I have 1993 nissan maxima and it was running fine until lately. Few weeks back I had got my spark plugs replaces at pepboys. But for last couple of days my car sometimes just does not start. The engine cranks but its not starting. If I leave the car like that for 10 to 15 hours and again try it may start and run. So the problem is elusive. I took the car to pepboys and they suggested to replace the distributor cap, rotor and spark plug wires. I got them changed and still the car has same problem. Sometimes it starts and sometimes the engine just keeps cranking but does not start.

Please help me with what could be wrong in my car. I have noticed one thing. When I stop the car and put it into parking the RPM suddenly goes to 2000 just before shutting the engine. And after that if I start the engine it's highly probable that it will just crank and not start. But if the RPM remains under 1000 before the engine off, most of the time the engine starts next time. I dont know if its normal but I thought to share this observation with you.

I apologize for sending large mail, but I will highly appreciate for any help in this regard. Already spent around 300 dollars but no use so far

Thanks,
Raj

 

Pep boys mechanics suck the big monkey. Since you say the problem started after they replaced the plugs, make sure they put in the right kind of spark plugs. NGKs work best from what everyone says. Otherwise it sounds more like a starter or fuel problem. Possibly a sensor gone bad or the fuel delivery itself. I'd highly suggest taking your car elsewhere.

 

Thanx for the response.

After going through the posts, I thought may be its the ECTS and suggested that to the pepboy mechanic who was trying to figure out the problem. He took my advice and seems he cleaned the ECTS and the car started after first cranking. So, I believe it was the ECTS at fault. Would you guys recommend me to replace the ECTS with a new one.
If yes, any suggestions where should I get it from.

Thanks.

 

could it possibly be the battery or maybe the alternator not functioning properly?

 

If the problem was solved by cleaning that part, then don't worry about it. You don't have any problems starting it up all the time now right?