...i've been having trouble starting my 1996 maxima so i brought it to a mechanic and he could not figure it out either. He ruled out spark plugs, the alternator, the battery, and the starter. So we really both have no clue what's causing my car not to start. However, he brought up a bad knock sensor code, and when we went in the engine bay to look for it, it wasn't in the spot where it's suppose to be. It's suppose to be right above the manifold in between the ignition plugs i think. Does anyone know if the bad knock sensor could be retarding the engine starting or where the hell my knock sensor is? if u have any info on knock sensors or know how they could possibly affect my engine, i'd really appreciate ur advice, thanks guys.

 

You might have to locate where exactly the knock sensor wires are located and trace them. Is the harness just sitting there dangling where the ks is supposed to be?

But no, as far as I know, a disfunctional knock sensor, or even no knock sensor present at all, should not have an effect on ignition. Correct me if I'm wrong, but...

 

AFAIK, the KS is supposed to be under the manifold, between the cylinder banks, inside the "V" ...unless it has been relocated (not likely).

 

Maybe this will help

http://www.skippynet.com/maxima/knocksensor.htm

 

Clean the throttle body. That fixes a lot of stalling/hard start problems.

 

http://www.motorvate.ca/ Then click on engine and knock sensor R&R