9904maxima

I had a similar problem with my 2004 Maxima. For over a year, when ever I would get the car hot, then let it sit long enough for it to start to cool down, but not long enough to cool down all the way it would crank but not start, or would start & die after going only a few feet. This was especially frustrating because I could never seem to recreate the problem for my mechanic. After changing numerous sensors and relays & various other potential causes, we eventually came to a malfunction in the chip in the key. I had the dealership reprogram the chip & so far the problem seems to have stopped. It has only been about a week so far, but this seems to have fixed the problem for me.

Mikebro88

Got a friend of mine told me it is a vapor sensor above the gas tank. You have to drop the tank an it's located somewhere above it. Hope this helps someone...

RMaxim

I have the same exact problem with a 2006 Maxima I bought about a month ago. Battery and starter were weak, changed them both, yet after driving the car a bit, turning it off, then trying to start a bit later, it would crank but wouldn't start.

It'd take 5 or more tries to finally get it going, but once it started it ran perfectly fine. That's were I was doubting it had anything to do with the crankshaft sensor, fuel pump, or anything else that would affect the drivability of the car.

I did notice I'd hear a relay click near the glove box then I'd hear the fuel pump kick in, if I took the time to wait before turning the key all the way. If I waited until the fuel pump kicked in, and THEN try turning the key all the way to start, the car would start right up. Using that method I've not had a single problem starting the car.

I think it's got to have something to do with the start up sequence and the delay caused by various relays having to energize before the car is ready to start. Don't know why it's such a problem with this model, but that appears to be the underlying cause of my problems at least.

So the method is as follows;

1) Turn the key to ON.
2) Wait until you hear a relay click, and then for the fuel pump to kick in (it's a slight whining sound). This could take between 2 to 4 seconds on my car.
3) Now turn the key to start.

Let me know people if that helps, it might be the cause of most of these starting problems I've seen described here.

Tarzan

That is not a problem with "this model" - that is a systemic problem with Nissan: electric components too cheap.

If it starts cold but not hot than chances are that it is one of the temperature sensors. Did you read the codes?

RMaxim

There are no codes as far as I can tell since the CEL is not lit.

I've read that a slow leak in the fuel system causing the pressure to drop can cause the problem, where you need to prime the system for it to start.

Tarzan

That would be the pressure regulator. If you had a leak through the injectors, you would see that from the fuel trims - if they are low or negative when expected to be positive.

Jerome Larry Carter

Help me please

danlb0y

I am dealing with the same thing and I am convinced it is simply an unresolved computer Glitch. I notice the problem more when it is hot outside. I also found that turning the ignition off for 15 seconds and trying again usually does the trick. I tried unhooking the battery for a few hours and let the computer reset. It seemed to reduce the occurrence of the issue. It never seems to be a consistent problem so you can troubleshoot it. My first thought is that the injectors don't fire up for some reason. Like I said it seems like a Glitch because after 10 to 15 seconds in the off position it seems to resolve. I replaced both cam sensors a few years back but I got an engine light when those went bad. This nutty problem doesn't throw an engine light.

MiaRaider81

When I 1st purchased my used 04 maxima it would not always start on first turn of key but always on 2nd try, after dealing with it for a few years I finally had fuel pump replaced and it solved my problem...its been starting up on 1st try now for years after that fix.

TDGrant

This is from back in the day. We have one on each fuel rail.