97 Max won't start
 

It started as an occasional thing where it took an extra 5 seconds of cranking to get it going. Sometimes it started fine. It trips codes 0101 and 0304 about every other time I have trouble. This morning it wouldn't start at all.

Reading this thread and the FSM assures me the CmPS is a likely culprit:
http://forums.maxima.org/showthread....0304+0101+code

But I've done the complete troubleshooting for the CmPS per the Factory Manual, and still a problem. Tested the circuit continuity and everything. Also changed the Engine Coolant Temp Sensor today, no dice.

If the Camshaft Position Sensor passes the resistance test and looks fine, should I still replace it? I generally think it's crazy to spend $70 replacing a part that passes tests.

Could a bad relay cause this problem?

Dave

Dave,
I can see these posts faster than the usenet access I have from work :grinno:

The ECTS will most likely not cause a no-start condition... if the ECU is reporting bad CmPS and Knock sensor, I think even if the sensor tests out ok, it doesn't mean its generating the type of signal the ECU expects... i.e. it could have failed in a way that simple resistance/continuity checks are not going to be able to diagnose. I haven't looked in my FSM so I don't know how trivial replacing the sensor is, but if you have a buddy with a Maxima, swap out the two CmPS and see what happens... you're in PA, and I'm in IL, if you want to swing by ;) you can try out mine.

Cheers,
Nirav

Dave,

go to partsamerica.com, search for CSS89 - 41.99 for the camshaft position sensor... (I looked up one for my 96 - am sure its the sama part for your 97)... jrnissanparts.com has Nissan ones for 60 - with another 12% off with the "maxima" code... their shipping will be < 3 bucks for that part (I think - based on my experience with them).

Nirav

OK, sounds like a logical plan. Swapping out the CmPS is a piece of cake - just one 10mm ratchet wrench and it take 30s. It's located on the passenger side of the engine, adjacent to the oil filler cap. I can't think of anyone I could borrow one from though, Hm.

I may call a local dealer and see if they have them in stock or have Jim Rome ship one to me. Or just buy the Autozone equivalent - I think if I install it very carefully and it doesn't help, I could keep it real clean and return it 'as new'.

sounds like a good idea.. let me know if it helps... btw I have my own hidden agenda in this :grinno:.. j/k... I don't get any codes, but sometimes my car does turn over for 4-5 seconds before firing up... but its not all the time and its done this since I've had it... (I replaced my ECTS thinking it might be the cause too)... I've done all the TB cleanings, filters, IACV cleaning, plugs (NGK plats) and no changes... so I've just assumed its the way it is...my car has not yet "not started" (if that makes any sense)... but if this camshaft sensor fixes your problem.. I might have to experiment with it and see if it helps... let us know what happens.

njm

6 months ago that's how it started. It slowly became more frequent and finally it didn't start at all. (Naturally it will start up on the first try when I get home, but that's not the point).

Keep in mind though, driving my 94 RX-7 isn't exactly torture, so I might just order from Jim Rome and suffer through the waiting... :)

Ah.. even more reason for me to see what happens with your fix... I guess the only advantage of buying locally is if it doesn't work return it... not sure the sensor is that complex if it can be had for 40 bucks... so OEM vs. aftermarket probably doesn't matter in this particular case... I had the same "alternate car" scenario until last week... my "other" car was a 1997 Ford Mustang GT Convertible 5spd - its one of the few domestic muscle cars I really like and it was great fun - but impractical with a 4-month old :grinno:

njm

Well I received and installed the camshaft position sensor today. Car started on first try - problem solved. $61.23 shipped from Jerry Rome Nissan.

So for anyone who is getting the CmPS CEL code, run the tests in the FSM but believe the computer if the no-start keeps tripping the CmPS code. Eventually the sensor dies and it won't start at all. So my comment that it didn't make sense to replace a sensor if the ECU is throwing codes but it passes tests - is crap. The ECU is the judge of whether a sensor is normal whether you like it or not :)

:woot: :thumbsup: Good news... do the starts sound much better than before (quicker/more responsive starting?)...

Yeah, it starts in about a second of cranking like it always did before.

Dave

So did you ever get the camshaft position sensor code at all? I'm not getting that code, but i tested the sensor and seemed fine. But the car starts like crap!

D@mn.. This seems to be a common problem.. I just picked up a 95 GLE with 174k, and it is having trouble starting also... I will swap sensors with my 99 to diagnose tomorrow.

Yes, I consistently got the knock sensor and CmPS codes every other no-start.

It wasn't a matter of starting like crap - early on the car cranked for 1 second (normal) or 10s (hard start) and started fine when the engine caught. Or cranking nonstop without starting later on. But when the engine would start it fired right up like normal. Try replacing the coolant temp sensor - it's not too hard and it's cheap.