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hard starting......at least 4 times to start

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Old 05-16-2004, 04:30 AM
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hard starting......at least 4 times to start

Ok so recently I have noticed something it is taking a good four trys to get my 99 max to start. And not just normal flip of the key start her up each time I do it I have to hold it for a little while Seems like after a few trys and something gets warmed up it will finally start.
Not sure if this will help the ideas flow but the idle is also rough as anything I can see the rpm guage jumpinh from about 500-700 feels like I have a cam in that thing. But once I get going in gear its fine. Any ideas??

Only idea I had was maybe its my champion copper spark plugs that are about 10k old. Not sure though.
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Old 05-16-2004, 04:43 AM
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WTF take those plugs out and put some NGK's in there. Lucky you haven't messed anything up bad with those plugs.
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Old 05-16-2004, 05:23 AM
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Check your ECU for cam and crank sensor codes..
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Old 05-16-2004, 08:21 AM
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most likely your plugs...i have plat 4's there crap...fixin to go get some ngk coppers
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Old 05-16-2004, 08:31 AM
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Originally Posted by njmaxseltd
Check your ECU for cam and crank sensor codes..
Yeah the computer isnt throwing any codes. Thank goodness its nothing to big.

Yeah no comment about why I used champion spark plugs. I was in a rush, it was several days to get the ngk coppers around here...so I had to settle for champions. they worked fine up till now. I am going to clean the throttlw body too..I noticed if I blip the throttle while starting she starts right up.
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Old 05-26-2004, 06:32 AM
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Hard starting

Originally Posted by infinitiblast
Yeah the computer isnt throwing any codes. Thank goodness its nothing to big.

Yeah no comment about why I used champion spark plugs. I was in a rush, it was several days to get the ngk coppers around here...so I had to settle for champions. they worked fine up till now. I am going to clean the throttlw body too..I noticed if I blip the throttle while starting she starts right up.
Well... Might be a sign of low fuel pump pressure..having that trouble now...i.e. no codes coming back.....takes a while to start..... measured pump pressure and only 35 lbs... and the fuel pump will not go into high speed which might mean the Fuel Pump Control Module is not doing its thing....... when I read your description it sounded like mine...

Good luck
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Old 05-26-2004, 06:47 AM
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Hard starting

Originally Posted by infinitiblast
Yeah the computer isnt throwing any codes. Thank goodness its nothing to big.

Yeah no comment about why I used champion spark plugs. I was in a rush, it was several days to get the ngk coppers around here...so I had to settle for champions. they worked fine up till now. I am going to clean the throttlw body too..I noticed if I blip the throttle while starting she starts right up.
Well... Might be a sign of low fuel pump pressure..having that trouble now...i.e. no codes coming back.....takes a while to start..... measured pump pressure and only 35 lbs... and the fuel pump will not go into high speed which might mean the Fuel Pump Control Module is not doing its thing....... when I read your description it sounded like mine...

Good luck
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Old 05-26-2004, 07:09 AM
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Could also be the ECTS acting up.. I know you don't have the MIL code reported - but sometimes they fail marginally enough to cause grief but not enough for the ECU to report it as a failure via the MIL.
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Old 05-26-2004, 12:20 PM
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Sounds like your problem could be your plugs. But let us know if you find out anything. I'm having problems starting but its not the plugs or many other things..
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Old 05-27-2004, 03:23 AM
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I replaced the plugs and still having the same issue. I am going to clean the IACV tonight and see if that helps if not. Will test other things.
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Old 05-27-2004, 04:34 AM
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i had the same problem.. now the car won't start.. i posted not too long ago.. i might have to change my spark plugs then?

I don't know where the plug is at.. and what to get.. any help would be great!
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Old 05-27-2004, 04:49 AM
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Originally Posted by ZeRo MaX
i had the same problem.. now the car won't start.. i posted not too long ago.. i might have to change my spark plugs then?

I don't know where the plug is at.. and what to get.. any help would be great!
Oh my! I say since you dont know what a plug is to take it to a mechanic. What we are referencing is spark plugs and there are six of them. Three up front and three out back. Best plug would be the ngk platinum.
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Old 05-27-2004, 06:55 AM
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what i meant was i don't know where to get the plugs and which one to get.. i know there is 3 in the front.. but where can i get them? never changed them before....
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Old 05-27-2004, 07:09 AM
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I agree, those plugs HAVE to go out ASAP. But, ever thought about the ignition switch? It has a horrible reputation on 95-96 Maximas. If you change the plugs, clean the intake, BEFORE changing the fuel pump, change the ignition switch. I'm currently having the same problem with my 95. I ruled out a fuel pump problem because I can slam on the gas and redline my engine and it's silky smooth, it slams me to the seat. There's no bugging no sputering, usual symptoms of a bad fuel pump. Just something else worth check out.
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Old 05-27-2004, 07:41 AM
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low fuel pump pressure... where can i find that out...

so far... these could be the problems...

spark plugs...
dirty throttle body...
low fuel pump pressure...
starter...
alternator...
ignition switch... (no idea where that is at or how to fix it)
could by battery but doubt it since cd/radio works...

i think the clicking sound is a big key to solving my problem..
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Old 05-27-2004, 09:33 AM
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ignition switch... (no idea where that is at or how to fix it)
http://forums.maxima.org/showthread....gnition+switch
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Old 05-27-2004, 09:53 AM
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now how do i know if the problem is an ignition switch or the starter?
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Old 05-27-2004, 10:01 AM
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Since it is clicking, I would rule out hte igntion switch.
Have someone try to start the car and tap the starter with a hammer. If it turns that is your problem. Even if it does not start, regrease it. Howto regrease the starter is in teh How-To's
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Old 05-27-2004, 10:17 AM
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now how do i know if the starter needs to be replaced... i was suggesting myself to replace the starter.. but not sure if i can do it now.. will regreasing it help it start? and does the hammering technique work a lot?

Kevlo911 thanx for your help.. you have been helpin' me out a lot!

I appreciate members like you here on the org!
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Old 05-27-2004, 10:21 AM
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Usually the grease in hte starter dries out, so it you replace hte grease it should start up. To me it sounds like hte starter is the problem. If the car starts when you hit the starter then you know your problem.
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Old 05-27-2004, 10:24 AM
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i'll check that out later tonite.. and hopefully it will be fixed.. i'll get back to you.. thanx again!
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Old 05-27-2004, 11:30 AM
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Originally Posted by kevlo911
Since it is clicking, I would rule out hte igntion switch.
Have someone try to start the car and tap the starter with a hammer. If it turns that is your problem. Even if it does not start, regrease it. Howto regrease the starter is in teh How-To's

Be careful with the hammer-method, too much can damage the magnets on a wire-wound electric motor. Good idea though.
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Old 05-27-2004, 03:03 PM
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does it matter what kind of grease you use to re-grease the starter?
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Old 05-28-2004, 10:01 PM
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Here's an update...

I took out the starter out... regreased it... put it back together... still no luck... waited for like 3 hours for a ride to a local autozone.. and bought a starter... (are those starters okay?) ... i then installed it... while i did.... i also cleaned the TB... not too bad in there... but it's cleaned now... after the installation... it works!!!

Thanks to many org members for the help!

this thread and the other "hard starting problem" threads helped me out a lot...

this weekend... i'm gonna change coolant.. change oil/filter.. and clean intake... and maybe some other things to make sure the max is runnin' good.. any suggestions i should do..

thanks again to all and have a safe memorial day weekend!
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