Hard starting, when its running it runs great?

2005 NISSAN ALTIMA
200,000 MILES • 4 CYL • 2WD • AUTOMATIC
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BMAN1G
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hard starting I'm wondering if it's just the fuel pump. any thoughts?
Jun 19, 2024 at 4:54 PM
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JACOBANDNICKOLAS
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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
Jun 19, 2024 at 7:29 PM
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BMAN1G
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No, no difference from what it was doing it will start to go and drop back to cranking.
Jun 21, 2024 at 1:03 AM
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BMAN1G
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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.
Jun 21, 2024 at 8:08 AM
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JACOBANDNICKOLAS
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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.
Jun 21, 2024 at 8:08 PM
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BMAN1G
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Thank you. I'll let you know.
Jun 21, 2024 at 9:10 PM
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BMAN1G
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Will a scan reader say your fuel pumps are bad? I'm ready to go buy a new one already.
Jun 21, 2024 at 9:14 PM
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JACOBANDNICKOLAS
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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
Jun 23, 2024 at 8:02 PM
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BMAN1G
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i bought a new battery camshaft sensor still nothing.
Jun 23, 2024 at 8:55 PM
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BMAN1G
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i did a scan no codes came up.
Jun 23, 2024 at 8:57 PM
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JACOBANDNICKOLAS
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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
Jun 24, 2024 at 9:52 PM
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BMAN1G
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It does start with starting fluid.
Jun 25, 2024 at 2:09 AM
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JACOBANDNICKOLAS
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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
Jun 25, 2024 at 7:38 PM
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BMAN1G
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I'll let you know tomorrow getting a fuel pump.
Jun 26, 2024 at 4:02 AM
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JACOBANDNICKOLAS
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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
Jun 26, 2024 at 8:49 PM
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BMAN1G
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Okay, how do i do that i can't drive it anywhere i have no pressure tester.
Jun 28, 2024 at 5:16 PM
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JACOBANDNICKOLAS
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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
Jun 29, 2024 at 7:34 PM
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BMAN1G
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I agree.
Jun 29, 2024 at 9:36 PM
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JACOBANDNICKOLAS
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Let me know what you plan. We need to get this thing running properly. LOL

Take care of yourself,

JOe
Jun 30, 2024 at 6:53 PM
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BMAN1G
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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.
Jul 1, 2024 at 12:48 AM
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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
Jul 1, 2024 at 8:19 PM
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BMAN1G
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No pressure tester and I haven't cleaned the throttle body yet.
Jul 1, 2024 at 9:22 PM
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JACOBANDNICKOLAS
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Just out of curiosity, try cleaning the throttle body to see if that changes how it runs. It may help out more than we think.

Let me know.

Joe
Jul 2, 2024 at 7:14 PM
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BMAN1G
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I'll do that.
Jul 3, 2024 at 1:31 AM
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BMAN1G
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problem solved, it was the fuel pump.
Jul 3, 2024 at 8:00 PM
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JACOBANDNICKOLAS
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Hi,

Thanks for the update. I'm glad to hear you found the problem.

Take care of yourself, happy 4th of July, and feel free to come back anytime in the future.

Joe
Jul 3, 2024 at 8:26 PM
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BMAN1G
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Thank you happy fourth to you.
Jul 4, 2024 at 1:59 AM