Starting Probs - Mechanic Thinks We're Crazy

[jacinidaho]

My daughter's 1996 Nissan Sentra seems to have a mean streak. For some reason it decides it won't start. Cranks and sounds like it's going to fire, but just won't. Spark and fuel are ok.

So we tow it to the shop, park it there, and when the tech checks it, there's no problem. It starts just fine.

The condition is not related to weather, fuel levels, fuel pump, tune-up, etc. It just seems to be a random event that strangely corrects itself when we take it to the mechanic. Any ideas?

[ProZach626]

I have an 03 Spec V and I had a similar starting problem. Sometimes(especially after long trips) my engine would turn over about 5-10 seconds before it would fire. Also when it did fire, it fired rough. After three trips to the dealer, they finally replaced my fuel pump since it was under warranty and I haven't had a problem since then. I've heard about this before, so they must not have all the bugs worked out in the fuel pump they are putting in the sentras.

[LiquidSilverSpecV]

Are you SURE the problem is not your fuel pump? 'Cause it sure as hell sounds like it. Did you have a mechanic test the fuel system?

[Fialchar]

It's most likely the fuel pump. Instead of trying to start it normally, turn the key to the position right before Start. This will allow the fuel pump to prime, and it should fire up with no problem.

[lisamac]

Best check the Fuel Pressure with a gauge its pointing that direction

[dellik]

i had the same problem on my se-r. sometimes it would start sometimes it wouldnt. Finally decided to replace fuel pump and now it runs just fine.