Hey guys. I'm still working on the cold start issue. I've replaced my MAF (Nissan brand), checked my TPS and it's good, cleaned my throttlebody, done the engine relearning thing, and replaced the battery with one that's super ultra powerful. Now I'm trying the CTS.

Symptoms:
Below about 30 degrees idle will die if I don't keep my foot on the gas at startup. Once engine is warm it's OK.


Solution:
Change Coolant temp sensor?

I found this pic of the CTS on the site, but I need a zoomed out version if someone has one. I can't tell exactly where this pic is taken from. And one more thing, Which one is the sensor?



Thanks!

 

My friend is having the same problem, ive heard its the intake manifold gasket so im going to replace that and clean the throttle body and clean the maf sensor, never heard of it being the CTS but i think that makes alot of sense, i should try that too.

CTS looks like the lower circled one and its on the right side of the engine on the water pipe

 

Assuming you have a 3.0 liter engine, follow the upper radiator hose back to where it attaches on to the engine. Right after that is a sensor for the gauge. Right after that you will see the ECTS.

The ECTS has a 2 wire connector and the dash gauge sensor has a 1 wire connector.

 

Just a quick update for anyone having the same problem. Replaced the CTS (ECU Temp sensor in the picture) and guess what? My multi-year cold start problem is OVER! She runs like new again. Over $1000 spent on MAF, TB cleaning, and more and all I needed to do was replace a $9.00 sensor.

My 1962 pickup never gives me this much trouble, lol. Progress is somethin, ain't it?




Hope this helps someone else!

 

$9 part?!
Awesome.

When I priced this OEM it was like $40 for my 4th gen.

 

I know! I got it from Rock Auto. Feels like I've been chasing this issue beating my head against the wall forever. This summer we actually decided to start shopping for a replacement car. Only had $10k and what she wanted is $15k so that alone made me keep trying to fix it.

You don't know how good it felt when she drove it the next day and said, "I don't even need a new car now. It's great!"

ManCard Reclaimed!

 

All these damn pollution controls drive you nuts. It's good to hear that you got it fixed.

 

From the picture above, is the lower left sensor that is circled in red the ECTS? I need to check and possibly replace mine. I followed the top radiator hose and can see the sensor circled at the bottom, but when I look for the other circled item, I am only seeing a connection that connects to what looks like the end of another plug. Thanks. 2003 Maxima 3.5L

 

As a life long diagnostician I often tell people if you're unsure what's causing the problems start with the cheapest part first. Of course it's not always the easiest part to change. Especially in a Maxima!

 

1. name checks out.
2. part is very easy to access and change. book time is only .6 and thats very generous.