Hi.
My 96' I30 (130k) has a starting problem when the engine is hot. In the moring the starting is good as normal but after I drove 5~10 min later, it need to be long crank (5~10 sec) with 3~4 times try. I have already searched about the problem in many nissan sites. And I tried several ways but it is still pain in the a**. I spent more than $1k.

The list of parts which were replaced by myself for last 3 month.

1. an alternator
2. a starter
3. spark plugs
4. a PCV valve
5. a coolant temperature sensor
6. an ignition switch
7. a fuel pump relay
8. a knock sensor
9. a fuel filter
10. a valve cover gasket
11. spark plug tube seals
12. a battery
13. an air filter
14. oxygen sensors
15. five ignition coils (one is left)
16. cleaned IAV valve and throttle body
17. cleaned the engine grounds
18. put the fuel system cleaner

I had read hundreds of thread about the same problem. But only two people solved the problem. Many guys told me it could be electrical problem.
Would you let me know how to solve the problem?

Thanks.

 

While it's hot, disconnect Crank-pos Ref sensor and see if it will start with disconnected sensor.

I had a fried crank-ref sensor which gave me long starts in the morning, without throwing any errors in the beggining. Once started, all successive attempts were successful.

 

You mean try to start without crank-ref sensor when engine is hot. If the enigne success starting with disconnected sensor, does the sensor have a problem?
Am I understanding correctly?
Thanks.

 

That happened to me in my classic SE-R and it was the coil, but did you replace the entire ignition switch? because I know some times they come in parts. and when it doesnt start try turning the key to start then part way off then start again then off. do this very quickly several more times. also try key cycles. if this works for you then it is most deffinatly something with the switch.

 

As you might see the list, I replaced ignition coils and switch.
Thanks.

 

Exactly. With REF sensor disconnected ECU will use a failsafe program. Sometimes sensor fail in a such way, that ECU doesn't notice its failure, yet it supplies ECU with wrong data, making it imposible to start the engine.

 

All right. I will try~
Thanks.