Hi:

(1) Whats the typical battery life for 4 gen (1999 1/2) maxima?
(2) Pros/cons of buying non Nissan batteries?

Problem

When I turn the key in the ignition, the car makes very low, almost whiserping sounds. Looks like the battery is dead. Engine does not start. After multiple attempts, car stops making even that much sound.

History

Starting trouble started 3 months back when the dealer service mechanic diagnosed low residual pressure, requiring replacement of fuel pump, which I did not go for cuz it is expensive (~ $350). Because of this, I have had to crank for longer and multiple times for each start.

What do experts suggest?

Regards, Sanjay

PS: Happy holidays.

 

If the engine doesnt crank, then it has to be battery/starter. If the lights/radio work, then its probably the starter. I know that 4th gens have a problem w/ the starters. I think mine went once/twice, cant remember. Take the starter in to a discount auto or something and let them check the batt. and starter.

If it was the fuel pump, the motor would try to crank, but wouldnt start, so i dont think it would be the pump.

p.s. Delete the other post identical to this one

 

yeah, i'm thinkin its the battery, try getting a jump start and see if it works fine. If it works fine after that and than your still having problems, than check your alternator, hope it helps

anu

 

I don't buy the dealer fuel pump issue. I bet you there wrong. If you have adaquet pressure to drive your car, you sure have enough to start it. Even if it has a loss while it sits, it's still going to start reasonably.

I'd look closely at the engine coolent temp sensor. If it's working but not with in spec for temp ranges you will have hard starts and the car & Nissan will never know it's gone bad. The sensor is cheap, 30 - 40 bucks maybe and cures most hard start conditions.

Also make sure your throttle body is clean --> www.motorvate.ca for info.

Tom

P.S. Your battery is toast because of the hard starts.

 

Results of diagnostics so far:

(1) Battery is definitely troublesome, 'cuz voltage drops from 12V to 8.5V when I apply load to it. Haynes => voltage should remain above 9.6V. Tom, do you think the battery is a write-off??

(2) BUT, jump starting did not work I do know how to jump-start!

(3) This is probably a problem with starter again. I had the dealer replace the starter under original Nissan Warrantee in May 2002, and the starting problem had completely disappeared but symptoms are very similar.

(4) Also Tom, from what I understand from posts by Daniel B Martin and Haynes and the dealer, the fuel pump has a check valve inside to keep residual pressure and fuel in the line to supply for next start. Apparently, if the check valve leaks, the only option is to replace the entire fuel pump from inside the tank Once the car starts, since the pump is operating, the check valve is not really in use so the dealer MAY be on right track.

(5) I had emptied a bottle of Fuel Injector ($3 from NAPA) in the tank at last fuel refill -- apparently helps if the hard start is due to gummy residue in injectors. Could this be the problem??

If the car won't start at home with jump start or even a new battery, I will have AAA tow the car to nearest dealer -- who is a crook (!). Usually, I go to another dealer 30 miles away -- he is good, gives balanced advice and performs diagnostics for free though most times I do the repairs myself!

Thanks,

 

Try this

Have a friend tap the starter (located under your factory air box) with a hammer while you try and start it. if it cranks it's your starter.

Hope that gives you a little direction

 

Replaced batttery. Starter is cranking fine, very nice BUT engine does not start.

Damn AAA is closed for holidays

 

if it is the battery, dont buy a stock nissan battery, get an optima red top

 

Check-Engine-Light on?

If the problem was the residual pressure dropping while sitting the easiest way around that is to turn the key to the position right before it'll crank. You'll hear a "whirring" noise in back underneath the passenger seat. That's the pump bringing the pressure back up. Let it whir away. Once it stops, pressure is at max.

If your pump is dead there probably won't be any sound. You can also carefully check the fuel rail for pressure under the hood. There's a schraeder-type (bicycle) type valve that you can quickly depress. Fuel should squirt out. Try not to be smoking.

Check for mice under the hood too. I just spent about 12 hours rewiring most of my harness from a F#$#cking mouse. Little bastard must have stuffed 1000 acorns underneath my intake runners....


-RMB