'02 I35 issues

[Dadillac]

Hello, I am a new member here. I have two questions for the knowledgable. My wifes I35 has occassional starting issues. Sometimes when trying to start the car, the engine cranks, but will not start. Then, the accelerator must be pumped, while turning the key, to get it started. Is this a fuel pressure bleed situation, or faulty crank sensor? I ask because I had the same issue on my Cadillac, and after changing the crank sesnors, it starts fine now. Also, where are the spark plugs located on the 3.5? I assume that they are under the engine cover, but would rather not remove it, unless they are there. Also, are there plug wires on this engine, or coil on plug? I am getting ready for fall, and would like to be informed. Thanks

Don

[audtatious]

Not sure what pumping the gas pedal has to do with anything since it has a fuel injection system, but there is a recall you may want to validate has been performed:

2002-2003 I35 Engine Sensors Applies to 2002 I35 with the following Vehicle Identification Number ranges:JNKDA*1**2T 000033 - 032047

Applies to 2003 I35 with the following Vehicle Identification Number ranges:JNKDA*1**3T 100004 - 100005

The number of I35 vehicles potentially affected is approximately 30,527.Please review the disclaimer located at the bottom of this page for more instruction.

Reason for RecallOn some 2002-2003 I35s, there is a possibility that the engine might stop running while being driven if the crank position sensor fails. This may also result in the "Service Engine Soon" light coming on or reduced engine power. If the engine stops running while driving, this could result in a crash without warning.

What Infiniti Will DoIn order to prevent this incident from occurring, your Infiniti dealer will replace the crank position sensors. This free service should take about one hour to complete, but your Infiniti dealer may require your vehicle for a longer period of time based upon their work schedule, or parts availability.

What You Should DoContact your Infiniti dealer at your earliest convenience in order to arrange an appointment to have your vehicle repaired. If the "Service Engine Soon" light comes on, contact your dealer as soon as possible to have your vehicle inspected. Please bring this notice with you when you keep your service appointment. Instructions have been sent to your Infiniti dealer. If the dealer fails, or is unable to make the necessary repairs free of charge, you may contact an Infiniti representative toll free at (888) 737-9511. You may also contact the Administrator of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 400 Seventh Street SW, Washington, D.C. 20590 or call the toll free Safety Hotline at (888) 327-4236.

If you have paid to have a crank position sensor replaced prior to this campaign, you may be eligible for reimbursement of the related expense. Contact an Infiniti representative at the numbers listed above for additional information on how to obtain a reimbursement.

Federal law requires that any vehicle lessor receiving this recall notice must forward a copy of this notice to the lessee within ten days.

[Dadillac]

Sorry, I should have stated in my original post, that the recall had been done some time ago. Probably two years ago. As far as the pumping of the pedal; if I just turn the key, the car will not start. If I pump the pedal, while turning the key, she starts up. This only happens occassionally, not like every day. Probably happens once a month or so.

Don

[audtatious]

Hmmmm. Could be anything ECU or fuel related. Pumping the gas is not supposed to do anything until the motor starts, but I could be wrong. Have you had any codes?

[Dadillac]

Is there a way to check codes on this car? One of the coolest features on my Caddy is pulling codes. You don't need any equipment, just press some buttons on the dash. If there is a way to do this in the Infiniti, please advise. Thanks

Don

[maxhopper]

Your local Autozone will pull codes for free.

[C-Kwik]

I migh be helpful to describe what exactly happens as you try to crank it. Does it hesistate to start but sounds like it does want to? Does it just crank without anything else going on? Does it start smoothly when you pump the gas?