HI everyone,
I read all of the "hard starting" threads, but none of them seem to help...Every once in a while, my car will not start correctly, almost like the engine sorta "catches" then dies out. Usually you try again and it will start fine.
Then other times it will just simply crank and not start at all. The two times that I have noticed it crank and not start were after it had been started and run for a few seconds to move it in the driveway, then shut off. When you go to restart it after that it seems to crank and not start.

Yesterday it just cranked at would not start after haveing moved it a short distance. I attempted to crank it over and over, and the last time I had my foot on the gas and it started. When it did start, the exhaust smelled bad for a few seconds, and the CEL was on with a code of PO340. In checking that, it is the camshaft position sensor. I shut the light off with the scanner, but I didn't drive it that far to know if the light will stay off. Would the camshaft position sensor cause the above issues? Could/would that part cause the starting issue to be intermittent? HOw hard is the part to replace? Where is it located? Is this a DIY job to replace? I assume that Nissan is the best place to buy the part?

Thanks,
Zack

 

Camshaft sensor controls the timing of the injectors.
It's on the timing chain cover, very easy to replace.

 

So should I just replace the camshaft position sensor? It looks like the part is about $65.00 from Nissan. To my knowledge, the part has never been replaced on my 145,000 mile 1996. Is there anything else (other the issues with the wires) that would cause a PO340? Could this part be the root cause of all my starting issues? Also what would cuase that poor smelling exhaust when the car finally started yesterday?


Thanks,
Zack

 

Get the sensor at your local auto parts store, don't pay dealer price.
Yes, it's most likely the cause of your starting issues.

 

Ummm it sounds like CPS problem and you have the CPS code, so go change it. Why do people question the ecu of the car thinking its throwing codes for fun?

 

Mine throws codes for lolz, EGR, what egr?

 

Thats different you smashed your egr pipe

Like mine throws the o2 sensor and heater code since there is no sensor even installed

 

Smashed, then destroyed it.... then JB welded a penny..... Fixed, right?

 

Stupid EGR, exhaust gas recirculation is for chevys

 

Well the only reason that I questioned it was because the light came on just after the no start issue, and I didn't have a light at all before this. I have not driven the car in the past two days, but I wonder if the light will stay off?

Thanks,
Zack

 

Well I drove the Max well over 50 miles today, and the CEL did not light up. I guess the random not start issue sent the code, but since the code is cleared, it seems ok.
NOW...I must assume that the camshaft position sensor is on it's way out, so I will replace it anyway. I looked under the hood and I can't seem to find the part. I know that I am looking at the timing cover on the pass side of the engine, but I can't see it. Is it high or low on the timing cover? On the top all I see is a small sensor mounted into the cover, but that small sensor looks nothing like the pictures of teh camshaft position sensor on-line.

Thanks,
Zack

 

Your looking at the right part. Its just got one 10mm bolt holding it on. Pictures probably look different since part of the sensor is sticking into the timing cover. Just make sure you get the camshaft sensor, and not one of the crankshaft sensors.

 

And make sure that you use a new o-ring also.