I need some help
Thread Starter
Newbie - Just Registered
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 1
I need some help
Hi. I am new on this forum. I just recently aquired a 85 Maxima, GXE, after my 89 Prelude got wrecked.
There are problems getting this car started. Sometimes it starts, and runs for about 30 seconds, and then a voice warning that the fuel is low, but the tank ifsifilled half full. I checked for spark at the coil, and there is no spark. I opened up the dist cap, inspected the cap/rotor and the optical pick up assembly, looks fine. Is there a way to test the distributor optical pickup assembly?
Btw, does anyone know where the fuel cutt-off relay is located on the car? Also the main relay located? Does the fuel cut relay also cut off power to the ignition system? Is that why I don't get any spark? When the key it turned to the start position, I can hear the fuel pump make the whirling noise. I assume the fuel pump is getting power, and is working.
Well, troubleshooting is a headache. Can someone give me some advice?
thanks,
jay
There are problems getting this car started. Sometimes it starts, and runs for about 30 seconds, and then a voice warning that the fuel is low, but the tank ifsifilled half full. I checked for spark at the coil, and there is no spark. I opened up the dist cap, inspected the cap/rotor and the optical pick up assembly, looks fine. Is there a way to test the distributor optical pickup assembly?
Btw, does anyone know where the fuel cutt-off relay is located on the car? Also the main relay located? Does the fuel cut relay also cut off power to the ignition system? Is that why I don't get any spark? When the key it turned to the start position, I can hear the fuel pump make the whirling noise. I assume the fuel pump is getting power, and is working.
Well, troubleshooting is a headache. Can someone give me some advice?
thanks,
jay
Senior Member
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 548
well, I'll read to you straight from the Nissan FSM for my 88 Maxima, and a Haynes for the 85-92 maximaa. I don't know if the FSM willl pertain to your 85 though.
(1) first thing I'm gonna say is... check your fuses. if I'm not mistaken, there's one marked "ECCS" or something, and then one for the fuel pump.... make sure they're working. if the ECCS fuse is blown, the computer will not operate and you will not get a spark from the coil.
(2) according to the Haynes, in the 85-88 sedans, the fuel pump relay is located in the trunk, and is green. it shows it on the drivers side, but it's not exact. don't confuse it with the 2 boxes located between the speakers, those are for the keyless entry/theft warning and the adjustable shocks. on the passengers side are the relays and controls for the power antenna and stop/tail lamp sensor (the dashboard lights)
(3) that I know of, there is no "main" relay. there are a series of relays located right near the battery, and to the right of the battery are the fusible links. check the fusible links for continuity with an ohmmeter or continuity tester. one is the main fusible link, and I think there's one for the ignition system too.
(4) here's what it suggests under "engeine starts but stops immediately":
- loose or faulty connections at crank angle sensor, coil, or alternator
-insufficient fuel reaching fuel injectors
-vacuum leak at gasket between intake manifold and throttle body
I wouldn't suggest the optical pickup if you're getting a low fuel warning. although the low fuel warning could just be a random culprit that has nothing to do with it.
the best thing to do is get yourself a good shop manual. I do understand the urgency, but it's kind of hard to provide a solid answer the first time around. keep us posted, one of us will be able to help you out!
Dan
(1) first thing I'm gonna say is... check your fuses. if I'm not mistaken, there's one marked "ECCS" or something, and then one for the fuel pump.... make sure they're working. if the ECCS fuse is blown, the computer will not operate and you will not get a spark from the coil.
(2) according to the Haynes, in the 85-88 sedans, the fuel pump relay is located in the trunk, and is green. it shows it on the drivers side, but it's not exact. don't confuse it with the 2 boxes located between the speakers, those are for the keyless entry/theft warning and the adjustable shocks. on the passengers side are the relays and controls for the power antenna and stop/tail lamp sensor (the dashboard lights)
(3) that I know of, there is no "main" relay. there are a series of relays located right near the battery, and to the right of the battery are the fusible links. check the fusible links for continuity with an ohmmeter or continuity tester. one is the main fusible link, and I think there's one for the ignition system too.
(4) here's what it suggests under "engeine starts but stops immediately":
- loose or faulty connections at crank angle sensor, coil, or alternator
-insufficient fuel reaching fuel injectors
-vacuum leak at gasket between intake manifold and throttle body
I wouldn't suggest the optical pickup if you're getting a low fuel warning. although the low fuel warning could just be a random culprit that has nothing to do with it.
the best thing to do is get yourself a good shop manual. I do understand the urgency, but it's kind of hard to provide a solid answer the first time around. keep us posted, one of us will be able to help you out!
Dan
Wow....sounds like you might have some electrical problems. Either your fuel gauge is lying too you, or the deal the trips the low fuel warning is really screwed up. The part with the car stalling sounds like either a faulty Crank Angle Sensor, or maybe a faulty coil. I say get an FSM, and whip out the voltmeter and see if everything is kosher first. Then work from there.
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