tomservo291

I've got two Maximas, an 01 (64k mi) and 02 SE.

Since we got the 01 two years ago, each winter it has had issues starting (the cars are parked uphill in the driveway, which I estimate to be about a 3 to 4 degree incline.. possibly 5 at the most).

Symptoms:

- Occurs ONLY on mornings when it was below freezing overnight
- Does not occur again during the day once car has started, even if it sits all day in the cold
- Appears to be no spark or no ignition of fuel (could be lack of fuel?). Engine turns over very quickly, but no signs of attempted ignition (no sputtering, or anything like that)
- After attempting to start car 3 or 4 times in quick succession, the car MUST sit for at least 2-3 minutes, after which time it will start on the first try


Yes, I know the symptoms sound crazy, but I can assure you that this happens every cold morning.

If we back the car in, such that it is facing down hill, the car will start on the first try after sitting overnight every time (but will have a very subtle stutter when first starting, then rev up fine)

The 01 has a new alternator (about 3 months old), a new battery (about 6 months old), spark plugs are within correct lifespan, new air filter, and TB was cleaned about a year ago. Once the car starts up, the engine is running in perfect condition.

I'm out of ideas as to what it could be. Fuel pump? IACV? What could be effected by the cold mornings that could cause this weird, but consistent behavior?

pmohr

iTrader: (26)

Are you constantly parking it that way with a very low fuel level?

Have you tried letting the fuel system prime before cranking, or do you just stick the key in and immediately try to start it?

tomservo291

The car is not constantly low on fuel, I would say when it normally gets to 1/4 tank it gets filled to full.

It gets parked the same every night

Yes, we have tried many times to to let the car "prime" by turning the key into the accessory and wait. I've waited as long as a full minute before cranking, and still the same results (does not start, but after cranking a few times, sit idle with key off for a few minutes, and try again it starts)

pmohr

iTrader: (26)

The system won't prime when the key is in accessory, only ignition.

tomservo291

I just went out and looked at my 02

I see the following

Lock 1 2 3 4, with Acc ON RUN that appear to be labeling positions 2, 3 and 4.

I'm assuming you're talking about position 3 "ON"? That would be the position the key is turned to, the last position before the engine would crank.

quiksilver20004

possible fuel pump problem but it sounds like the car is not priming like it should. Aslo try a full fuel system cleaner and injector cleaner this may help.

tomservo291

I forgot to mention that in my original post, ran cleaners through the system last week.. hasn't helped

g.sembhi

happened to me once when i parked uphill, it was low on gas and didn't start at all, but u said urs is never low on gas, so i guess just park it facing downhill, also get ur starter checked i changed mine twice since i bought the car.

quiksilver20004

Do you have a CAI on the car?? I put one on my car and for the first few weeks it didnt want to start right. Also i just thought about this your fuel pressure regualtor could be freezing at wide open (because they are run off of vac) which means that it is creating no fuel pressure in the rails and when you try to start the car fuel flows past it unfreezing it and that is why it starts after a few min. Its a shot in the dark but also a possible. When you park it facing down hill it maintains fuel in the rails and does not freeze up.

tomservo291

No, this is my wifes maxima... there are no mods (except clear corners)

quiksilver20004

I could b wrong about the regulator though cause im not 100% sure how the vac actualtes them whether they open with vac or close with vac.

tbergma1

When your turn your key to on position, it only primes for about 2 seconds. Turn it off again and back to on again and let it prime again for 2 seconds. You can do this 3 times if you want. Try it and let us know if this helps your problem. I usually let it do the full 2 seconds before i start it.

Tomservo, did you get that from mst3000, best movie was "Manos the hands of fate". "Daddy the dogs sharp again!"