Hi all. I am hoping to get some opinions from people who know more than I. I have a 2004 Nissan Sentra 1.8 with about 68000 miles that, sometimes, when it has not been started for a while will not start on the first try. It turns over and cranks away and sometimes starts if I hold it but most times I have to turn the key back and try again. It has always started the second time without an issue and it doesnt do this everytime. Also, if it exhibits the problem and I drive it and turn it off for a short while it starts right up the next time. It has been doing this for well over a year now. The reason I am asking is we are about to have our first baby and my wife is literally freaking out about this issue. I took the car to a mechanic about 10 mo. ago and he said he could not duplicate the problem and that he didnt see anything wrong with it.

I cleaned the fuel system thinking that might help but to no avail. I was thinking it could be a dirty fuel filter? or fuel pump going? I asked another mechanic and they said they could run a psi test on the fuel lines to see if it is getting sufficient pressure, but I am afraid the problem wont duplicate when they run test or that it wont give good results and that I would be wasting more money.

If anyone has experienced this, or something similar I would really appreciate any advice or sources of useful help and information.

Thanks in advance

echo; It sounds to me that you are on the right track. Try to leave the car the night before so the tech can have a fuel pressure guage connected. It kind of sounds that it is taking a bit of time for it to build pressure after sitting.
Loren
SW Washington

Thank you Loren,

This sounds like the most logical answer I think. Someone else recommended giving it a seafoam treatment? I am not sure what this is though.

Seafoam is a 'brand name' product. From what I've heard, it is pretty good, as additives go. But, to be quite honest, additives, in most cases, mask the problem rather than 'fixing it'. This doesn't sound like a 'dirty injector' issue. Which is what I'm assuming that they are referring to by recommending Seafoam. Injector cleaning is done by a machine, not an additive. Most major brand fuels, now days, have detergents in them already, so additives are just, mostly, snake oil.
Tomorrow morning, try turning the ignition key to 'ON'. Wait a few seconds, turn it 'OFF'. Wait a few seconds, then try starting the engine. If it starts okay, then it is more than likely a lack of initial fuel pressure. You can try this several mornings to see if you get the same result. This isn't an inconclusize test, just a 'test'.
The electric fuel pump, inside the fuel tank, has a 'check valve' that is supposed to keep the fuel from 'bleeding off' after shutdown. This is very rare on Nissans. With that said, Nissans are 'famous' for having faulty coolant temp sensors/connectors. If the computer isn't getting the correct temperature reading, fuel delivery won't be correct. Again, with the pressure tester and scanner connected, they should be able to get to the bottom of the problem.
Loren
SW Washington

(This post was edited by Loren Champlain Sr on Nov 9, 2009, 9:59 PM)

I see. That is what I was suspecting, and it likely wont do any good since I just had the injectors and fuel system cleaned. I will try what you suggested for the next couple of days and see how it pans out. If indeed it does seem to be a lack of initial fuel pressure, could the cause be the filter? I am hoping so because it sounds like more work/money to check and/or replace the temp sensor or fuel pump valve. I browsed through the maintanence guide and I didnt notice an interval to change the filter...is there a certain time interval you know of they should be changed?

Also, one more question...If it does turn out to the be the filter how difficult are they to change? And same with the sensor/valve? I have a little experience working on cars (changing oil, brakes, other minor stuff) and was hoping to fix it myself once I diagnose the problem.

BTW thanks again very much for your prompt reply and assistance. It is greatly appreciated, if you ever need computer advice feel free to hit me up, as thats my bag


(This post was edited by echosummit on Nov 9, 2009, 10:22 PM)

Echo; In our area, extreme temp changes, it's common to replace fuel filters once a year. Lots of condensation in the gas station tanks. Never put fuel in your car if you've seen the tanker 'dumping fuel' at the station. It 'stirs' all the water and debris from the tank into solution. Mitchell's labor guide shows .7 hr. to replace the filter. Must not be one of the 'easier' ones? Some of these have 'banjo' gaskets that must be replaced. Some, are mounted near the firewall, others under the vehicle. And, yes, a plugged filter could cause the problem, but I'd think that you'd be having other symptoms....stalling, loss of performance, ect.
Loren
SW Washington

Great.

Thanks again Loren for your advice!

the pump and filter are one unit inside the fuel tank
__________________________________________________

3 Explorers and 1 Ranger
2002 Nissan Sentra SE-R Spec v
1970 Ford Mustang Mach 1
1969 Ford Mustang Mach 1
1968 Ford Mustang 302 Coupe

dmac; You are correct. I didn't pay attention to the .7hrs on 'Applicable models'. Good catch. Thanks.
Loren
SW Washington

Hey guys, exact same problem here, been goin on a year and a half about, at 71000 miles now but it always starts second try. I dont think this is a direct fix and I also dont understand why it would change anything but I changed my tranny fluid for the first time two weeks ago and it hasnt sputtered while starting since, I dont know if this is some kind of indirect fix or if I just bumped something while doing it or just a coincidence. This hasnt been a serious problem but is quite annoying and I dont want to ruin the starter either. Dont mean to thread jack but, echo, does your compressor belt and power steering belt like to glaze over frequently?