So I went to take the Maxi out for some errands the other day and the car didn't start. The starter would spin the engine but nothing. So after trying a couple times, I turned the key to "On" to see if the fuel pump was running...nothing...no hum, just the usual lights on the dash turning on and the chime going. Checked the fuel pump fuse...that's ok. Looked at the FSM for awhile and found a page where the ECU needs input from the crank angle sensor, CHTS, ignition switch, throttle valve switch and the battery. The wiring diagram shows the CHTS and throttle valve switch, along with the fuel pump relay, playing major parts of its electrical system. I replaced the CHTS when I did the timing belt a couple months ago (new sub-harness too) so that leaves the relay and I guess the throttle valve switch left to check? If I can find my multimeter, I'll check to see if there's voltage at the pump connector and check for codes. Question is...aside from the fuel pump fuse and the fuel pump relay, could any of the other associated parts (crank angle sensor, CHTS, etc.) be enough to cause the fuel pump not to run at all? Looking back and doing some searching, the car (110K), especially after I checked and adjusted the timing shortly after getting it, seemed to have a mild surging problem at part throttle that I thought was related to way off timing, old plugs and to the old t-belt being off a tooth but it was still there with the properly installed new one. It always seemed to take longer than average to start in the morning after sitting for a day or two. If it is the fuel pump, I see AirTex and Bosch make them along with OE Nissan one for quite a lot more. Any input into brand vs. durability?

 

try the relay first, if not it is probably the pump.

 

How do I try the relay? I took apart the trunk area and saw all the relays that are against the backseat...do I just pull another of the blue (or was it black?) relays next to it and plug it in and see? I guess that's my problem with relays...how do you know which ones you can exchange with and which ones you can't?

 

The fuel pump relay is under the hood. You can probably just pull another one that's the same color. Or you can go buy an extra one. They aren't that expensive.

 

Damn...not the relay.