1991 pathfinder won't start. When I turn the key the dash lights flicker and rattle like it's an electrical problem but the engine won't turn.

bad ground somewhere once you get a bad ground somewhere it will trigger other devices

I would go with the corroded cables. You would have power to everything even with the alternator out of the truck.

You probably have a ground issue , looking at a wiring diagram or ground distribution diagram to see if these share a commom ground point or share power from same fuse,https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WoN1nou5t1Q&t=224s circuit with a high resistance problem . Do you know how to test automotive electrical circuits with a DMM - digital multi-meter , how to read an use a wiring diagram to pin point test spots in a circuit . Free wiring diagrams at http://www.bbbind.com/free_tsb.html . Check out these videos on voltage drop testing an basic electrical testing . This is the way to find electrical problems .
Mastering Voltage Drop Testing with Pete Meier and Jerry Truglia YouTube
Electric Testing Techniques You Need to Know

Basic Electricity for Service Techs Ohm law Current Flow Opens Shorts

good luck !

Sounds like you have a short in your wiring sucking up your electricity before it goes to the starter. Check for shorts near thye main relay box and in it.

When you say no spark, are you talking about the spark plugs, or just the general wiring?

If the engine won't turn over, then it isn't moving, and if it isn't moving then you need to check the following in this order:

1) Does the battery have power i.e. around 12.4 volts or over?No? Charge, test or replace battery.

2) Do the car's head lights dim considerably if turned on when attempting to crank? Yes? Possible lack of battery charge or faulty battery.

3) Assuming the battery is fine, can you turn the dash warning lights on and off with the key? No? Faulty ignition switch.

4) Is there a click sound when you turn the key, but no starter motor spin? Check starter motor connections or replace starter motor.


If none of the above prove to be of help, then please report.

sounds to me like your battery is no good. replace battery. how ever after the replacement of batery you will need to go to nissan dealer and have the "steering angle sensor"reset, because your VDC light will be ON on the dash.

had same problem just this week had good batt turned key no go what i found out is when you turn your key to start watch the dash clock if it dims out get a srewdriver tap solinoid on starter then try starting if this works then get under car with ignition off cross positive lug to small wire for some reason this seem,s to work havent had any more problems hope it help,s need more info get back to me

Get a manual guage and see what the vehicles pressure is at idle...If its within tolerence than its the sending unit....

your starter is located on the passenger side remove the small wire and have some one turn the key when this problem is happening if you have power its the starter,if no power replace starter relay.

it is probably the dimmer switch reostat for the dash lights. It is a common problem on these. I have replaced several for this problem