04 Maxima will not start

[knightfall16]

I have a 04 Max that refused to start this morning. She cranks but will not start. Details below


at 100K had both camshaft position sensors replaced due to failure
car ran fine since
only underlying symptom seemed to be that every time it rained she would only start on the second try.
it rained hard last night and she wouldn't start at all this morning. (dont know if this is even relavent)
I ran the scan tool on her and the only code showing was the P0507 which has been around since i cleaned my throttle body.


Any ideas?

[MaximA32]

How are your grounds? Does it crank?

[knightfall16]

Grounds are good.. She has a nice strong crank, she just won't fire

[loystock]

Just to make sure you have enough 'juice' during starting, check battery voltage is >12.5 VDC with engine OFF and @ 10 VDC or more during cranking.

Make sure the ground points for the main engine harness (usually close to intake manifold) are clean and tight.

If water ingress seems to be affecting your starting, then check the integrity of the engine covers and splash guards. Also check the components inside the IPDM (Intelligent Power Distribution Module), engine compartment, front, pax side. It contains relays and circuits associated with starting - Ignition Relay, Fuel Pump Relay and Starter Relay. Make sure they are all clean and dry.

If all of the above checked out Ok and car still won't start with a normal crank, then problem could be with:
-fuel delivery (pump, relay, filter, injectors0. May need to safely hook up a fuel pressure gauge (34 PSI with engine running, 43 psi with Ignition ON, engine off). Also perform a 'click' test to hear if the fuel injectors are cycling open-close.
-ignition problem. Both ignition coils and fuel injectors may be affected by poor grounding of the main engine harness. You need to perform a 'spark' test to see if the spark plugs are firing.
-engine control/sensors (camshaft, crankshaft, etc., including the ECM). Some sensor problems may not necessarily throw a fault code during scan. Also, check the main connector to the ECM (loose or contamination).
-is the Security LED working normally?

As for the P0507, you may be able to reset it using the IALV (Idle Air Volume Learning) procedure. If pre-requisites were met and Idle Speed cannot be met, check the intake and exhaust for leaks including the PCV. If all requirements were met yet Idle Speed is still high, then you have to replace the Throttle Body. The 04 Maxima uses a drive-by-wire electronic control. Nissan does not recommend cleaning this type of TB. It has very sensitive actuators and sensors which can be easily damaged during cleaning.
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[knightfall16]

I think we have it diagnosed down to the timing chain. She cranks real fast. Its at my mechanics now, he will give me an update later today.

[loystock]

Strange for a timing chain to fail, given the age of your car. Usually, it lasts the lifetime of the car (unlike timing belt which requires scheduled replacement).

[MaximA32]

I was thinking the same thing. However, if it had been replaced previously or the guides had been done (they tend to rattle) and the tech put the chain back on half a tooth or a full tooth off, it could disrupt the whole process.

[knightfall16]

Actually guys we have no idea what it was. We took off the airbox and started her with starting fluid and in the mean time the scan tool crapped out so we shut her off and then when we tried to start her again she fired right up without starting fluid. My mechanic and buddy just looked at each other and said wtf? We honestly have no ideas as to what the heck could have been wrong. I would like to diagnose it so it doesn't happen again. So the timing chain was just fine. I will be replacing the guides too after reading about their failures. So any other suggestions would be appreciated. I appreciate your input thus far.

[loystock]

Focus on your current problem. You may or may not have a timing chain rattle.

The problem may be with the fuel delivery since you were able to start with starting fluid. You need to hook up a fuel pressure gauge and in addition to checking fuel pressure, you have to perform a leak-down test. It's possible that the Fuel Pressure Regulator (or injector(s)) is failing. Your mechanic-friend should know how to do the leak-down test. If not, let me know so I can give more info.

[NutriaforBreakfast]

Not sure if the car is starting now. If not;

I would go the the link below for your car and make sure
you have completed the accelerator and throttle valve learning
processes first in the EC section of the floor shop manual on pages
45-46. Then you can go to page 49 for the fuel pressure test.

http://www.nicoclub.com/FSM/maxima/2004/EC.pdf
Page 49 for the pressure test of the fuel pump