Engine turns over but will not start

2003 NISSAN ALMERA
60,000 MILES
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ROBERTMH
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Car was driving fine, got home an parked. Left overnight, and now will not start. Engine cranks normally, no fault codes recorded, fuel pump pressure 3 bar. When cranking sometimes it almost seems like it is going to fire up, but it does not. Also replaced crank angle sensor, no difference.

Fuel Pump?

Okay, following your advice, I carried out the following steps, with some odd results.

1. Firstly, sprayed some engine start into the intake, tried to start, and nothing happened, still just cranks with no start.

2. Removed all ignition coils and spark plugs (note, these were replaced less than five hundred miles ago). All spark plugs were very wet with fuel (expected after all the cranking with no start).

3. Dried off and cleand all plugs, then, in order to check for spark, reconnected all igntion coils, inserted plugs into each ignition coil, earthed the plugs. Then, removed the fuel pump fuse and cranked the engine. All plugs have good spark.

4. To make sure no fuel in cylinders, I leave the fuel pump fuse out, disconnect coils again and crank the engine for a few seconds to clear out any fuel.

5. Put all plugs and coils back, reconnect (but still leave fuel pump fuse out), try to start the car, and it starts! Runs for a few seconds, then shuts off. (To be expected, fuel pump fuse is out)

6. Put fuel pump fuse back, try to start. Nothing. Engine just cranks.

7. Spray engine start in, nothing, engine just cranks.

8. Repeat steps 1 to 4, and once again, the engine starts, runs for few seconds, then stops.

9. Leave fuel pump fuse out, but spray more engine start into intake. Engine starts and runs. Can keep engine running by spraying small amounts of engine start into intake.

10. Replace fuel pump fuse, engine no longer starts, even with engine start?

Any ideas?

Robert

Please help, at wits end with this one now!

Thanks
Robert
Feb 25, 2012 at 2:38 PM
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HMAC300
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Fuel pressure should be at 3.59 bar or 51 psi. At idle. If it is lower than the it could be a fuel filter plug, pressure regulator or pump. Check to make sure you have a good spark at spark plug. Try spraying choke cleaner in the throttle body, if it starts it is a fuel problem, like injectors not working or spraying fuel.

It sounds like you have a EFI replay that is burnt out not supplying power to the ECM. Here is a guide to help you confirm the failure:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-check-an-electrical-relay-and-wiring-control-circuit

If your engine light is on have it scanned and check to see if there is a vacuum line going to the pressure regulator. Also, we do not have Almera's here in the US so i am using Altima's which we have here. what engine size is this you did not put that down?
one other thing you might want to check coolant temperature sensor as it may be telling the computer that the engine is cold and putting to much fuel in engine.

You can test the injectors for resistance. An Altima with a 1.8L is 13.5-17.5 at 20C so if temp is off it will change the resistance on it. Fuel ppm resistance is 0.2-5.0 OHMS at 25C hope this helps you. The only other thing they give is fuel pump pressure at idle which yours will not do anyhow.

This guide can help as well

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

Let me know
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Feb 26, 2012 at 6:31 PM
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ROBERTMH
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Hi,

Thanks for reply. The engine is a 1.8.

I have scanned for error codes, and none listed.

I did check fuel pressure, and I am reading 3 Bar, spec is 3.59 but I was not sure if such a small variation would make much difference.
On this particular model, the fuel pump and pressure regulator are a single integrated unit in the tank, with only a single hose feeding the fuel rail (so there is no return, that is handled in the pump).

I will try and test engine temp sensor, but I am suspecting fuel pump more and more. Problem is, they are impossible to get hold of. Two week wait from main dealer, no "pirate" version, and I have tried all the breakers and nobody has this particular type.

Finally I replaced the ECM relay I got confused with EFI and the car started.

Thanks for the help.

Robert
Feb 26, 2012 at 6:39 PM
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HMAC300
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Use 2CarPros anytime, we are here to help. Please tell a friend.

Cheers
Feb 26, 2012 at 6:47 PM
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TINY TOON
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Hey, I have a problem as well. Mine was working well, no problems at all. Until I parked the car one evening and the next morning I tried to start it, it would just tumble and tumble and it would not start at all. It is an hr15 engine for a y 12 wingroad. I checked the air flow sensor and the jacks. Checked the coil packs and the fuel pumps. What else can I check? Please help me. I have been getting this problem for the past couple days and nobody seems to be figuring the problem.
Jul 27, 2018 at 8:41 AM
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STRAILER
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We need to test the ignition for spark because it sounds like the crankshaft angle sensor is not working. Here is a guide to help us get started look toward the bottom of the guide:

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

this guide can help as well

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

Please run down this guide and report back.

Cheers, Ken - 2,69 k
Jul 29, 2018 at 4:48 PM
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LEONARD MBATSHA
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My car wont start it just swing the engine. I have replace the cam sensor, but still wont start. I have tested the power to the cam sensor and found none. there is also no power to the fuel pump. I have checked and tested all the fuses and are working.
Oct 22, 2018 at 2:59 PM (Merged)
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HMAC300
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we have no information on this car as it is not sold in US. Try resetting security system first. See link.
https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-reset-a-security-system
Oct 22, 2018 at 2:59 PM (Merged)
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SUNRAS
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Engine Performance problem
2002 Nissan Almera 4 cyl Front Wheel Drive

i clean my injectors and it leak and now my is not starting
Oct 22, 2018 at 2:59 PM (Merged)
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DAVE H
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you need to replace the injectors if they are leaking
Oct 22, 2018 at 2:59 PM (Merged)
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2CP-ARCHIVES
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my car wont start and my immobiliser light is staying.it wants to start but just wont
Oct 22, 2018 at 2:59 PM (Merged)
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JACOBANDNICKOLAS
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The security system has it locked it down. You need to have the computer scanned by a dealer to see what is causing this to happen.
Oct 22, 2018 at 2:59 PM (Merged)
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2CP-ARCHIVES
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on mornings when i start the car the drive will not engage all other gears work perfect tha drive gear only works when the vehicle is hot
Oct 22, 2018 at 3:00 PM (Merged)
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ASEMASTER6371
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it sounds like a valve body problem. have a trans shop road test it to confirm

Roy
Oct 22, 2018 at 3:00 PM (Merged)
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GRIFFITHSS
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every so often my Nissan Almera 160 lux '02 cuts out whilst driving. Sometimes it will recover and carry on, other times will swing over without any proplems but not catch. Sometimes given 5 to 30 minutes will restart. Serviced and no improvement. Where should I start looking for the fault?
Oct 22, 2018 at 3:00 PM (Merged)
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HMAC300
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we don't have that model in u.s but scan for codes and check fuel presssure, also clean throttle plate on both sides with choke cleaner we have no info on specs for this car
Oct 22, 2018 at 3:00 PM (Merged)
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GRIFFITHSS
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it has a 1.6 litre fuel injected twin OHC engine with seperate coils on each spark plug. owners manual says engine code is qg16de if that helps at all
Oct 22, 2018 at 3:00 PM (Merged)
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HMAC300
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the only twin cam there is in u.s is a 1.8L and that speck for fuel is 34psi w/vacuum at regulator and 43psi without 2.4bar & 3.0bar
Oct 22, 2018 at 3:00 PM (Merged)
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SEELAN
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hi I have a Nissan almera 2006 auto which I have tried so many macanhics to repair but is still doing the same thing I av repaired the gear box control which the guy said that would be the cause but still doing the same thing, it sometimes starts and then switches off when in motion then when this happens we tap the gearbox control unit and she starts again but once that happens ,but recently it is not starting at all please could u assist me in this matter it would be greatly appreciated
Oct 26, 2018 at 6:54 PM (Merged)
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JACOBANDNICKOLAS
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Do you mean the starter isn't engaging or it does and the engine fails to start?
Oct 26, 2018 at 6:54 PM (Merged)
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CARRYJACOB
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my almera just crank but wont start it started last week when i went to the car wash,after i start the car the was a sound or vabration on the left side and later on the car wont start
Oct 26, 2018 at 6:54 PM (Merged)
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WRENCHTECH
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All "crank, no start" conditions are approached in the same way. Every engine requires certain functions to be able to run. Some of these functions rely on specific components to work and some components are part of more than one function so it is important to see the whole picture to be able to conclude anything about what may have failed. Also, these functions can ONLY be tested during the failure. Any other time and they will simply test good because the problem isn't present at the moment.
If you approach this in any other way, you are merely guessing and that only serves to replace unnecessary parts and wastes money.



Every engine requires spark, fuel and compression to run. That's what we have to look for.

These are the basics that need to be tested and will give us the info required to isolate a cause.

1) Test for spark at the plug end of the wire using a spark tester. If none found, check for power supply on the + terminal of the coil with the key on.


2) Test for injector pulse using a small bulb called a noid light. If none found, check for power supply at one side of the injector with the key on.


3) Use a fuel pressure gauge to test for correct fuel pressure, also noticing if the pressure holds when key is shut off.

4) If all of these things check good, then you would need to do a complete compression test.

Once you have determined which of these functions has dropped out,
you will know which system is having the problem.

Oct 26, 2018 at 6:54 PM (Merged)
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LAZAROUS MWAPE
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My car is not starting just cranking. but I find there is no airflow sensor and one is at throttle body. there two sensors but one is throttle sensor but the other one I do not know it. so help me with the same.
Oct 26, 2018 at 6:54 PM (Merged)
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HMAC300
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so what your real problem is that the car will not start. try resetting security system. See link.
https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-reset-a-security-system
Oct 26, 2018 at 6:54 PM (Merged)
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WEGENEY2012
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Hi I got Nissan Almera 1.5 se 2004.i left almost 2 month I didn't start the car.after 2 month I try to start the engine the fuel light is lighting yellow and the battery is dead I jump battery from my friends car now the engine is cranks but it's no star i don't know what happens could you help me with that please or do you think that fuel problem thanks.
Oct 26, 2018 at 6:54 PM (Merged)
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HMAC300
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try resetting security system if no manual look online. make sure the battery is charged enough to turn car over by itself.
Oct 26, 2018 at 6:54 PM (Merged)
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ALLN
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Hi I am at wits end, the Almera, only occasionally like today, is fine and when I park somewhere (out of the blue) the engine will not start , but turning over.

Please could you help me, as car stuck in bad area.

Kind Regards,

Allan
Oct 26, 2018 at 6:55 PM (Merged)
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RASMATAZ
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Check if its a fuel or spark problem-Do below

Get a helper disconnect a sparkplug wire or 2 and ground it to the engine atleast 3/16 away from ground-have helper crank engine over-do you have a snapping blue spark? If so-you have a fuel related problem, Do you hear the fuel pump come On when you turn key on? If not check fuel pump fuse and fuel pump relay if so, check the fuel pressure to rule out the fuel filter/fuel pump/pressure regulator and listen to the injector/s are they pulsing or hook up a noid light. No snapping blue spark continue to troubleshoot the ignition system-power input to the coil/coil packs,coil's resistances,cap and rotor,distributor pick-up coil, ignition control module, cam and crank sensors and computer Note: If it doesn't apply disregard it and keep testing

Oct 26, 2018 at 6:55 PM (Merged)
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2CP-ARCHIVES
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My nissan almera 1.8 petrol will not start.have bought new battery and the diagnostic test failed to detect problem...where else should i check,what could be problem?
Oct 26, 2018 at 6:55 PM (Merged)
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KHLOW2008
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https://www.2carpros.com/articles/car-cranks-but-wont-start

Check the above link for more details.
Oct 26, 2018 at 6:55 PM (Merged)
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2CP-ARCHIVES
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2006 NISSAN ALMERA, 1.6 AUTO, WOULD JUST SWING AND NOT START BUT AFTER PLAYING WITH KEYS A LOT IT WOULD TAKE, SOMEONE CHANGED THE COLD START VALVE BUT IT STILL DOES THIS, JUST SWINGS , AND AFTER PLAYING WITH KEYS, LOCKING & UNLOCKING CAR TURNING IGNITION ON IT TAKES (ONLY AFTER A WHILE)
Oct 26, 2018 at 6:55 PM (Merged)
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KHLOW2008
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We need more information than those you have written to be able to suggest what could be wrong and what to check. It could be the immobilozer/security system that is causing the problem but that is only a guess. Check the link below for information on how to go about checking for source of probem. If you keep changing components without diagnosing the problem, you are might be going to be wasting a lot of time and money plus the disappointment.

Whoever changed the cold start valve hoping it would solve the problem don't seem to understand the basics of the engine operating system.
Oct 26, 2018 at 6:55 PM (Merged)