Hey everyone...I have a slight problem. It started around thursday and has gotten progressively worse until monday morning where it wouldn't start at all.

While cranking, the engine starts to bump a little, like it's eager to start every once in awhile.

That's all that happens.

The temperatures here have been in the single digits...could this be having an effect on the problem?

Car:

• 1997 GXE
• 170kmi

Maintanence History:

• Changed Spark Plugs to NGK V-Power Coppers on Sunday
• Put in both crankshaft sensors from parts Maxima I have that runs perfect (bad tranny and body however)
• Put in camshaft sensor from parts Maxima
• Swapped ECTS's...eventually put my old one back in
• Swapped TPS
• Cleaned TB
• Cleaned IACV
• Changed Coolant
• Castrol GTX 5w-30
• Tried MAF from parts Maxima...put old one back in eventually
• Changed EVAP canister from parts Maxima
• Swapped starters - See below for details
• Fuel pump checked
• Fuel injectors work
• Changed fuel filter
• Changed air filter
• Changed knock sensor
• Changed 02 sensors

I believe that's all I've done to the car (engine wise) since I bought it at 148kmi from my brother. Like I said...it's been really cold...and this started thursday and got worse each time I started the car until I couldn't start it on Monday morning.

Now, about the starter. I'm 18...and slightly retarded when it comes to cars...I'm just now starting to understand them a little (my area is computers). Well anyway...while swapping the starter...when I put the other one in...I (with my jacket) pushed the negative battery terminal and it touched the terminal as I was installing the starter and I had a little spark near the starter. I was freaked out cause I thought I shorted something...but after installing everything the car started pretty good (it's been hard to start for months...but it always started after about 4 or so seconds). Could this be the problem? I figure it if was it wouldn't have started period?

I dunno if you all can understand what's going on...but I NEED my car. I live 30 min from everything (mall, work, school, church). Not to mention today was the first day of the spring semester. I need my car back up and running asap. Does anyone have any info? and advice?

Thanks alot Org. I love you all.

 

is this doing in this forum?

Why swap parts, just check them before as.suming they're bad.

 

Isn't this a "MOTOR" forum? Hence people here know more about motors than some joe shmoe who just focus's on nothing in particular in the General Discussions section? If you ain't got somethin nice to say...don't sat it at all, punk.

And about the parts swapping...if I knew how to test them I would. Plus, after reading hundreds of threads I changed everything that could fix a start problem (according to the orgers) because I have another Maxima that starts and runs perfectly...hence...the parts on that car are GOOD. Also...I have a two car garage and those parts I did swap were cake. So I can put my originals back on in 10 minutes flat. Which I will not do because my starting actually got better for 2 weeks...it used to start and stall. That problem is no longer there.

But like I said...keep your "WTF's" to yourself buddy...not only is it a waste of my time reading it...it's a waste of your time typing it.

 

A.s.suming all the parts are good, then your car should start up fine, my $$'s on the starter. Have it tested out at AutoZone.

Are tehre any CEL's?

 

No CEL's...flashes 0505 when testing...which as you know means no codes. How could the starter be bad though? It was from the other car and I've driven that car (I bought it at an auction and on the way home from Philly to Upstate NY the tranny gave out). The starter is fine...

 

However...I am going to go put the old starter back in...and maybe somehow...just somehow...I can get it to fire up. I was thinking there is water in my fuel and that I just need to dry gas it out.

 

Typical starting problems =
CrPS
CmPS
Starter
Battery
ECTS
MAF

If all these check out, then who knows your problem is.
Take the starter to AutoZone and have them check it for free.

CPS's and other sensors (ECTC< CPS< MAF )will send out an ECU code, so I'm guessing it's not any of those.

If your battery is fine, and well that only leaves one option.

 

It sounds like the starter to me.

 

I just got back from autozone....both of my starters are fine. I have no idea what else it could be. I checked the fuses under the dash...all good...what relays should I check?

 

And what would that option be? lol.

 

Starter, but now who knows.

Starting = fuel and spark.

 

Well...starter is now installed...same boat. Checked all fuses AGAIN. All good. When I was changing the plugs...they were pretty wet with fuel. So my fuel pump and all that is good. Does this mean my coil packs are bad? Wouldn't it still start if one or two of them were bad? I mean, what's the probability of all 6 packs goin? Or is it not the coil packs? (I'm kind of dumb so help me out and bare with me)

 

Now Check for Fuel Pressure your FPR might be Bad or Fuel Filter. Just because you smell and feel the plugs are wet doesn't necessarily means there is sufficient Fuel pressure.

And always double or triple check, I always use this rule of thumb. "you never know"

And if it still wont start now it's time to check the MAF, Cmps, Crps etc. Electrical..

 

And to make sure your getting spark pull one by one each coil pack with the Spark Plugs still connected and see if their's a spark real simple.

Be Careful tho make sure your not touching any metal (ground)
At own risk.

 

My dad did that...it hit him pretty good (the current). I'm getting spark.

How do I check the fuel pressure?

Tommorow I'm going to buy a Camshaft Position Sensor from Pepboys for 60 bucks. My brother had to change that on his 02 Altima SL...so I'm gona try that. If it's not that...I'm gona go with the two crankshaft sensors. Although I swapped mine from the good car...I don't know if they were "on their last breath" to begin with.

 

Well I got my FPR gauge from Snap On but I think they sell them at Pep boys or autozone... First relieve any fuel pressure in the lines by disconnecting the Fuel Pump Fuse then reconnect that way you don't have lots of fuel spillage while connectinng the gauge second connect your Gauge to the outgoing hose to the fuel rail third turn key on only and look for readings between 40-44 that's idea, if any lower change the FPR.

I had to change mine at 120k couldn't start the car not enough build up pressure

 

Wait...if I take the fuse out...I need to START the car to lower the pressure...(according to the Haynes)...how am I supposed to do it now?

 

True, but this forum is not for diagnosing general engine troubles. I'm moving it to general discussion. There are a lot of helpful people there.

 

When you disconnect the fuse try and start the car it will eventually die out due to fuel pump not on. Then hook up your hose with guage once everything is nice and tight. Reconnect the fuel pump fuse and turn key on engine off. You want the fuel pump back on to create normal conditions...

 

My car doesn't start period. With the fuse or without. So there is no way to get the pressure out.

 

Problem solved...see other thread in general discussions titled "problem solved" (made another one so people who search have an easier time finding the info they need).