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Hard starting, when its running it runs great?

Tiny
BMAN1G
  • MEMBER
  • 2005 NISSAN ALTIMA
  • 4 CYL
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 200,000 MILES
Hard starting I'm wondering if it's just the fuel pump. Any thoughts?
Wednesday, June 19th, 2024 AT 4:54 PM

26 Replies

Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 109,885 POSTS
Hi,

Chances are you are correct. Try this and let me know if the engine starts normally.

1) Turn the key from off to run (engine off) and count to 5.

2) Turn the key off and repeat step 1 a total of 5 times.

3) On the 6th cycle of the key, see if it starts normally.

Let me know.

Joe
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Wednesday, June 19th, 2024 AT 7:29 PM
Tiny
BMAN1G
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  • 45 POSTS
No, no difference from what it was doing it will start to go and drop back to cranking.
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Friday, June 21st, 2024 AT 1:03 AM
Tiny
BMAN1G
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  • 45 POSTS
Here's one had it running and took a quick ride an hour ago but it would only crank doing normal start so I thought try it in neutral cranked right up but after ride it's just hard cranking again.
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Friday, June 21st, 2024 AT 8:08 AM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
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Hi,

Based on that, I would recommend testing the fuel pressure to confirm it is within the manufacturer's specifications. We may simply have a weak pump.

Here is a link that explains how it's done. You will need a fuel pressure tester, but most parts stores will lend one to you.

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

I attached the manufacturer's pressure specifications below. Try this and let me know what you find. Additionally, when the key is turned to the off position, see if the pressure drops quickly.

Joe

See pic below.
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Friday, June 21st, 2024 AT 8:08 PM
Tiny
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Thank you. I'll let you know.
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Friday, June 21st, 2024 AT 9:10 PM
Tiny
BMAN1G
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  • 45 POSTS
Will a scan reader say your fuel pumps are bad? I'm ready to go buy a new one already.
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Friday, June 21st, 2024 AT 9:14 PM
Tiny
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Hi,

Some scanners can, but not all. You need to make sure that the one you get can read live data and is bidirectional. In other words, you can have it communicate to the vehicle as well as have it communicate with it.

Let me know.

Joe
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Sunday, June 23rd, 2024 AT 8:02 PM
Tiny
BMAN1G
  • MEMBER
  • 45 POSTS
I bought a new battery camshaft sensor still nothing.
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Sunday, June 23rd, 2024 AT 8:55 PM
Tiny
BMAN1G
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I did a scan no codes came up.
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Sunday, June 23rd, 2024 AT 8:57 PM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
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Hi,

When it won't restart, see if it starts if you use starting fluid. I there is no change, see if there is spark at the plugs.

Here is a link that explains how to check:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-check-for-ignition-spark

We need to determine if it is a fuel pressure issue or an ignition issue.

Let me know.

Joe
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Monday, June 24th, 2024 AT 9:52 PM
Tiny
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It does start with starting fluid.
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Tuesday, June 25th, 2024 AT 2:09 AM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
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If that is the case, then the engine isn't getting fuel when it happens. I need you to check fuel pressure when this happens. If it is low, the pump is the likely problem. If it is normal, then we need to see why the injectors are not providing fuel to the engine.

I attached the directions above for checking pressure. Let me know if you have questions or if I can help in any way.

Joe
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Tuesday, June 25th, 2024 AT 7:38 PM
Tiny
BMAN1G
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I'll let you know tomorrow getting a fuel pump.
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Wednesday, June 26th, 2024 AT 4:02 AM
Tiny
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Hi,

Before you go to the trouble of purchasing and installing the pump, I would confirm that is where the problem is coming from. However, that is your call. LOL

Let me know.

Joe
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Wednesday, June 26th, 2024 AT 8:49 PM
Tiny
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Okay, how do I do that I can't drive it anywhere I have no pressure tester.
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Friday, June 28th, 2024 AT 5:16 PM
Tiny
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Hi,

Is there anyone that could pick one up for you or take you? Other than that, I'm not sure what to say. I just don't want you to spend the money, do the work, and then find out the pressure was good.

Joe
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Saturday, June 29th, 2024 AT 7:34 PM
Tiny
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I agree.
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Saturday, June 29th, 2024 AT 9:36 PM
Tiny
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Let me know what you plan. We need to get this thing running properly. LOL

Take care of yourself,

JOe
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Sunday, June 30th, 2024 AT 6:53 PM
Tiny
BMAN1G
  • MEMBER
  • 45 POSTS
Okay, here is were I am at: I can get it started with starting fluid and will stay running but the idle will be normal then drop down for a couple seconds and go back to normal, but when I give it gas there's is a lag for a second then it will rev a little bit. Oh yeah, I also replaced coolant temperature sensor.
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Monday, July 1st, 2024 AT 12:48 AM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
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Hi,

Have you tried cleaning the throttle body?

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/throttle-actuator-service

Also, have you been able to check fuel pressure?

Let me know.

Joe
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Monday, July 1st, 2024 AT 8:19 PM

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