I have narrowed my no start problem down to a fuel problem. It just cranks and cranks till i push on the gas. I changed the fuel filter and that didnt help. What other fuel checks can I do to figure out my problem. Is it easier to get it diagnosed at the stealer? How much does that normally cost? Thanks for the help.

 

I would check the Fuel Pump and fuse. It could also be a vacuum leak check the fuel pressure regulator hose. Idle speed could be incorrect. Last but least is it throwing a CEL or specific code?

 

No codes which really sucks. How do I check for a vacume leak? I dont think it is the fuel pump because it runs fine after it is started. I have noticed that it starts fine up to 30 min after shutting it off. But after an hour or so im back to the same crankity crank when I try to start it again.

 

If the car runs fine after starting, I doubt it is a fuel issue. make sure you throttle body is clean and maintenance stuff is all up to date.

Check out this thread to see if your symptoms are similar:
http://forums.maxima.org/showthread.php?t=452286

 

when you crank it does exaust smell on unburned gas?
remove cam pos sensor and clean it.

 

It does back fire sometimes

 

Backfiring is not unusual with any prolonged cranking.

 

Mish--- Did you ever fix your car? I have an automatic and I know its not a clutch/ground problem. I have been reading all of the "starting problem" posts and I still cant figure it out. The only thing I can think of is a tps sensor or the fuel pressure regulator. How do you check fuel pressure or if the regulator is working?

 

Yes, the grounding solved the problem. It is doubtful that the grounding is solely a MT issue. I think auto's will benefit. It was a night and day change. My car was stuttering during long cranking starts and would often backfire. After the starter case was grounded (using one of the two bolts that hold it in) as well as the tranny, the car has started perfectly ever since. The key symptom is the stuttering/pauses on cranking...not sure if you are experiencing this.

Again, I do not think this is specifically related to a clutch job. I think any time you have an older max or have removed the starter or are on your original starter, the indirect contact grounding is compromised.

Not sure how you test the FPR. I found it easier to swap it (was not that expensive). It didn't help. I think if your car is backfiring, it is getting sufficient fuel (too much). I do not think the TPS is involved in starting. In fact, to adjust base idle, you disconnect the TPS and start the car.

If cranking is not smooth, humor me and install a single grounding cable from the engine block ground (12mm nut) to the 15mm starter case bolt (smaller upper one--not the long 17mm lower one). Sand off the case of the starter before you put it on. a 19" 4ga auto cable from walmart costs $3 and is the perfect length and comes pre-terminated. Maybe 30 minutes of your time.

 

Also, I know you know this, but starting is all about fuel, spark, and cranking. If the car runs totally fine after it starts, chances are fuel and spark are fine. I would focus in on the cranking unless your cranking is always strong and continuous.

 

Dude I think you are right it maybe the ground issue. I am going to make a grounding kit and hook it up. I will keep you posted on what the outcome is. If it dosent work im Fu**ed. This starting thing is a pain it the keester.
THANKS

 

Good luck. The reason I recommend the preterminated "auto battery" wire is that the terminations are big enough to handle the bolts and the fat 4ga wire can only help.

 

My car cranks fast and strong with no shuddering. I just put in a new starter and battery. I am going to try the grounding but if anyone has any other input i would appreciate it.

 

If that is the case, I doubt grounding will help. What spark plugs are you running...NGK? Also, the point of the throttle body clean is that the TB plate is open a sliver to let in a smidge of air. Does the car start better if you apply just slight throttle (to open the TB up a bit)?

 

I just cleaned the TB on saturday and no dice. I am running NGK I put them in about 3 months ago. im prob gona change the fuel regulator this weekend. I cant figure it out. Im still going to do the grounding this weekend too.