The Nissan Path

Driving home a couple weeks ago my Pathfinder's engine temp shot up so I pulled over and turned it off. Turned the key back on and checked codes through my bluetooth OBD reader. The engine temp was suddenly fine, but I had P0335 (Crankshaft position sensor) and a couple more related to the immobilizer.

Got towed home and started to trouble shoot.

Replaced:
- Crankshaft position sensor
- Starter
- Battery
- Negative battery cable
- checked coolant level
- checked and added oil

Still doesn't turn over when I turn the key. I get rapid clicks when the OBD is installed, and a single click when it is not.

BUT when I connect jumper cables directly from the negative battery post to the starter housing, it DOES START and run about once out of every 5 tries.

While running, there is a constant ringing bell sound coming from the front of the engine. No codes.

My plan is to run auxiliary ground cables around the engine.

This is the weirdest thing. Any suggestions?

Follow-up: I got the car to start reliably by adding a 2 gauge wire directly from the battery to the starter.

The pining noise was from the new CPS being too close to the crankshaft ring. Reinstalled old sensor and problem solved.