i had to replace my oil pan gaskets about a month ago, and before i had the bottom of the engine apart the car would start fine, but since it's been put back together the leak is gone but the car starts like crap most of the time.

once it starts it runs and drives fine, and sometimes it will start like nothing is wrong with it, other times it will take me 3-4 turns of the key for it to finally stumble on. would this be something that the crankshaft position sensor would affect? i read the faq's and some other posts so im just trying to get an opinion as to whether or not this might be the problem. if not the sensor, anyone have any suggestions to check?

i've checked all of the electrical connections that i could find, changed the fuel filter, cleaned/oiled k&n before starting the car the first time (maybe over oiled?), tried running a second ground wire, now my check engine light is on for the downstream o2 sensor.. i just want the car to stop having problems for once

 

Had a simliar problem...mine had nothing to do with what you said though. It sometimes started like nothing was wrong (usually when the engine still had warmth) and usually in the mornings it would struggle for about 2 or 3 turns of the key and slowly kick on. It turned out to be the fuel pump, you may want to look into that. pretty easy do it yourself and cheap.

 

ive got the same problem with my 95 max... doesnt like to start up... i ran the check engine light codes and the camshaft sensor and the knock sensor came up... i replaced the camshaft sensor, but nothing has changed... i ran the check engine light codes again and the camshaft sensor is still showing up on it.... hmmmm.... can someone help??

 

why are you in the 4th gen forum?

 

A few days ago I was having this problem...since then its been fine, but I'm sure it could come back. Is there a way to find out if your fuel pump is bad, or do you just replace it and see if the problem goes away?

 

Being the problem started right after you worked in this area, it's probably safe to say your problems source comes from that area.

Check crank position (POS). Remove it, clean up the tip and make sure the plug is clean and tight. Go over everything you did when you changed the oil pan gasket.

 

Funny, I just read an article in the Winnipeg newspaper where a guy with a 91 Maxima was having the same problem. He wrote in to their mechanic to ask what his problem to be and the guy responded that it could either be the fuel pump, or the power on the ignition switch circuits. Maybe check the latter too as that could be the problem.

 

you have to clear the codes after you fix the part

 

if the fuel pump was bad wouldn't it throw a code? if not, how would you check to see if it is the problem? also, how would you check the power on the ignition switch circuit?

 

ok i cleared the codes but the crappy starting still exists...

 

The article didn't say how to check for the ignition switch circuit, but for the fuel pump it says:

"You will need to test the system with a master pressure gauge for fuel pressure when it will not start. The pump may not be operating at all, but more likely it is operating, but not fast enough to provide full fuel pressure. This can cause all kinds of erratic codes to set and also cause the engine to flood because the injector spray pattern is not good."

 

What code was it giving you? There are two CPS's, and a CPS reference code.
I am in the process of tracking down what the problem is, seeing as how I was one of the first to post the big thread on this whole issue...
One thing i've noticed, is that when it cranks fine, the starter is turning the engine over at a higher, more consistant speed. I really do believe it has something to do with a ground that is at/around that area.
Sometime this week i'm going to be following all of the CPS wires, and grounds that go anywhere near there and re-wire them.
If that fails... im just gonna say screw it untill I drop the VQ35 and new tranny.....

On a second note, don't try running around other areas of the car thinking that may be the problem. When the problem started you didn't mess with the fuel system/starting system at all, nor were you anywhere near it. Trust me, i've run tests on all of that, as well as replaced the starter with a brand new OEM one. It has something to do with a ground/wires of the sensors that are near the tranny/oil pan area.
Keep track of my thread because i'll have updates of everything I do.
Hopefully with multiple people working on this we can finally come up with a solution!

Mike