parts, etc. in addition, when you push the start/stop button in an attempt to turn the motor off, it instead engages the starter into the spinning flywheel, and grinds the gears. So, that means you might have issues with the starter not being able to turn the flywheel later and not start the engine. My advice is to make sure your dealer is aware of this issue and accurately documents, in detail, this issue as we’ve described it here, otherwise, the manufacturer will not be aware the problem exists for a certain # of people, which means they will not fix it. Also, show them mine and the other complaints in this thread so the dealer knows it’s not an isolated complaint. Provided they document the issue in your account properly (my dealer allowed me to write it up myself because I complained to the manager), I hope any problem after the warranty expires will be covered. Wishful thinking at best...

 

[kochjm2]

I took my 2017 Armada in for the exact same issue. The first time I told them to check the brake switch as you had to press on the break pedal really hard in order to get it to start. After they replaced the brake switch the first time, it didn't happen for a while. Now, we have a little over 50K on it and is starting up again, but this time is does the shuddering and dieseling. It's a complete pain. The dealership says they can't find anything wrong of course.

 

[KManz]

Has anyone gotten this issue resolved, the same issue started happening with my 2017 last week? I will bring it into the dealer, but it sounds like they won’t be much help given your collective experiences.

 

[CanyonQX80]

Ok, here is an idea, what about running a dash cam that comes on as soon as it gets power. Then start from acc, and it will be recording when it happens. Requires almost no work and you'll have proof of it happening.

The other thing is to buy a bluetooth obd adapter and download torque. Then when it happens, DONT turn it off. Get your phone out and start logging, then check for codes. Not every code will illuminate the check engine light. I'm happy to help setup your app so it logs helpful parameters. You'll then be able to document what is actually going on.

 

[marctronixx]

Has anyone gotten this issue resolved, the same issue started happening with my 2017 last week? I will bring it into the dealer, but it sounds like they won’t be much help given your collective experiences.

everyone may have little unique issues, so its helpful if you tell us what exactly you are experiencing. it may be easy to just say "im having the same problem" but you may have some other issues.

 

[KManz]

everyone may have little unique issues, so its helpful if you tell us what exactly you are experiencing. it may be easy to just say "im having the same problem" but you may have some other issues.

Sure, Armada was running fine when we turned it off in the parking lot of a store. After shopping, Put foot on break to start, pushed button, and it started rumbling and shaking ... very unbalanced. Tried to turn off the car by pushing the start/stop button, and it wouldn’t respond. It was still shaking and not running correctly, but since the button wouldn’t respond, I kept my foot on the break, and moved it from park, to neutral, and back to park. When I pressed the button again, it stopped. I waited a few minutes, and then the car started normally. Have been driving it once a day for the last week, and it hasn’t happened again. I have an appt to bring it into t he dealership on Monday.

 

[marctronixx]

i've seen a poster or two post this before. after some discussion it seems like that was just a glitch. the car is computer controlled so perhaps not all systems came on at the exact time they should.

whenever you have issues , its best to try to scan the obd for codes. this is a great starting point.

 

[OBXPatrol]

Same issue here.
Posted in another thread.
August of this year. Hasn't happened again.
Possibly also battery voltage related.

 

[silver ghost]

Howdy, This concerns 2018 Armada SL which I have had just past a year now with little more than 49K.

Random meaning it could happen today and maybe not again for several days or weeks.
Happens when engine is warm.
Randomly when starting engine runs very slowly sounding like not all cylinders are firing. Runs very rough for about 20 seconds slowly dying to a stop.
Sounds like a box of rocks!
Wait a few seconds and starts with no problem.
No engine check light and dealer finds no fault codes, dealer has not been able to replicate this problem. It's been in shop several times.
Dealer found no TSBs and has sent info to Nissan but hasn't heard anything back.
A few days ago this happened again and have an appointment with dealer this Tuesday. They said they will check again for any trouble codes.
Dealer said without a code to show they have really nowhere to look.
Other wise it runs great.
A couple of months ago they found and replaced a bad Mass Air Flow Sensor.
All most, embarrassingly, I am thinking operator error. Maybe I'm not depressing brake hard enough or the press start button long enough.
But it is such a random happening can't say.
Frustrating for myself and the dealer. I have faith in dealer and dealt with them for many years.

Thanks for any input

Kenn

 

[marctronixx]

this has happened to some other people. its electronic / computer controlled ignition and sometimes not all the components fire up in the sequence they are meant to do.

it could be bad petrol, could be your push button is faulty.. could be wire harness... its going to be difficult to diagnose without a trouble code to start with. you don't want to replace parts and shoot in the dark.

as long as the car is starting and driving fine and acting normally that's the good things.

 

[Rkramer27]

I stumbled upon this forum after about my 20th time dealing with this issue today, having my battery die constantly, being told there is nothing wrong with the battery and that they can’t replicate the start shaking issue. I have had the drivers assist and cruise control recalibrated and fixed bc it went nuts on me because there was fabric in the hole where water was suppose to drain out the fill when it rained etc, and the water would pool up in that compartment and shorted out the wires that controlled those components. I am beginning to believe there is a similar issue in the vehicle that is causing this issue with the start shaking. For reference I am the only owner of a 2018 Armada Platinum with 55k miles.