I refused to let go of a fine 2002 Nissan Maxima, with a low mileage 06 engine, brand new struts, etc because of a 6 second start problem. I have been to EVERY MECHANIC (my brothers, and sisters, even Nissan!) and I can't fix this Problem! I changed every sensor, and the fuel pump. I tried a different ECU, same problem. The last options are, a wiring problem, broken wire or ignition switch problem, but the vehicle starts. Any suggestions or ideas would be helpful!

What kind of sounds does it make as it tries to start? It could be something so simple as an alternator issue or a starter issue. (If the 06 has it... not sure how these new engines are)

have you timed it to find out it takes 6 seconds?

Is it possible the starter isnt very strong?


I do know on some cars the flywheel/flexplate has to turn a few times so the cam and crank sensor can sync together and fire up


what ECU are you running with the '06 engine?

Thanks guys for the hints.

I went to 5 different mechanics even NISSAN. They still can't figure it out!

Things that were tried:

Flywheel changed!

ECU was Changed, same! (Nissan first said it was a Broken wire, then said it was a ECU problem, guess they did not know the issue.) The problem started before the engine was put in.

Air Flow Meter was cleaned!

Electrical work was done, but no broken wires found!

Cam,Shaft Sensors changed, but not the O2.

A mechanic said it was the tensioner but I doubt it, and won't waste that much money on a guess.
Starter is getting weaker because of the time it takes, but is not the reason for it.

ABS, SES, and Speedometer is also not working. diagnosis said its a Camshaft circuit problem, but the sensors have been changed, and still the same problem.

Do the big 3 upgrade....had same type of starting issues took a few tries to start used 0 gauge wire...hope it helps

Sounds terribly obvious, but I had this problem for a while and new beefy battery took care of it, just a suggestion.

Thanks! I did put in a new battery, and it has the same problem. Mechanic checked it and said it fully charged. But whats the big 3?

The big 3 includes:

- Battery to alternator (+)
- Battery to frame (-)
- Engine/Tranny to frame (-)

Improving the quality of these connections could help solve miscellaneous electrical problems but I'm going to say try to replace the starter first.

it can be as simple as a grounding issue

how come nobody said anything about fuel? if the car is having a hard time to start ...see if your getting the right fuel pressure at start up or something fuel related.

Grounding Issue, Run a new ground wire off the transmission to the battery.
I had the same problem.Watch these videos
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pGaskdErfPg
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9XfZa-Atqjc

what much did it cost to do that? A new ground wire from transmission to battery? I also thought it was fuel related. I did changed the fuel pump this past summer, a lot of money! I thought it might be fuel injectors or the line. But everyone who had this problem solved it through ground wires, sensors, flywheels, ecu,........but no luck. I will have to give this transmission to battery thing a try!


Yes it takes 6 seconds! Sometimes it doesn't turn over after 6 seconds, passing 10 seconds at times, then i would have to stop turning the key, and give it another try, on that try, after the 2nd 6 seconds it would start.

"I HAVE NEVER SEEN A PROBLEM LIKE THIS" is what every mechanic I have been to (5) said to me!

Heat circuit, Camshaft sensor circuit (both), speed circuit ( speed/RPM gauge doesn't even move!) problem is what diagnosis says, that's 3 major sensors/components! BUT I HAVE CHANGED those sensors twice! and it takes 6 seconds to start every time, hot or cold.

Turn the ignition on and wait for 6 seconds before cranking. Does it start immediately now?

tried it, did ten seconds, same thing.

Nothing yet ? since you said you had your flywheel replace that weakened the ground to the tranny when they took it out, try 8 gauge wire right off the tranny to the battery, or better yet 4 gauge if you have some.

I have a 00 with a starting issue.. first try of the day i can sit there while it turns over for the same amount of time.. i usually stop befor 5 secs and try again and it fires right up.... i have a trick for starting.mine first try... i turn to acc. i hear the fuel pump prime... i slowly start to turn my key and right befor it hits the cranking spot in the spring.loaded part of the ignition(if that makes sence) i can hear my fuel pump run.. ill hold the key.in that spot till i hear the fuel get dumped back into the tank and turn a bit more and BAM! I kicks right over! there has to obviously be no noise around u or likd.the radio turned off and stuff becuase its kinda hard to hear.. but i would try that... i know its not helpful to your whole situation but it could help with starting ur car without wearing out ur starter quicker until u find the problem when i was narrowing down this issue i had my fp checked when the car was running it was fine... then they checked my fuel pressure when it was priming for starting.. it woukd build up then loose its pressure... so we though it was the check valve for the fuel which is built into the.00-02 fuel pumps... replaced my.fuel pump and still obv. have the issue... im not familular with your.02-06 combo ... are you using the fp from the 02 or 06? if there different pumps ur check valve may be along the fuel line... worth a look .. OR MAYBE U HAVE THE RETURN LINE AND FEEDING.LINE BACKWARDS!!!!!!! just a thought but let me know if that starting trick helps!!

I had this same problem a few months back after replacing the tranny, no one at Nissan could figure out the problem. After doing some research on the org, I found the solution to be a simple ground from the tranny to the battery.

Only cost about $5 in materials at your local hardware store. Worth a shot.

I would say ground as well, or weak coils what the spark like

A ground from one of the starter mounting bolts to the battery is the best bet.


.

I posted above... try starting how i said because
A- determines a fuel delivery issue on start ups b- eliminates a grounding issue... i personally did the.geound from batt to trans.... no help for me.....

Did you also experience no movement in the speed/ RPM Meter and did it say it was a sensor circuit problem? how much does it cost to have a mechanic run a ground from tranny to Battery? reasonable or expensive? I also called Nissan and told them their dealership couldnt find the issue and they said they would have the regional specialist on the case. But I'm putting my hopes on the Ground method.

Will have Mechanic do it this week!

It may seem obvious but have you tried pumping the accelerator while starting to see if it may be a throttle issue?

BAd news. I tried the ground wires and no luck!

When you replaced the flywheel, did you clean/resurface the mating-points between the bell housing and transmission?

If not, you have a bad ground on those points that will only get worse over time. The only known fix is to unbolt the tranny and clean the surface.

Shouldn't take too long, your only extra expense will be new tranny fluid. If you have done EVERYTHING else, try this and let us know the results!

bad ignition switch


check the fuse inside the car that says signal starter or starter

Did you try the crank position sensor? Definitely could be causing you an issue.

Not sure if this has been said yet. But I had the same problem when I installed my 04 engine and it turned out to be the Cam Pos Harness.. Found another harness at a auto wreckers, replaced it and it started perfectly.
Try the one closest to the firewall (the one that goes inbehind the I-M