OK, this morning it finally happened - the Maxima couldn't get me to
work. (Had to take my twin turbo RX-7, hehe :) Before now it would take
about 5-6s of cranking before the engine would start, but it always started.
Usually when the engine was cold. When warm, it usually started as normal
with only 2s of cranking.
Cranked the starter for a good 10s about 5 times and the engine never
started. CEL came on, and the codes were 0101 and 0304 (Knock Sensor and
Camshaft Position Sensor). I've checked the CmPS system per the Factory
Service Manual and it's good. I did a quick check of the Knock Sensor, but
the manual says it won't affect starting. I also tried letting the ignition
'On' for a while before cranking but it didn't help. I've been getting
those codes after a couple of hard start episodes. Also, this morning I
noticed a fuel smell very briefly for the first time.
Nirav suggested the Engine Coolant Temperature Sensor. So I changed
that this morning and it didn't fix things. I haven't yet done the
continuity check on the ECTS wiring due to time, but I doubt that's a
problem.
Maybe these are basic questions but:
- Does the FSM have a starting troubleshooting flowchart? So far I haven't
found one - the section on 'starting' is just a bunch of electrical diagrams
and how to pull the starter assembly. I skipped it since the starter sounds
like it's been working fine and it's not very old.
- What's the best way to verify spark and fuel pressure? Should I be
checking the injectors next?
Thanks for the help so far, and thanks for anyone who contributes
further.
Dave
Steve T - 22 Jul 2004 05:15 GMT
> OK, this morning it finally happened - the Maxima couldn't get me to
> work. (Had to take my twin turbo RX-7, hehe :) Before now it would take
[quoted text clipped - 7 lines]
> Camshaft Position Sensor). I've checked the CmPS system per the Factory
> Service Manual and it's good.
Doesn't mean it's not the problem. Bad MAS's ussually pass the FSM test as
well. Given what you've said about this problem the cam sensor could easily
be what's wrong. Seem them cause plenty of intermitant no sytarts and since
it turned on the CEL and set this code when it wouldn't start, that's what
I'd be replacing.

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David Geesaman - 22 Jul 2004 12:47 GMT
> > Camshaft Position Sensor). I've checked the CmPS system per the Factory
> > Service Manual and it's good.
[quoted text clipped - 4 lines]
> it turned on the CEL and set this code when it wouldn't start, that's what
> I'd be replacing.
Thanks Steve. Nirav and I continued this discussion yesterday on the
.org forums and he suggested the same thing. So I've ordered a new CmPS
from Jerry Rome Nissan (only $56!). I hope they can move the order fast
though - it won't run without it. I will report if this fixes it.
Dave
Steve T - 23 Jul 2004 04:01 GMT
>> > Camshaft Position Sensor). I've checked the CmPS system per the
>> > Factory Service Manual and it's good.
[quoted text clipped - 13 lines]
>
>
We keep these kinds of parts around as it's easier to just plug in "obvious"
parts to check them than spending hours testing parts that I've seen pass
the simple FSM tests and still not work. I bet this fixes it.

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