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Engine won't start

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Old Aug 6, 2005 | 02:53 PM
  #1  
xenome's Avatar
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Engine won't start

Hi,

I've got a '93 SE and the engine appears to died on me. I was on my way to work, got about a mile, and then the engine just turned off. It will still crank, but there appears to be no ignition. I've tested fuel pressure, injector actuation from the crank position sensor, and sparks from one of the plugs. All appear to work correctly. I've also tried pulling back all the intake plumbing and spraying some "starting fluid" directly into the manifold. No effect.

Anyone have any other ideas besides maybe the ECU? I'd figure even with an ECE problem you'd still get a chug right at first.

Thanks
Old Aug 7, 2005 | 04:28 PM
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internetautomar's Avatar
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did you check all the cylinders for spark?
Old Aug 7, 2005 | 11:20 PM
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michaels'max's Avatar
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Not true. If the ECU is gone, your car ain't startin'. My ECU was fried from the heater core leaking coolant on to it. I replaced it at a junk yard and got ripped off paying $150.00 for it. But, I plugged it in and started right up. Why would you assume something is wrong with the ECU though, did something happen to it? Otherwise check out the power transistor and ignition coil.
Old Aug 8, 2005 | 05:58 AM
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try checking the ECU for codes first. If there is power going to it, there is actually a code for a bad ECU.

If it was something else wrong, it's very likely it will throw a code for it, as well.
Old Aug 8, 2005 | 11:18 AM
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Originally Posted by Cliff Clavin
try checking the ECU for codes first. If there is power going to it, there is actually a code for a bad ECU.

If it was something else wrong, it's very likely it will throw a code for it, as well.

So if the ECU is bad, or gone, does that mean the car just needs to be put in da junk yard? Or can it be fixed or replaced??
Old Aug 8, 2005 | 12:33 PM
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it can be replaced. no need to junk the car.
the only time a car should be sent to the yard is when it becomes structurally unsound.
other than that, fix and repair as needed
Old Aug 8, 2005 | 12:55 PM
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Originally Posted by camron21
So if the ECU is bad, or gone, does that mean the car just needs to be put in da junk yard? Or can it be fixed or replaced??
You can find an ECU for cheap if you search around. I picked up a spare one a while back for $25, so obviously you wouldn't have to junk your car for a part you can pick up pretty cheap. I think on average you might have to pay $50-$100 for a used one.

No one mentioned the tranny they have. It can be kind of hard to find a 5-speed ECU, just because there are a lot fewer of them out there.

An AT VE ECU will also work in a 5-speed if you really need one. The variable intake won't work, but the car will still run and drive fine. I tested out MrGone's spare AT ECU in mine.
Old Aug 8, 2005 | 01:31 PM
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Ive got a JWT VE 5spd ecu for sale. But i need a stock replacement as well. It works perfect. I even had a switch put on it to be able to switch back to the stock program (damn ca. smog test, it BARELY passes with the jwt)
Old Aug 8, 2005 | 05:15 PM
  #9  
Burn MF Burn's Avatar
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Did'nt we just see this @ http://forums.maxima.org/showthread.php?t=417568 let me say its a bad ending but **** happens, but if your lucky and it is the ECU and you do have a 5 spd I know where one is its a 91 155k on it let me know and i'll find out how much it is.
Old Aug 10, 2005 | 02:27 AM
  #10  
Wiking's Avatar
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From: EU Scandinavia
Originally Posted by xenome
Hi,

I've got a '93 SE and the engine appears to died on me. I was on my way to work, got about a mile, and then the engine just turned off. It will still crank, but there appears to be no ignition. I've tested fuel pressure, injector actuation from the crank position sensor, and sparks from one of the plugs. All appear to work correctly. I've also tried pulling back all the intake plumbing and spraying some "starting fluid" directly into the manifold. No effect.

Anyone have any other ideas besides maybe the ECU? I'd figure even with an ECE problem you'd still get a chug right at first.

Thanks
Sounds weird as u got air, fuel & spark.

- Where did u measure the fuel pressure (also between rails?). Filter is ok?
- ECU is well and alive if injectors click as u rotate cam sensor... but do they actually inject gas; make sure.
- Check that timing is ok with a xenon lamp
- Check timing chain for jump: plastic bag on intake and manually rotate engine: should only suck air in...
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