My 1996 SE won't start. Engine will turn over a few times then a loud bang(metal on metal) from the engine and it won't turn over anymore. Turning ignition off and back on allows it to turn over another few times. Sometimes it will start for a split second but then turn off with some bad noise from the engine.

Removing the crank position sensor connector(POS) allows it to turn over freely but then it just will crank all day and still not start.

I replaced both crank position sensors and the camshaft position sensor(PHASE) with no change.

It's getting spark.

No check engine lights.

Give me some things I should test or replace. I have a FSM and a lot of tools.

All I can think of is checking the flywheel signal plate, replacing starter(maybe its not disengaging when engine turns on), and combing over the ecm to REF, POS sensor connections with a multimeter, would all that be a good idea?

 

I have no idea, but how are you getting to the ecm? I am having trouble taking off the round bolts
I had a mechanic rob me and replace the ecm but never had him show me how he did it

Pretty sure if you do a continuity test and a voltage test of the POS (thanks for the abbv. tired of typing that out) wiring you don't have to check the ecm connection
Does that check out?

what codes are you getting? people will prob ask that

 

I ended up having to break the clear plastic to get to the ecm. I can take a pic of the broken plastic cover if you want to look at the mechanism.

I got this car for $150 so it's not too much of a loss.



https://ibb.co/album/MfL5LL
Here is some pics

But there is a 10mm bolt I remember that tightens and makes the connection to the ECM really tight and holds it in.

If you're talking about those black cover with the plastic around screws I just yanked on them and they popped off.

"Pretty sure if you do a continuity test and a voltage test of the POS (thanks for the abbv. tired of typing that out) wiring you don't have to check the ecm connectionDoes that check out?"

Yes you can but the FSM also has you do continuity tests between the POS connector and the ECM to make sure the harness is good

"what codes are you getting? people will prob ask that"

No codes whatsoever unfortunately.

I got one of those $20 knockoff Nissan Consult devices from AliExpress but I need a laptop in my car to use it.

Anyways I'm going to remove the timing cover tomorrow and see if it skipped timing.

If so that will be one hell of a repair.

 

Weird Ill take some pics of mine in a couple hours, but there is a metal housing that goes over the ecm in mine that metal housing has some round bolts,