Hey guys, I started a thread on this problem a few months ago, but another guy is having a simaler problem on that thread and I don't want you to get the 2 projects confused. Heck, it might be the same problem? Either way, I thought I would start over and get a fresh thread started on my non-running Max.

The 81 Maxima is still dead. It refuses to start. We have checked the ground rechecked the ground and bypassed the ground. Same result, so ground is fine. All diagnostic signs tell us the computer is bad, but it can't be. We are on the 3rd new computer. We have also installed a new alternator/regulator early on. Here is what we are seeing: There is good signal from the distributor to the computer. There is no pulse out of the computer. We do have spark & signal into the computer for the fuel injection. It will not start, though. Anyone got a clue where to go from here?? New computers are not helping, but everything points to a bad computer. Where are we getting fooled?

 

Wiring harness?

 

Give us some more info. Tell us what happens after you turn the key. Is the engine turning over at all? Any sound of a click?

 

The wiring harness is original and looks in tact. It has been checked and has the correct ohms. There is no sign of overheating in the harness. The voltage check on ground circuit is good.

When starting, the engine cranks. We have spark but the engine will not start. There is voltage to the fuel injection. There is no ground signal from the computer to the fuel injection.

We are lost. Thanks for trying to help us out with this problem.

 

Get a pair of jumper cables and attach both to the negative terminal of the battery.

Then put the other ends.......one on the engine and one on the body.

See if symptoms persist.

 

This is easy. The car does not like you.

 

I read a thread where this was happening to someone. He said that there was a relay switch or something in the actual steering column that needed to be replaced. If you can give more details like if you hear clicking or not, what do the lights do (dim), etc then you would get more help.

 

Try juicing it with ether and see if it fires, just to make sure you have a spark and its all timed up.

Try checking for fuel pressure, is the pump turning on?

Email me at Kassim503@yahoo.com, going on a trip from today to saturday, and I would probably forget to check the forum.

Do you have a factory service manual?

I dont think there is a relay in the steering column, I had it open before, and its just the Stick switches and the key, and a little light to light up the key area

 

Not to be a jerk...
But does the car have fuel?
Just asking you never know.

 

After 3 long as hell months, I towed it to a new shop. They got it running in a couple hours. The 4 relays from the power to the fuel injection/fuel pump were weak and corroded. Why my mechanic didn't see this...I will never know. The computer was fine. All components were fine. I bought those new computers and alternator for no reason.

Looks like I found a new mechanic. He specializes in imports and knows the Z-cars like the back of his hand.

Thanks for all your help!!

 

That's great you got it running again. Your other mechanic probably just wanted your money, did not know what he was looking for and did not admit it.

 

None of them admit not knowing how to fix a car.

They call me asking why our ecu we sold them does the exact same thing the original one did!!!