Hi all, a while ago my 99 maxima died at a shopping mall, I went there with no problem, then when I came back to the car, the car turns over but would not start, I towed it home, I took few plugs out I saw no fuel, (The plugs were dry) I replaced the fuel pump thinking it would be the pump, still wont start and the plugs are dry, If I spray ether in the air ducting would do abrupt start then dies, I replaced the crank position sensor the one next to the oil filter, same story would turn over but would not start, I pulled two spark plugs out, I noticed intermittent spark, what do I do next?, any help would be highly appreciated

 

any cels? I dont know much about it since i dont own a 99 but i know some peeps need to reprogram their key. Maybe some one with more knowledge will chime in.

 

First off, stop throwing parts at it, you should have checked fuel presssure with a gauge before wasting $$$ on a pump.
There are 2 crank sensors, cps and pos. you replaced cps, pos is located on the tranny bell housing under the car. It will cause a no start condition if it's bad.
Also check the camshaft position sensor, it controls fuel injector timing, although I don't think it will cause a no start condition.

 

Sounds like you got Immbolized.
If your security light is on with the key in the on position then that's your problem. Car will need to be towed to a dealer or locksmith who can reprogram the NATS system.

 

Hi thank you for your reply, I did not know if the back crank sensor was different, I thought I try one first then exchange with the other one, but they are different, as for fuel pressure; I disconnected the fuel line and crank the start, pumps plenty of fuel,

 

no cel

 

Hi there, thank you for your reply I was over confident when at the first I thought it was the fuel pump, that was same symptom happened to me before, obviously I was wrong, then I replaced the crank sensor, (the one next to the oil filter) still no go, I disconnected the fuel line turn the key on, there is plenty of pressure, so pump is pumping, I got not so bad spark so I dont know what to do next, should I replace the second cps?

 

They say this A LOT on these kinds of issues but just throwing this out there in case:

Air flow issues? Did you check your MAF? I know usually a bad MAF with make your car struggle then die, Im not sure if it will prevent starting altogether.

You said your fuel stuff seems ok. The engine needs fuel plus air to keep going. Might be a direction at least to continue your diagnosis.

 

Hi thank you for the suggestion, Ill check the MAF tomorrow and see if it makes a difference, however, there is no CEL, muf should trigger cel. I am thinking to replace the crank sensor by the transmission and hope that would be the last part.

 

you didn't answer Maxima Joe's post. I will quote it for you here.

99s have the immobilizer. Was the first year of the system, there are many posts about it here on the forum.

 

Ill check today to see if my warning light is coming on Thank you.

 

+1 on the immobilizer.

Maxima no cranking issues dont jus happen over night. Its usually more of a gradual thing.

From what OP described, its not a fuel or air issue. Its electrical and related to the starting circuit. Since u not getting spark and car not attempting to crank AND its a 99, my bet is on the immobilizer.

 

remember, this particular "warning light" is not any of the ones on the dash. This is the SECURITY light, the little red one to the left of the steering column next to the cruise control switch. If it is SOLID ON with key in the on position, you have been immobilized.

 

Hi I do have spark although intermittent, any idea how much the dealer charges for this procedure? but I checked the security light which is staying on as I turn the key on position does the immobilization throw cel ?

 

"i checked the security light which is staying on as i turn the key on position"...so if you turn key to ON and KEEP IT THERE. (not start, but ON)...the light is solid on, not flashing? If YES, then you are immobilized.

Judging by your description I assume you ARE being immobilized. Call a locksmith who can reset your NATS system. Or fork over 300 a the dealer.