Engine won't start without ether

DONNA0728

MEMBER
1999 NISSAN MAXIMA
11,700 MILES

My 99 maxima doesnt start, (it will with ether) they're saying its the computer or the anti theft device? How do I know which one it is? At first we thought it was the fuel pump.I would gladly accept any and all advice you could give me

Monday, November 7th, 2011 AT 11:06 PM

6 Replies

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
109,758 POSTS

Is the security light on? Also, have you checked for fuel pump pressure? Who are "they" that told you? Was it a certified tech?

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Monday, November 7th, 2011 AT 11:07 PM

DONNA0728

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7 POSTS

"They" are my brother in laws, and yes the light was on steady not blinking, at first we thought it was the fuel pump, but now he thinks it is the ecm, or icu. How would we know which one it is? Ive been without my car for 2 weeks im trying to help him out on his homework.

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Monday, November 7th, 2011 AT 11:14 PM

DONNA0728

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Not certified techs. One is a mechanic who seems to be stumped

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Monday, November 7th, 2011 AT 11:15 PM

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
109,758 POSTS

If the security light is on, that is the problem and not the ecm. I hate to say it, but you need to have the computer scanned to identify where the problem is coming from. There are several things that could cause it.

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Monday, November 7th, 2011 AT 11:20 PM

DONNA0728

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7 POSTS

Should I get a new icu then? Are they hard to come by? And what am I looking at to spend.I really appreciate your answers. Could you please enlighten me on the several things that can cause it?