so i'm having the same problem as a lot of other people on here... had to take transmission off (rear main seal) and after it was put back on, car has had a hard time starting. first it was bad, then it got a lot better, now it's a lot worse. i tested and replaced what i thought was a bad crank sensor (by the flywheel) but i still had the problem. then i tried testing the coolant sensor (not the one that goes to the gauge).

i unplugged the sensor, car wouldnt start. plugged the sensor back in, car barely started, unplugged the sensor with the car on and the fans came on. tried testing it (realized now that i was testing wrong) but got nothing, so i plugged it back in. started the car later last night to go out and it barely started again. tried to start it this morning before work and... as i've always feared... the car did not start. held the key ON for about 7-8 sec and the engine would turn over, and hesitate, and backfire, but would not crank. i did this 4 or 5 times but still wouldnt start.

my question for whoever reads this is - do you think unplugging this sensor is the cause, or part of the cause, of my starting problems? at first glance it would seem as if it would, but i did not touch that sensor when working on the transmission. maybe its coincidence, maybe its the cause. i'm just looking for some input.... sooo... anyone? if i can't get this fixed there may be a 97 max going up for sale soon. this starting problem has been haunting me since october and its finally come to a head

 

Another one joins this club-> http://forums.maxima.org/showthread.php?t=452286
Enjoy your stay!

I had REAL hard time starting this morning. Started on the first crank last night.

What the hell is wrong with these cars!?


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ok, im trying to understand.
>ok i read it backfired.... but it didnt crank?? it had to turn and crank to even back fire, had too. No-one really turns the key to have the car stay silent and only backfire....
I assume it tried to start, cranked, and then backfired.

DID It Backfire from the Intake or the Exhaust???

This may sound crazy ok but have you tried this.
#1. Unplug the battery overnight ,8+hrs or more...? this does reset set codes.
#2. Did you touch the sensor part with your greesy hands on the CPS.

*Notes on most sensors say you cannot touch the actual sensor part, if you had MickeyD's Grease on ur hands it would faulty the sensor right away... or until you clean it.
your probs sound like CPS probs. disconnect battery/resest ecu, do both.

 

Having a sensor disconnected can absolutely stop the car from starting. I had my filter/MAF off this w/e and forgot to properly connect the intake air temp sensor. Car wouldn't start for about 10 long starts. When it did it was rough and then threw a 0401 code.

I'd say check all the connectors to make sure they're all really connected. It's hard to tell some times.

 

i should have mentioned before... not getting any codes.

yeah, when the car starts after a rough time, it kind of stumbles on, it doesnt fire up like it's supposed to. i think when it backfires its trying to start, but it doesnt quite make it. i think everyone should make sound/video clips of their cars trying to start. i think i'll make one when i get home...

and no, i did not touch any part of the sensors that would be affected by grease.

i read in the haynes manual that there's 2 coolant temp sensors, one goes to the gauge and one goes to the computer. now i'm pretty sure the one i unplugged was the one for the computer, but can anyone say for sure which one goes to which? i'll assume that the one i umplugged was not for the gauge, seeing as though the gauge still worked in the car with it unplugged..... i dunno, just trying to eliminate everything here