I have a 95 Maxima SE with @97000 miles on it. Just recently started to have problems starting it. I have to hit the gas pedal, while cranking the engine in order for it to start. When it finally starts, it blows out black smoke and a gas smell. My mechanic called his friend at a Nissan dealer and he said that it is a known problem and they normally change all the coil packs. So at $84 each, I had all the coil packs changed. Next day, the car didn't start without giving it gas. So I decided to change the plugs. Installed NGK platinums at $13.88 ea (ouch). Didn't make a difference. Got on this site and noticed a lot of people with the same problem and the majority of the responses were to change the crankcase sensors. So I replaced both of them. Still no change. So I searched this site again and now I'm seeing some responses about changing the Engine Coolant Temperature Sensor. Yesterday, I tried to locate it and I think I found it. It sits next to the temperature sending unit at the end of the upper radiator hose. I think the ECTS is the second sensor. Can anyone verify this?? Will a bad ECTS cause a check engine light to go on?? Any other options to try??

 

ECTS is the sensor closer to the engine block.

I'd test it before you replace it.

You can test every sensor with an OHM meter. Dont just replace things until you test them. Save yourself a ton of $$$$.

There is a cold idle cam that opens the throttle plate slightly when your engine is cold. If thats not working, it could be why you must manually step on the gas to open the throttle up during a cold start.

The Haynes manual explains how to setup the cold idle circuit. I have a few pictures that I can upload for you as well.

 

If you could upload those pics, that would be great. When I located the ECTS, it was in front of the temp sending unit and both were parallel to the engine block. So how can I tell which is the true ECTS???
Is it possible to scan the cold idle circuit procedure from your Haynes manual?? I have the Chiltons manual and I'm reading that it's not as good as the Haynes. Thanks.

 

I think the ECTS has 2 leads and the temp gauge sensor only has one lead. Unplug the one with one lead and see if your temp gauge inside the car stops working. Thats an easy way to figure it out.

I'll see what I can come up with for you on the cold idle some time this afternoon.

 

Good idea. I'll give it a try when I get home. Thanks.

 

clean the throttle body....takes 20 minutes.

coil packs rarely go bad on 95-98's....i fear you got hosed there.

you are on track with the other things though.....but buy a haynes manual and do what it tells you, a $30 ohm meter at sears will save you enough to justify itself and the manual.

check the coolant temp sensor, clean the throttle body, also check the iac valve...but thats usually more a rough idle.

good luck.

 

Does the Chilton and/or the Haynes manual have a procedure on how to clean the throttle body??

 

I had the same problem... but mostly when it was cold....kinda useles to have a remote starter if you had to press the gas to start it...

i replaced the Spark plugs and the fuel filter and all still did the same.. after i cleaned the throttle body it hasent has a problem starting since

http://motorvate.ca/
go to the November 2001 section gives directions on how to clean the throttle body


hope it helps!

 

Just to recap.. The pics I took of the fast idle cam adjustment didn't come out good at all. There not worth posting.

I saw somebody mention cleaning the TB, I think you should try that asap. Might cure your problem. I think the link was posted, it's a very easy process, takes about 20 min.

www.motorvate.ca


Let us know how you make out.

 

Thanks, I just printed the article and will take it home and try it. Thanks again.

 

I bought a can of Gumout and disassembled the throttle body. It was dirty as you mentioned. Nice black ring around the inside perimeter of the throttle body. I used a tooth brush and scrubbed till my white rag didn't show anymore crud. Put everything back together and fired it up. WOW!!! What a difference!! Now maybe I'm speaking too soon, but it never started that good!!! This morning it started just fine, but it wasn't that cold. On the other hand, it was rainy and damp, so it could have been a good test. I'll keep you guys posted. Thanks again for your help.

 

Let us know how the car starts for you in the next few days.