I am pretty familiar with my Fed spec 95 but my 99 CA spec has me stumped.

Car is very hard to start. Once it does catch it runs great. I am talking as many as 10-15 times cranking.

Only CEL is knock sensor. This has been replaced but I figure the KS is tripping due to the cranking.

KS code is erased when running and will not come back on during driving.

There is no skip or missing once car is running.

Any ideas????

 

Ignition coils. I have a 99 CA spec & it acts like it doesn't want to fire up even though I have a new starter & no codes (only KS). Replace the coils & throw some platinum spark plugs in there (if not changed) & you should be good!

 

Nah, it's not the coils.

First, try applying pressure to the key in different directions as you crank it to see if that helps starting. If so, you have severe key slop and need to replace the ignition switch.

Second, clean the IACV and the TB. Build up of oil deposits on the TB will cause it to be open ever so slightly, and thus messing up the cold start.

Next, run a couple of grounds from the bell housing of the transmission to the battery. If it starts right up, you've found the issue.

Then, look at the crank sensor and the fuel pump. A simple fuel pressure test can determine if the pump is weak.

There are more things to look at, but those are some of the most common. I also recommend you search the database here at Maxima.org, as this subject has been covered a million times. Good luck.

 

I got it figured out. One wire leading to the crank sensor was fried. Finally the CEL gave me the code. So I first found a spare sensor and it was a no go. Then found the wire.

 

Was this the sensor by the crankshaft pulley?

 

Yes...but sensor was good, one wire was almost cut.

 

Makes sense. The crankshaft sensor CKPS(REF) is used to determine TDC, If it is not working, the ECU can figure out TDC some other way and start the engine. It takes time to figure it out, so cranking time is longer. Nissan has never described this alternate method, but I suspect that the ECU may use the camshaft sensor.

 

My Crankshaft sensor harness gave me problems too. Until one day I took 2 hours cleaning both ends & I've had no problems sense but good job finding it out!