So I have this problem with my timing chain on my 2007 Nissan Maxima. I took out the timing chain cover because my car wouldn't start. I did some research and I'm not sure if it's the timing jump or the car is not at top dead center. After I took out the cover, I notice that the Camshaft sprocket on the left doesn't line up, but the Camshaft sprocket on the right and the bottom crankshaft are line up at the mark. Or is it my timing is not on tdc compression stroke? If the Camshaft sprocket on the left doesn't line up, how do I line it up? Do I rotate it to match the mark? Sorry but this is how I can describe the problem. What might be the problem for my car that's not starting? Anyone who knows please let me know. Thank you.

 

To be honest I have not heard of anyone with this year model having starting issues related to the timing chain. Also our timing is electronically controlled, so even if it isn't at TDC to start, the car will find TDC and correct for it. If it is too far off, then you will have problems, however they are not starting related. I would start with the Starter, Battery Amps, Fuel, Air Sensors. Do you have a check engine light? This would be the best place to start. Pull your codes if they are there.

 

Thank you for the reply. So the timing chain isn't related to the car not starting up? When I mean not start up I mean like the car cranks but then it won't fire the car up to really start. I checked it's not my battery or the codes. After I changed the tensioner that's when the car just cranks and not start at all. So then I took off the cover for the timing chain and noticed that the Camshaft sprocket on the left with one of the chains teeth was moved up and stuck. After I fixed that also, it was the same my car won't start either. I'm just explaining what I did, I don't know what happened to my car.

 

sounds like you should bring the car to the shop.

If you want to DIY, follow the procedures on the FSM to set the timing primary and secondary chains. I find the instructions a bit confusing myself, I have done it before with success.

Why did you start diagnosis with the timing chains? You always start at the simplest solutions first and progress to more involved and less likely causes.
I would check the cam sensors first long before I ever open up the timing cover to see if the chain jumped. These motors are not known to jump, not to say it can't happen.

Has your car had a very bad tensioner that you've heard huge chain rattle especial at cold start? Have you done work to the timing chain before the no start condition?

 

reading is fundamental lol

to OP, you need to provide more info to get the best help. Did you have the timing chains done or did you do it yourself? If in fact it was you who did it and you have already back tracked, double and triple checked everything. Then you should take nsnrider's advice and get it professionally looked at