Cranks but does not start

JESSICA LOPEZ

MEMBER
1998 NISSAN SENTRA
1.6L
4 CYL
2WD
AUTOMATIC
244,000 MILES

About a year ago I replaced the fuel pump distributor cap, rotor, spark plugs and wires. The only issue after replacing those items was the car didn't want to accelerate while in first gear. It has quite a bit of lag and even more going up hill. I recently replaced the fuel filter and ran some caticlean through the system. The fuel filter replacement seemed to fix the lag but less than 2 days later, while going uphill the car died and I haven't been able to get it running since.
I've checked fuel pressure, spark, I listened for the buzzing noise in all the injectors. Those sound normal. I replaced the battery and terminal as well. Should I be looking at a relay? I've checked all fuses and those are fine.

1 Reply

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
109,758 POSTS

Hi,

The first thing to do is check and confirm there is proper fuel pressure and ignition spark to the plugs. Take a look through these three links:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/car-cranks-but-wont-start

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-check-fuel-system-pressure-and-regulator

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-test-an-ignition-system

The fastest thing to do is this. See if it starts using starting fluid and then stalls. If it does, then we know it is a fuel-related issue. If it doesn't, then it's likely ignition-related issues.

As I was reading through your post, the first thing that came to mind was a plugged catalytic converter. Have you ever checked for that condition? It will cause a power loss as you mentioned.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-test-a-catalytic-converter

Here are directions specific to your vehicle for testing fuel pressure. The manufacturer's specs are included. Also, the picture below correlates with the directions.

________________________________

1998 Nissan-Datsun Sentra GLE L4-1597cc 1.6L DOHC MFI (GA16DE)
Fuel Pressure Test
Vehicle Powertrain Management Fuel Delivery and Air Induction Fuel Pump Fuel Pressure Testing and Inspection Component Tests and General Diagnostics Fuel Pressure Test
FUEL PRESSURE TEST

See pic 1 below

- When reconnecting fuel line, always use new clamps.
- Make sure that clamp screw does not contact adjacent parts.
- Use a torque driver to tighten clamps.
- Use Pressure Gauge to check fuel pressure.
- Do not perform fuel pressure check with system operating. Fuel pressure gauge may indicate false readings.
1. Release fuel pressure to zero.
2. Disconnect fuel hose between fuel filter and fuel tube (engine side).
3. Install pressure gauge between fuel filter and fuel tube.
4. Start engine and check for fuel leakage.
5. Read the indication of fuel pressure gauge.
At idling:
With vacuum hose connected Approximately 235 kPa (2.4 kg/sq.cm, 34 psi)
With vacuum hose disconnected Approximately 294 kPa (3.0 kg/sq.cm, 43 psi)
If results are unsatisfactory, perform Fuel Pressure Regulator Check.

________________________________

Let me know what you find or if you have other questions.

Take care and God Bless,

Joe

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