Hi All,

I have a 2001 Maxima with 190,000 miles. Recently it has developed an intermittent issue in which it will crank and not start. I turn the car off and try to start it again and sometimes it starts and other times it just cranks, however after several times it always starts. After reading several threads here it sounds like it could be a battery/grounding issue or a crankshaft sensor.

I have had the battery and alternator checked and they are both fine. I cleaned the terminals and grounding points on the car. I have no CEL and so no codes.

My question is can it be a crankshaft sensor even with no codes or should I look at something else? I do not think it is a fuel issue as once the car starts it runs fine and there is no loss of power.

On a related note I have looked at the FSM for this car and it has a diagram of where the sensor is located, but would anyone have an actual picture?

Chris

 

It can be a crankshaft sensor without any codes. They go bad without any warning..

 

At 190K miles and assuming the sensors have not been replaced previously, it certainly wouldn't be a bad idea to replace the crank and cam sensors just as a maintenance issue if nothing else.

... and yes your symptoms can be indicative of a failing crankshaft sensor, or a failing camshaft sensor, or a failing MAF, or a failing IAT sensor, or ...

 

Try cleaning both of them first. If they got too many metal flakes stuck to them, then they act wonky.

 

camshaft/crank shaft position sensors can fail with no codes at all and can be very sparatic (almost weeks to a month apart)

both happened in my case, and mine was replaced under recall and still failed , 12 years later.

so being replaced or not is a wash because they are all old now

 

All,

I pulled the crank and cam position sensors, cleaned them and reinstalled them. Unfortunately, this did not resolve the issue. I have attached some pictures below.

I will get new crankshaft sensors to start with in the next few days, install them and report back if that solves my starting issue.

Chris

 

Do not get anything but OEM sensors for this. ask me how I know.

if you do not, you will be back to square one in 1 year or less

oh and the dealership checked my sensors (last resort before buying sensors) and said they were fine before I replaced mine.

 

Hi Guys,

As an update I replaced the crankshaft sensors but this did not solve the issue. If anyone has an idea on where to start next let me know.


Chris

 

what Im seeing is that you left the Cam sensor plugged in.
what I suggest is unplugging it and inspecting it.
my Cam sensor electrical pin housing was full of oil from a hairline crack in the magnet casing.

 

What about the security light while you're cranking it? I think it'll be on if the key isn't recognized. Anyone remember how that goes?

 

Yes, I have not tried replacing the cam sensor yet. When I cleaned it, it appeared to be in serviceable condition. Would this be the next likely suspect.

Chris

 

I have read about this, but in my case I am using an original key and the security light is not on.

Chris

 

What if you prime the fuel pump before trying to start? Maybe the FPR is bad.

 

I will do some reading on the fuel pump relay. I was not thinking it was a fuel related issue as once it starts I runs normally.

 

two cam sensors and one crank, it takes all 3 before u will be 100% it wasnt any of those sensors.

 

Solved----

So after more reading and checking my issue will not be a sensor at all but a starter going bad. I bought the car used and it has an aftermarket starter which I will replace with a Bosch. I also discovered the ground from the frame to an attachment point on a muffler bracket has been frayed. I will replace this also.

I want to thank everyone for their help.