I have a '95 Maxima and have trouble with getting it started the first time after it has been sitting. It almost never starts in the first try even when giving it gas. But it will usually go on the second try, and on rare occassions where it doesn't the third. The starter is activating so I don't think it is the ignition switch. Could it be the Fuel Pressure Regulator? I have also already cleaned the throttle body recently so that's not it. Any help would be appreciated.

 

1) Possible clogged fuel filter or fuel pressure problem.
2) Engine coolant temp sensor
3) Cam or crank sensor on it's way out.
4) Ignition switch.

You've got some trouble shooting to do.

 

anyway to test the coolant temp sensor?

 

Yeah - the resistance should change with temperature... don't know the specs, but it's in the Haynes/FSM.

 

i think it's more of a fuel pressure problem. check fuel filter, then fuel pressure regulator, the pump.

 

I have the same symptons.. how do i trouble shoot these things?

 

Well I just changed the fuel filter about 3,000 miles back. So, I don't think that is it because I had this prob before that and it didn't change afterwards. I changed the ECTS about 2,000 miles back when I was having stalling issues and that fixed that. But the starting didn't change. Actually I did a lot of stuff back when I was having the stalling prob before I got to the ECTS. Hopefully, I can nail this one on the first or second try. I think I will prob try the Fuel Pressure Regulator first, looks pretty straightforward to swap out, unless anyone has had this prob and tried something else that worked for them. Prob the hardest part will be trying to pry the fuel line and vacuum line off the connectors.

 

I am having the same problem. The car starts and dies when cold and will not start until you press the gas pedal at least once. Here is a C&P from another forum suggestion regarding same prob.
1) "Probably the air regulator. It is located under the intake manifold/ throttle bosy. Mine did the same thing a couple of years ago.
Try this to see if it helps:
Start the car with your foot slightly down on the gas pedal 1/16-1/8 throttle. Does the car start?
If so, the air regulator is bad. It has a little band spring in it, that opens up the air regulator to allow more air when cold. As the engine heats up the it closes it off. If it is broken, it may be closed not allowing enough air when cold."
Another suggestion:
2) "I would say Auxilary Air Control Valve.. or AAC Valve. My car would never start because there wasn't an adiquite amount of air going into the engine due to the temp. differences."

Hope this helps!
If you get it fixed please post what resolved your problem.
Good Luck!