My 2003 maxima is not starting up. When i first try to start it, it turns and stays on for less then a minute and shut off. Then it won't start up again. i hooked up a scan tool and got a P0011 code. (A camshaft position- timing over-advanced or system performance bank 1 a).

what could this be? can this be causing the car not to start?

 

I know its common for those years to have the Camshaft Position sensor go bad.

And it will cause the exact problems your talking about.

If you search the forum there are about 3 good threads on this with pictures of how to get to the sensor and replace it.

 

Yea i did a little bit of research and that what i came up with (camshaft position sensors). I wanted a second opinion before i go spend money on these sensor. Them things are expensive.

 

Just try cleaning it first.

 

Cam sensors are common failures, they're cheap, under $80 even in Canada where our prices are normally doubled. Why would you clean it, replace it. Just my $0.02

Not worth a tow bill, even if it works for a while and craps out on you down the road, guarantee it won't happen in an ideal situation

 

i totally agree with you. i picked up both sensors from autozone (bank1 & bank2)
$124 for both. I'll be throwing them in on Saturday. I'm really hoping this solves the problem. I'll let you guys know how i make out.
Thanks for all the help.

 

Autozone parts suck, their warranty is awesome but for electric parts like this dealer would have been better.

 

Dealer wanted $96 for each sensor. My plan is to trade the car in once I get it running, so i didn't want to spend all that money.

 

Duuuuude, why?

Ask the dealer for a better price or call around. I got mine locally for $76 each. And again, Canada, where the price is way higher.

Even at that price you listed, you only saved just under $40. And you will create more headaches. Pay 1 tow bill and your savings are completely roasted. Also, electronic parts are NON RETURNABLE once opened.

You might also install the sensor, only to have it still not work. And you will assume that it's something else. Spending more money trying to fix a problem.

While all along, the issue could have been a crappy a$$ sensor from autozone. Not worth it, take them back, get OEM.