So I finally get the dreaded EGR code and CEL lite this morning. Car's performance is not affected that I can tell. Idles fine, no missing etc (235,xxx miles). After checking the stickies, I'll be diagnosing and fixing over the weekend. Had a weird kinda question, so please bear with me.
One of the potential causes is listed as a weak battery. My battery is VERY old, having been installed in the car back in 1999 (Interstate batteries rule in my book )
However, I have noticed that while the car cranks as it normally does, recently the engine will take a few extra seconds before it will catch and run. I did not have the time to get the charging system checked today, so my question is:

Would a weak battery also affect the time it takes for the car to start (catch)?

It just seems weird to me that overnight I would suddenly get a code, especially with the car exhibiting this "slow start" symptom. Again, the car CRANKS ok, but just takes a little longer to catch. My theory is that since it has been a little cooler here lately, the battery has to work harder....

I ought to say as well, that I'm not looking forward to this, based on the EGR threads I found while searching but such is life...
On the positive side, this is only second time since purchasing the car in 1999 that my CEL has come on, so I count myself lucky whenI read some of the stories for others on this board..

 

An old battery may not crank the car fast enough for it to catch easily - so yes, it could cause extended cranking before starting.

I doubt that it caused your EGR code. Most likely you just need to clean out the EGR port on the plenum and the EGR guide tube.

 

Egr is a pain to diagnose.. Here a couple of threads in helping you with your problem.

Location:

http://photobucket.com/albums/v158/e...s_location.jpg

http://forums.maxima.org/showthread.php?t=393527
http://forums.maxima.org/showthread.php?t=350528
http://forums.maxima.org/showthread.php?t=90535