I just changed the fuel filter and spark plugs in my 95 GLE and now am having trouble starting the car. it takes about 3-4 tries to get it started -- that NEVER happened before. The work was all done by me and has been about a week so far. I put in Bosch Platinum plugs, and a regular fuel filter. Any help is appreciated.

 

Get rid of the Bosch plugs.
Clean your throttle body.
Check you ECU for any codes.

 

what plugs should I switch to, and could that really be the problem?

 

I second that.
The 1st winter I had with Bosch plugs, I had hard starts. The plugs looked fouled when I pulled them. Subsequent hard starts were resolved with the TB clean...

 

I've always had good experiences with NGK in all my Nissans and Madzas that I've owned.

 

Is there a reason Maximas and Bosch plugs don't mix?

 

What do you use to clean the throttle body?

 

NGK platinums -

 

The VQ's direct ignition system is very powerful and sometimes eats up spark plugs. NGK plugs are what Nissan uses and they perform fine. I personally have seen a set of Bosch plugs get eaten up in just 10K miles on a VQ engine.

 

You can get throttle body / intake system cleaner at almost any auto parts store.

 

NGK spark plugs are VERY good. There are two type of NGK.
1: hot spark - gives decent amount of a spark to start the engine
2: cold spark - gives a larger amount of a spark to start the engine (meant for cold weather)

 

so which plugs are better the hot or cold???

 

What do you think of Iridium plugs?

 

If you want to get a "good spark" Spark plug, stick with the NGKs. They are used by the factory for a reason; they are just better for our type of engine over the domestic engines. If you want to save some money but get a very good plug, get the NGK coppers. Granted they do not last as long as the Platinums, they do in fact give a better spark.

 

I thought I read somewhere that throttle bodys were coated with something from the factory. and that you should not clean them except with certain types of cleaners. The coating was to prevent buildup of gunk, and that if you did clean them with the wrong product you would need to do it repeatedly after that because the coating would be cleaned away?!?!

 

it would take me a few times to start car in the morning...check the fuse labeled start ing...its a 7.5 fuse

i replaced mine and no more trble

 

$10 PER PLUG?? Is this a normal price PER plug??
I am a dealer so this is cost not list price, but it sounds high.

 

yup thats how much i paid for it at Advance Auto. I think Tusstin Nissan sells them for like 56 shipped, but not sure

anu

 

is there a page on the web with instructions for how to clean the TB? Mine has trouble starting everytime since the weather has gotten cold. it makes a very nasty metal-grinding sound. i already changed the starter and the sound still exists and it is hard to get the car started.