I have trouble staring my 96 SE in the morning. (it starts fine after that during the day). The engine cranks but dies immediately. I have to pump the gas right before and after I crank it in order to keep it idling. I have changed my plugs and fuel filter but it didn't help. Does anyone know what it might be? Could it be intake air temp sensor? Coolant temp sensor? I suspect this has something to do with the COLD temperature in the morning.

My Maxima has 67,000 miles on it. It only gets 19 mpg with premium gas.

TIA!

Dave
dchou2@csc.com
96 SE GOLD Package

 

I just did a search and it seemed a lot of people are having the same problem COLD starting. But what is the solution? Starter? Battery? Coolant Temp Sensor? Common, someone has got to have an answer!!!

Dave

 

Volvo, but that is Bosch K-Jet that I'm referring to (mechanical fuel inject). In that case it could be a cold start injector, or a bad electrical lead to that injector. When the temp is below a certain value, the injector sprays extra fuel to help the car start. But there are also other stuff like rest pressure, line pressure regulator, fuel distributor (Bosch K), and so forth. I think no cold start is easier than no hot start. Sometimes when a car wont start after being driven people crank them to death which is a no-no on a EFI car--should start first try cold or hot, without touching the accelerator.

Seems like 67K is low mileage, were you the first owner? The fact that you pump the gas does imply something is very wrong. If you're gonna keep the car take it to a Nissan dealer you can trust, but if not, save the $$ and just start the car whichever way works best.

 

Thanks! I am the second owner and I've had the car for 4 years. It just started to act funny recently. My girlfriend just bought a 2001 SE. Sometimes it even takes 2 cranks to start in the morning. Strange huh!

Dave

 

Try this: turn the ignition key to the accessory position, count 1-2-3 and then crank it up. I would suspect that there is a loss of residual fuel pressure. It may be a minor nuisance to wait a couple of seconds every morning, but sure beats spending lotsa $$ on diagnosing/repairing it.