Well i have a 98 max. and ive been having this starting problem. i took it to a guy who said that it is some sensor on the intake manifold? that he said it is around $700 to$ 1000 to fix. whats happening is that if i put in the key and turn it the engine will just keep cranking and priming the fuel and will flood the engine. so what i have to do to start it is to turn the key and hit the gas pedal and it will eventually start. right after it starts there is a lot of smoke blowing out of the exahust. so anyone know anything about this that can help me out here?

 

That dude is an idiot. Check your SES codes yourself.

Most like a crank pos. sensor, 65$ and 12 mins to install.

 

Wow he is truely trying to rip you off.

Like Nmex posted, could be crank pos, or simply a dry starter that takes a while to crank.
You decription sounds just like when my starter was going. Took about 4-6 cranks eventually fired up, black smoke out the tail pipe. New starter cuered it all.

 

i had the same problem for a while and a new starter fixed it....u should try holding the gas pedal in WOT before putting the key in and then starting it. it prevents the engine from flooding with gas.

 

I have the same problem after replacing my started with a used one. Should I get a new one or check crank sensor?

 

hmm....i replaced my cam position sensor, and it cured all my problems.

 

Truth be told, there are any number of hard start reasons. If you have not error codes, I would not play the part swap game but instead, bite the bullet and have the dealer take a look at it. He will recommend what needs to be fixed and you can decide at that time if you want to fix it yourself.

Before you do that, make sure your car has had proper up keep: spark plugs, fuel filter, throttle body clean, battery (incl. fluids), etc.

 

i wouldnt do this. If you want, I'm in elizabeth NJ, and I can check out your car for you. I've had this problem and fixed it, and we can swap parts if necessary. And i'll do it for free. Nissan dealer's won't do that.

Let me know.

 

I used to have similar problem starting my '95 Max. Pulling the codes indicated a crankshaft position sensor fault. After taking off the sensor (side of the engine, toward the bottom by the oil pan on the passenger side - 2 screws), I found that the top was covered with 1/8" of road grime. I cleaned it up and checked it with my meter per instructions in the Haynes manual - tested fine so I reinstalled it and starting improved immediately. Apparently the heavy layer of dirt was interfering with the sensor's abilty to operate properly.

 

Have someone check your Starter for you, it should not take long or take it to a nearby Autozone where they will test it for free. If its good it can be one of the following to my knowledge. Crank Position Sensor, Coolant Temperature Sensor, or maybe a bad ground. Have you checked the fuel filter and the fuel pump. Try running a pressure test on the fuel system.

 

I had new fuel filter put on, injectors cleaned. Only does it after the car is parked for 30 min. or more. Any thing short of that it's ok. Having coil problems along with this starting thing is very annoying. I'm replacing the coils. Found them for $59 here in Birmingham.

 

This isn't your thread

 

I know it's not my thread, but this is for info and help. Some of you act like you own the world, but for the most part others are helpful.

 

actually i might take u up on this...i slept over last nite in jersey city over a friends house and my freakin car died! couldnt get it to start damn it lol. i'll see what happens anyway. how hard is it to change this crank pos. sensor?

 

If the car cranks, why would he need a new starter?

 

I would like to know what you did to correct this problem. I am still at it trying to figure mine out.

 

it's one 10mm bolt, take less than 5 minutes to change. I have 2 working ones if you need them.

 

Wow guys sorry for the really late post on what I did to fix it. Anyway I took it to my friends mechanic and turns out it was the starter like most of you said and the knock sensor. Anyway thanks a lot for all your help and advice I know some people here wanted to see what my problem was. Again sorry for the late post.

 

did you just get a regular starter or the 11 tooth starter.