As the title states, my car 99 Maxima, had been sitting in the snow for a week or two, now won't start. I know the usual culprits: Crank or cam sensors...but are there any other ideas of what could be the issue here? I heard the fuel pump so I'm pretty sure it's not the fuel delivery..

 

Did you leave the driver's door open when trying to start it?

 

The fuel pump runs for a second or two when you first turn the ignition key to the ON position. But for it to keep running, the ECU has to be getting the pulses from the crankshaft sensor. Remove one of the ignition coils and see if it is making a spark when you crank the engine. This would tell you that you are getting the crankshaft sensor pulses.

Another thing to check is the red SECURITY led to the left of the steering column. If it is lit up when you try to start the car, the NATS security system has disabled the car. If you spray starting fluid into the intake and the engine starts, then this is a good possibility.

 

Nope, but it doesn't mind either open or closed..

This is a 3.5 with a 95 ecu, so no NATS!! It's been really cold (really really cold) so I haven't had a chance to remove the coil and check for spark, I'm going to try that soon. So if NATS isn't coming into play here, then it's probably a crankshaft sensor. Is the one under the timing case or the one in the bellhousing or the one on the upper portion of the timing case the culprit I wonder..

 

Actually it does. If NATS was still online. If you get several No Start attempts with the door open, It disables starting and running and needs to be reprogrammed to go back to normal.

 

I'm positive there's no NATS, since I've been using generic unchipped ace hardware keys for years now..

 

OK so I pulled the sparkplug and I do not have a spark. So it's either a crank sensor (which I hope) or NATS. But since I have a 95 ecu, wouldn't that rule NATS out?

 

I have a 96. I've had that symptom on mine too.

the cause was the security system.

 

The question of whether NATS is active in your car is a moot point if you don't have spark. NATS does not mess with the spark, it disables the fuel system.

But since you are using non-chipped keys, the NATS in your car is dead.

 

Yep! It's just a matter of when I get under and change out the crank sensor, since it's wet and snow is everywhere. Just thankful I don't need a tow to a mech/dealer..

 

I would clean your crank/cam sensors and electrical connections. The sensor by the started picks up metal shavings from the starter gear. Also, clean and the electrical sockets contacts. I use a small amount of dielectric grease to keep those connections from taking on moisture.

 

Will do. It has to dry up a bit first Nebraska winters suck so bad.

 

I found out what happened. Someone snipped the wires on my sensor located on the bell housing. Fixed it and keeping in my garage from now on, as about a few months ago, someone yanked my spoiler off...Apartment living at its best.