I am aware that many posts exist related to my issue, but the symptoms of my car are a bit different than anything I've been able to find through searches.

This issue started abruptly about 2 weeks ago. The car cranks normally, but will not fire unless I feather the gas pedal. Then I need keep the RPMs up for a few seconds as it stumbles on starting. It's tough to start whether the engine is cold or hot and regardless of whether it's been sitting in my heated garage overnight or outside in subzero temperatures. Also, it starts just fine if I just turn it off for a few minutes or if I haven't driven it all weekend. So, the hard starts only occur if the engine is off for more than five minutes but not more than 24 to 36 hours. Once started, the car runs perfect.

Also, sometimes on the cold starts there is a rapid tapping sound coming from under the driver's seat. I haven't been able to locate the source. It almost sounds as if there is an exhaust leak, but the exhaust checks out fine. There is no rhyme or reason as to when this occurs, except when the vehicle is cold. The noise goes away as the car warms up.

The car is a '01 I30 with 160K and the CEL is not illuminated. Although this seems like a fuel issue rather than a charging system issue, I've checked and rechecked the battery connections and grounds. I've also checked the FPR, but not sure what I'm looking for there. There is some fuel in the smaller hose coming out of the FPR and the car's starting was not affected when I left this hose disconnected.

Any advice would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.

 

Anything at all on this; even some reassurance that I'm on the right track?

Am I right in focusing on the fuel system (e.g., injectors or FPR)? Any advice on checking those parts to ensure they're operating within specs?

 

fuel filter? I THINK that's somewhere under the seat.

 

Long time member here (Sept 2000) and typically only come here now when I have a problem.

I have EXACTLY the same issue as you. The problem is very random and doesn't always occur. The problem is independent of the the weather conditions as you have noted. The starter is able to spin the engine fine but it seems as though the engine is not receiving fuel. After a few seconds of spinning the engine fires. So far, I have replaced the battery but that didn't make any difference. I checked my aftermarket air filter but that is also fairly clean.

Once started, power delivery seems normal. I haven't noticed any issues all the way to redline. Whether the car is driven aggressively or passively doesn't have any bearing on the issue either. I have not noticed any noises coming from underneath the seat but this could be the likely suspect.

BTW, I have a leak under the hood at the front of the car. Antifreeze seems likely but the fluid has a very oily consistency. Are there any other green fluids that I am overlooking? Obviously brake, power steering, and transmission are easily eliminated. Wind shield washer fluid varies in color but the last fluid I used was blue. When I first noticed it, I checked the antifreeze level in the radiator and it was to the top. The overflow chamber is empty and I plan on filling that later today.

 

If it's antifreeze, you'll be able to smell it after you drive the car. Antifreeze has a very distinct, sweet smell to it. I honestly can't think of any other green fluids that would be in the vehicle. I know that antifreeze has a bit of an unusual consistency, and feels kind of slick. But I wouldn't call it oily.

As far as your issue goes, it might be possible your fuel pump is on its way out. My mom's Altima had similar problems when its pump decided it was done working.

Or maybe your "lifetime" fuel filter needs to be changed...

 

I would check the fuel system, starting with the fuel pressure, and see if this is within specs.

The other thing could be something in the IACV sticking when cooling down - if the engine needs more air to start correctly, that's what it should be providing. If it does not, you'd need to help out by opening the throttle a little. If there are other air feed control valves I'd check them too.

 

Thanks for the responses. I ordered a new filter from DaveB today and will check the fuel pressure after I install the new filter.

 

Any updates on this? The Maxima has been starting fine for the last week. I almost forgot about the problem.

 

How to test if its the fuel pump: Get in the car, put in the key and turn the car "on" - dont start it! Count to 5. Turn it off. Turn it on. Wait another 5 seconds. Turn it off. Repeat one more time. Then start it. Thats how I found out mine was bad. Trust me, this is the test that will tell you what it is (direct from Nissan).

 

01 maxima se sometimes it starts like its flooded. From a cold start it cranks right up. But after its warm it has tobe started twice. Now it wont start and i think i heard clicking in the ivais. fuel pump and maf are new. It almost seems like its out of gas. Looking for a place to start looking. ses light is not on, any ideas

 

had the same issue with my 4th gen (for the most part at least). turned out to be the crank shaft position sensor.

B

 

Did the filter fix it?