Infiniti FX35 Push-start Not Working: What to Do

You sit in your car, press the button, and nothing happens. The silence is loud. You check the dash, but the lights look dim. It feels like a nightmare when you have places to be. I will show you how to find the root cause and get your engine running again.

You must check the simple things first. Press the brake pedal hard while you push the start button. If the car does not wake up, grab your key fob and touch it directly to the start button. A dead key battery often causes this issue. Look for a bad starter or a weak battery next.

Understanding Your Infiniti FX35 Ignition System

The Infiniti FX35 relies on a complex signal between the key and the car. If that link breaks, the ignition remains locked. You need to verify if the car detects your key.

The Key Fob Signal

The fob sends a code to the car. If the fob battery is weak, the car cannot verify your identity. This prevents the ignition from turning on. You might see a key light on your dash. Replace the coin battery inside the fob to fix this common issue.

The Brake Pedal Sensor

You must press the brake to start the engine. A sensor detects your foot on the pedal. If this sensor fails, the car thinks the pedal is up. It will not allow the start button to engage. Check your brake lights to see if they work.

The Steering Lock Mechanism

The steering wheel locks for security. Sometimes this lock gets jammed. The car will refuse to start if it cannot release that lock. Try to turn the wheel left and right. Push the start button while you wiggle the wheel to free the pin.

The Electronic Control Unit

The computer manages the start sequence. It checks the battery and the immobilizer. If the computer detects a fault, it will kill the power to the starter. This happens if the car loses its connection to the key code. Disconnect the car battery to reset the system.

The Ignition Relay Switch

A relay sends power to the starter. It can fail due to age or heat. If you hear a single click but no crank, the relay might be stuck. You can tap the relay box gently to see if it frees the internal switch.

The Starter Motor Wear

The starter does the heavy lifting. It uses gears to spin the engine. If those gears are stripped, you will hear a grinding noise. Sometimes the motor just burns out after many years. It is a mechanical part that eventually reaches its end.

Trust your ears when you try to start the car. A quiet dash means electrical trouble, while a loud click points toward the starter motor. Here are a few things to keep in your garage for these situations.

• Check the battery terminals for corrosion.
• Verify your alternator output voltage often.
• Keep a spare fob battery in the glove box.
• Look for a blown ignition fuse in the box.
• Listen for a click from the starter relay.
• Test the brake light switch for good contact.

Troubleshooting the Push-start Ignition

Your FX35 might suffer from a simple communication error or a worn part. You need to isolate the system to find the culprit. Do not guess. Use a methodical process to check every link in the chain, because that saves you time.

The Battery Power Test

Start by checking the main battery health. A weak battery creates ghost codes in the computer. It might show 12 volts but fail under load. You need a stable 12.6 volts to engage the starter. If the lights flicker when you press the button, the battery is likely toast. Use a multimeter to see the drop while you try to crank. This simple check confirms if the system has enough juice to spin the heavy engine parts.

The Key Fob Proximity

The car must sense the fob near the dash. Sometimes the antenna hidden in the console fails to pick up the signal. Hold the fob against the button. If the car starts, the internal antenna or the fob battery is the primary suspected key fault. Do not leave your phone right next to the fob, as it can block the signal. Move other electronic devices away from the center console.

The Brake Switch Function

Your car requires a closed circuit from the brake pedal. If you push the button and the light turns orange but the engine stays off, check the brake switch. Put the car in neutral if you feel safe, but keep your foot on the brake. If the car starts in neutral, the park safety switch is the problem. This is a common infiniti ignition failure that drivers overlook when they get stuck in their own driveway.

The Starter Solenoid Click

Listen closely while a friend pushes the button. Do you hear a sharp click? If yes, the power reaches the starter, but the motor cannot turn. The starter motor solenoid is likely stuck or burnt out. Tap the starter with a wrench if you can reach it. This sometimes frees the internal contacts. If it starts once, you know the part is dying. Replace it before you get stranded at a store.

The Terminal Connection Integrity

Corrosion hides under the plastic covers on your battery. It looks like white or blue crust. This prevents the high current needed for the starter. Clean the terminals with a wire brush, then tighten the cables. A loose battery cable can cause intermittent starting issues that feel like a dead battery. Ensure the ground cable also attaches tightly to the frame of the car.

The Immobilizer System Reset

The security system might lose sync with the key. This happens if the battery gets very low. You can try to perform a hard reset. Pull the negative cable for ten minutes, then put it back on. This clears the short-term memory of the computer. Sometimes this allows the security chip to handshake with the key again. If this fails, you may need a locksmith to recode your keys to the car.

Check your connections once a month. Clean terminals prevent most starting headaches.

• Inspect the battery for leaking acid.
• Tighten the positive battery terminal firmly.
• Watch for the security light on the dash.
• Use a multimeter for battery voltage testing.
• Keep the key away from magnetic holders.
• Replace the fob battery every two years.

Why Does My Key Fob Not Unlock the Car?

The fob uses a radio signal to talk to the car. When you press the button, a small antenna inside the door handle listens for that specific code. If the car does not react, you likely have a dead battery in the fob. This is a very common issue for owners.

Sometimes the car battery is too weak to run the remote receiver. If the dash lights are dim, the receiver shuts off to save power. You should check the car battery health first. If the battery is strong, try a spare key to rule out a broken fob.

The receiver antenna also lives inside the cabin. Interference from other wireless items can block the signal. Move your phone and wallet away from the fob. Try standing closer to the driver side door. If you still have no luck, the receiver module might have a fault.

Fixing this usually involves a simple battery swap. If that does not work, you might need a pro to reset the door module. Keep your spare key in a safe place. Do not let the fob get wet or crushed in your pocket during the day.

• Replace the small CR2032 fob battery.
• Check for a fob battery drain issue.
• Clean the fob buttons of dirt buildup.
• Look for a keyless entry receiver error.
• Test the spare key to isolate fobs.
• Clean the door handle proximity sensor area.

Will My Car Start If the Battery is Dead?

The short answer is no. Modern push-start cars need a healthy battery to engage the starter solenoid. If your battery is dead, the car cannot energize the relay. You will not hear a crank or a click, because there is no power available.

You can try to jump-start the vehicle. Connect the jumper cables to a donor car, then wait a few minutes. This sends power to your electronics. If the car starts, your alternator is likely still working. Drive it to a shop to test the battery health.

A dead battery often means the alternator failed. If the car dies again after you remove the cables, the charging system is not doing its job. You should avoid driving long distances until you replace the parts. You do not want to be stuck on the road.

Always keep jumper cables in your trunk. They are a lifesaver when the battery dies without warning. If you find your battery drains overnight, you may have a light left on or a short circuit in the wiring. Fix these small leaks to avoid big trouble.

• Use high-quality jumper cables for power.
• Check for alternator charging issues today.
• Look for a parasitic drain on the battery.
• Ensure the cables have a tight grip.
• Turn off the lights before you leave.
• Test the charging system with a tool.

How Can I Bypass the Push-start Button?

You cannot easily bypass the button. The ignition system uses encrypted signals to prevent theft. If you try to jump the wires like an old car, you will trigger the anti-theft system. This locks the computer and prevents the engine from running at all.

You must follow the manual override process. Most Infiniti models allow you to insert the key or hold it against the button. This creates a direct induction link. This bypasses the need for the remote signal from the fob battery.

If the button itself is broken, you have to replace the switch. You can pop the trim piece off to reach the plug. Use a multimeter to see if the switch closes when you press it. If it stays open, the switch is broken.

Take the car to a dealer if the immobilizer is the problem. They have the right tools to talk to the computer. Do not attempt to wire around the security system yourself. You will only create more expensive problems for the shop to fix later.

• Hold the fob against the start button.
• Check the ignition switch operation carefully.
• Consult the owner manual for the override.
• Remove the dash trim to see wires.
• Check for a broken ignition button spring.
• Use a locksmith for security system sync.

What Causes a Clicking Sound When I Push Start?

A clicking sound is actually a good sign. It means your battery has enough power to trigger the starter relay. However, it does not have enough power to turn the heavy starter motor. The click is the gear hitting the flywheel but failing to spin.

Check your battery cables first. If they are loose, they cannot carry the high current needed for the starter. This causes the solenoid to click rapidly. Tighten the terminals to see if that solves the issue. You might just have a bad connection.

If the cables are tight, the starter itself is the problem. The internal brushes inside the starter wear down over time. Once they wear out, the starter cannot draw enough current to rotate. Tapping it can sometimes make it work one last time.

Do not ignore the click. It will eventually turn into total silence when the solenoid finally fails. Replace the starter motor as soon as you can. It is a common wear item that needs service after years of daily use and harsh weather.

• Listen for a single or rapid click.
• Check for starter solenoid failure signs.
• Tighten the ground cable to the frame.
• Look for high resistance in cables.
• Tap the starter with a small hammer.
• Replace the starter if the click persists.

Final Thoughts

I hope this helps you get back on the road. Dealing with a car that will not start is never fun. Stay calm and check the simple things first. Most of the time, a new battery or a clean terminal fixes the issue. If you feel stuck, it is okay to call a mechanic. You have the tools to handle this now. Good luck!

Frequently Asked Questions

Is It Safe to Jump Start an Infiniti FX35?

Yes, it is safe if you use the right procedure. Connect the positive cable to the positive terminal of both batteries first. Then connect the negative cable to a solid metal ground on the engine block. Do not touch the negative terminal of the dead battery.

Can a Bad Fob Battery Stop the Car From Starting?

Yes, a dead fob battery is the most common cause of a no-start condition. The car cannot verify the key code, so the computer disables the ignition. Hold the fob directly against the start button to create a temporary connection and bypass the fob battery.

Are There Fuses for the Push-start System?

Yes, the ignition system uses several fuses located in the engine bay and under the dashboard. A blown fuse for the starter relay or the immobilizer can prevent the engine from starting. Check your fuse box diagram to identify the correct slots for these components.

Do I Need to Reprogram My Key After Changing the Battery?

No, changing the coin battery in your key fob should not require reprogramming. The internal chip that stores the security code remains powered by the car system when you start the engine. You can swap the battery in a few minutes without losing your settings.

Should I Replace the Starter If It Clicks?

You should test the battery first. If the battery is healthy and the cables are clean, a constant clicking sound usually means the starter solenoid has failed. You will need to replace the starter motor to resolve this issue permanently and stop the clicking.

Will a Bad Brake Switch Prevent Starting?

Yes, the car computer must detect that you have pressed the brake pedal before it sends power to the starter. If the switch is broken, the car will not know you are ready to start. You can often see that your brake lights do not turn on.

Can the Steering Lock Cause a Starting Issue?

Yes, if the steering wheel lock pin gets stuck, the ignition system will lock out the starter. This is a safety feature to prevent the engine from running while the steering is locked. Wiggle the wheel back and forth while you push the button.

Does the Immobilizer Light Stay On?

If the immobilizer light stays solid or blinks rapidly when you push the button, the car does not recognize your key. This indicates a communication error between the key and the security computer. Try using a spare key to see if the issue is the fob.