Infiniti QX60 Push-start Not Working: What to Do

You sit in your Infiniti QX60, press the start button, and nothing happens. It feels like a nightmare, but stay calm. Most of the time, this happens because of a simple issue with the key fob or the battery. I will show you how to find the problem and get moving again.

You need to act fast when the engine refuses to turn over. First, check if your key fob battery is dead. Try holding the fob directly against the start button while you press it. If that fails, inspect your car battery for corrosion. You might also have a faulty brake light switch.

Why Your Infiniti Won’t Start

Many drivers feel stuck when their luxury SUV refuses to wake up. Often, the cause is small, but it stops you in your tracks. Let us look at what makes these systems fail.

Weak Key Fob Signal

The fob sends a code to the car to allow the start. If the signal is too weak, the car does not recognize the key. This happens often when the battery inside the fob loses power. Always keep a spare battery in your glove box for these moments.

Dead Car Battery

The battery provides the power needed to crank the engine. If you left a light on, the charge will drop. A dead car battery prevents the starter from getting any power. Check your terminal connections for a white, crusty buildup that blocks electricity from flowing into the car.

Bad Brake Switch

The car must know the brake pedal is pushed before it allows a start. A faulty brake switch sends no signal to the computer. You will see the dash light up, but the engine stays quiet. Check your tail lights to see if they turn on when you brake.

Faulty Starter Motor

The starter motor turns the engine over when you press the button. If it burns out, you hear only a single click or total silence. This is a common part to fail after many years. Listen closely for any strange sounds coming from under the hood when you push start.

Steering Wheel Lock

Sometimes the steering wheel puts pressure on the lock mechanism. This prevents the ignition system from engaging fully. Try to wiggle the wheel left and right while you press the button. This tiny trick often releases the tension and allows the car to start up with ease.

Blown Ignition Fuse

Fuses protect your electrical systems from power surges. If a blown ignition fuse happens, the power path to the button breaks. Check the fuse box under the hood or near the driver footwell. A simple replacement might be all you need to get back on the road today.

Talk to a shop if you find major damage. Do not force the button.

• Check the fob battery.
• Clean the cable ends.
• Test the light bulbs.
• Inspect the fuse box.
• Move the steering wheel.
• Consult a repair manual.

Fixing Your Infiniti QX60 Push-start

You want a reliable car, but tech issues get in the way. Start with the basics before you call a pro. Here is how you tackle this annoying problem.

Key Fob Battery Swap

Open the fob case with a small flat tool. Pop out the old battery and note the size. Most use a CR2032 style, which you can find at any store. Slide the new one in, snap the cover shut, and try to start the car. A fresh battery works wonders.

Main Battery Power Check

Open the hood and look at your car battery. If the metal posts look dirty, clean them with a brush. Loose clamps are a frequent issue for many owners. Tighten any wobbly connections, then try to start the engine. A solid connection makes sure the power flows through the wires.

Brake Switch Test

Sit in the driver seat and press the brake pedal. Have a friend look at the back of the car. Do the red lights turn on? If they stay dark, your switch is likely the culprit. You can usually swap this part in minutes. It sits right above the pedal arm.

Starter Motor Inspection

Look for the starter near the bottom of the engine block. Tap it gently with a wrench while someone presses the start button. If the engine turns over, you found a bad starter motor that needs replacing. Never crawl under a car unless it sits on steady, strong jack stands.

Fuse Box Review

Find the fuse box diagrams in your owner manual. Locate the ignition or starter relay and pull it out. Does the thin wire inside look broken or burnt? If it does, swap it with a spare of the same number. Keep a few extra fuses in your car for these days.

Steering Column Tension

Park on flat ground and turn the wheel slightly. If the steering lock engages too hard, the system prevents a start. Pushing the button while turning the wheel releases the internal pins. This simple motion solves a common push-start glitch that surprises many owners of this specific luxury model.

Check your connections often to avoid future trouble. Keep your tools handy.

• Verify the fob light.
• Tighten battery terminals.
• Replace old fuses.
• Test brake lights.
• Clean terminal corrosion.
• Inspect starter wires.

What If the Dash Lights Stay Dark?

When you press the button and absolutely nothing happens, the power is not reaching the cabin. This points to a total loss of current. The first place to look is the main battery connection. If the cables have worked loose, they cannot carry the voltage required to turn on the dashboard computer.

Sometimes the battery is just old and cannot hold a charge. If your car is more than three years old, you might need a new one. A failed car battery causes all sorts of weird electronic issues. Check the date sticker on the casing to see if it is time for a new one.

You should also look for signs of a parasitic draw. This happens when something stays on after you leave. An interior light or an accessory plugged into the console can drain the battery. If you notice your car is hard to start every single morning, search for an electrical short.

If the battery is good and the cables are tight, check the main fuse block. A high-amperage fuse can blow and cut off power to the whole car. If this happens, your dashboard stays dark and the engine will not crank. This is a rare event but it does happen.

• Check battery charge levels.
• Tighten the ground strap.
• Inspect the main fuse.
• Look for interior lights.
• Test with a multimeter.
• Verify the battery date.

Can a Bad Alternator Cause This?

If your car starts sometimes but then dies, you have a charging issue. The alternator keeps the battery full while you drive down the road. If it stops working, the engine runs off the battery until the power runs out. This leads to a car that will not restart after you park.

You can test this with a simple handheld tool. Start the engine and measure the voltage at the battery posts. It should show over 13 volts while the engine runs. If it shows 12 volts or less, your alternator is not charging. It will leave you stranded very soon.

Listen for a whining noise coming from the front of the engine. That sound is often a sign of failing bearings inside the alternator. If the part gets too hot, it will stop putting out power. This creates a cycle where you must keep charging the battery every single night.

Do not ignore signs of a weak charging system. A bad alternator symptom usually starts with dimming headlights. If your radio shuts off or the windows move slowly, pull over. You are running on borrowed time until the car quits and leaves you on the side of the road!

• Check alternator output voltage.
• Watch for dim headlights.
• Listen for engine whines.
• Check the drive belt.
• Monitor dashboard voltage gauges.
• Charge the battery externally.

Is a Faulty Relay to Blame?

Relays act like tiny switches that handle big electrical loads. If a relay burns out, it cannot send the signal to the starter. This leaves you with a dead car that has a full battery. Many people get frustrated because they check the battery but forget to check the small relay.

You can usually find a similar relay in the fuse box and swap it. If the car starts after you swap the relay, you found the culprit. It is a cheap and simple fix that takes almost no time. Always label your fuses so you know which one goes where.

Some relays have corroded pins from moisture. Take the relay out and look at the bottom. If the pins look green or brown, clean them with contact cleaner. This removes the gunk that stops the electrical signal from passing through. It is a smart way to save some cash.

Never buy a cheap relay if you can avoid it. Stick to original parts for your ignition system. A faulty ignition relay can cause intermittent starting issues that drive you crazy. By using the right part, you ensure the connection stays strong for many miles of driving down the road.

• Swap relays for testing.
• Check for burnt plastic.
• Clean the metal pins.
• Buy original replacement parts.
• Check the fuse box.
• Listen for a click.

Could the Anti-theft System Be Active?

Sometimes the car thinks someone is trying to steal it. The immobilizer system cuts the ignition if it does not see the key code. This happens if the key fob is broken or if the car loses its memory. You will see a security light flashing on the dash.

If the security light stays solid, the car is in lockout mode. Try locking and unlocking the doors with the fob. This resets the computer in many cases. If that fails, place the key fob directly against the start button and hold it there for ten seconds.

Keep your phone away from your keys. The signal from a smartphone can interfere with the key fob. If you carry them in the same pocket, the car might not pick up the security code. Keep them separate and try starting the car again to see if that helps.

If the problem keeps happening, you might have a damaged immobilizer antenna. This part sits around the push button and reads the key. If it breaks, the car will never know the key is in the room. You will need a professional to scan the computer for errors.

• Reset the alarm system.
• Use the spare key.
• Check for light flashes.
• Clear the area around.
• Try a remote start.
• Visit a local dealer.

Final Thoughts

I hope this helps you get your Infiniti QX60 back on the road today. Most starting issues are just a simple battery swap or a loose cable. Stay patient and check the easy things first. You can handle this repair yourself if you take it one step at a time. Good luck with the fix!

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Key Fob Battery Easy to Replace?

Yes, it is very simple to do. You just need a small flat screwdriver to pop the plastic case open. Replace the old coin-style battery with a fresh one of the same size. Most people can finish this entire task in under five minutes.

Can I Jump-start My Infiniti QX60 Safely?

You can jump-start it just like any other car. Connect the red cable to the positive post and the black cable to the negative post. Keep your cables away from any moving engine parts. Make sure the donor car is off before you connect the cables.

Are There Hidden Keys Inside My Fob?

Every Infiniti key fob contains a physical metal key inside the plastic shell. Look for a small button or latch on the side of the fob. Slide it, pull the handle, and the metal key will slide right out. Use this to open your locked door.

Do I Need a Mechanic If the Car Won’t Start?

You only need a mechanic if you cannot find the problem yourself. If you have tried a new battery and checked the fuses without success, it is time for a pro. They have special scanners to find deep electrical faults that you cannot see.

Should I Disconnect the Battery Before Cleaning It?

Always disconnect the negative cable before you clean the battery posts. This keeps you safe from electrical sparks. Use a wire brush to scrub the posts until they are shiny. This helps the electricity flow perfectly into your car for a fast start.

Will a Bad Starter Motor Click?

A bad starter motor will often make a loud single click when you press the button. Sometimes it makes a rapid clicking sound if the battery is also weak. If you hear this noise, your starter probably needs to be replaced soon.

Does the Brake Pedal Need to Be Firm?

You must press the brake pedal firmly for the start button to work. If the pedal feels hard or does not sink, the sensor might not trigger the start. Make sure you are pushing it all the way to the floorboard.

Will Cold Weather Affect My Push-start?

Extreme cold drains the power out of car batteries very quickly. If the temperature drops low, your car might not have enough strength to turn the engine. Always park in a garage or use a battery tender if the weather gets icy.