The car starts then struggles to stay on and gets shaky and then the car fully stalls when I was trying starting it again it turns on as if.

Tiny
TEMP7_
  • MEMBER
  • 2015 NISSAN PATHFINDER
  • 3.5L
  • V6
  • 4WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 130,000 MILES
It's been 6 months due to a problem where my car has been having a rough time starting and sometimes even running, what it does is it turns on but then struggles to stay on and gets shaky, and then the car fully stalls when I was trying starting it again it turns on as nothing happened. Also, when on the road and it's around 1/4 the car. Gets very shaky and horsepower loses it even once time stalled going downhill. I've put in some Lucas injector cleaner didn't do. The only code that popped up was a p0300 but then went away. The car has more effects when turning it on, when the engine is fully warm and sometimes cold starts. It runs normally when full but when it is around 1/2 or 1/4 it runs bad. Also, when starting it sometimes smells like fuel, I've taken the car to two dealers one said it was my trans but then the other said the trans was fine and there were no problems to be found. I went to local mechanic shops and didn't want to mess with the car since there were no current check engine lights. I have a feeling it could be my battery. It looks in fair condition but I'm confused about what it could be.
Monday, July 15th, 2024 AT 2:39 PM

5 Replies

Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 109,709 POSTS
Hi,

What you described sounds like a fuel pressure issue. Has anyone checked it for low or high pressure?

If not, here is a link that explains how it's done. You will need a fuel pressure gauge. If you don't own one, most parts stores will lend one to you.

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

I mentioned high pressure above. If there is an issue with the fuel pressure regulator, it could be too high as well.

Let me know. Also, if you have a live data scan tool or can get your hands on one, let me know. I would like to confirm the coolant temp sensor is operating properly. And note that a hard start has nothing to do with the transmission. If the starter wouldn't engage, it could be a range sensor in the trans, but not what you described.

Take care,

Joe
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Monday, July 15th, 2024 AT 6:31 PM
Tiny
TEMP7_
  • MEMBER
  • 3 POSTS
Hello, yes, I have a scan tool with live data. And also, how could I test the fuel pressure in my vehicle?
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Monday, July 15th, 2024 AT 6:44 PM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 109,709 POSTS
Hi,

As far as checking fuel pressure is concerned, the link above will provide a general overview of how it is done.

Next, before starting the vehicle in the AM, connect your scan tool and check what temp signal the coolant temperature sensor is indicating. The temperature should be very close to ambient temperature.

Also, am I correct in assuming the problem has nothing to do with the starter motor not working?

Let me know. Also, I attached the manufacturer's fuel pressure specifications below for you.

Let me know what you find.

Take care,

Joe

See pic below.
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Tuesday, July 16th, 2024 AT 7:43 PM
Tiny
TEMP7_
  • MEMBER
  • 3 POSTS
Temp signal was reading normally no problem found there.
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Wednesday, July 17th, 2024 AT 1:16 PM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 109,709 POSTS
Hi,

Okay, that is good news. By chance, were you able to check the fuel pressure?

Joe
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Wednesday, July 17th, 2024 AT 7:39 PM

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