2003 Infiniti M45 Start-up hesitation

[mistermastamind]

My M45 has started to hesitate badly upon start up. The engine turns and turns before it finally decides to start. Once warm, it will start immediately with no problem. I do not have a 'check engine' light illuminated but my mechanic stated the the code says that it's the 'cam sensor'. Has anyone had this problemor can anyone elaborate on this issue? Thanks in advance...

https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/hp ... JpIjoidCJ9

[BlackCat81]

That's exactly your problem. Bad cam sensors cause extended crank times and erratic idle behavior. Make sure your oil level is full.

[mistermastamind]

Ok excellent. My mechanic gave me a quote of $180 parts and labor. Does this sound about right?

[BlackCat81]

Ok excellent. My mechanic gave me a quote of $180 parts and labor. Does this sound about right?

Cheaper than it would be at the dealer, that's for sure.

[mistermastamind]

Thanks friend. I can exhale now.

[dougie1022]

Hello all, I'm new to this game of Asian cars but I finally let go of the American muscle Chevys etc and now I have a 2003 M45.
I recently dealt with "service engine soon" light and "VDC" and codes for cam sensor..
Car stalling, not starting, starting a half hour later being able to drive then stalling again..headaches..
This happened for a week and I changed the 2 cam sensors and the crank, ran diagnosis and finally found out that there is another sensor....it's called the "cam phase sensor"
Located on the drivers side under the cam sensor...it costed about $60
And my car seems all good now..I hope this helps anyone that's been having similar issues

[mistermastamind]

I searched "cam phase sensor" but only saw a "Camshaft position sensor". Is this what you're talking about? http://www.partsgeek.com/mmparts/camsha ... i/m45.html

[EdBwoy]

Did the check engine light finally come on?
From the link you posted, the part you're looking for is the one they are calling the "reference sensor". The other cam sensors don't typically cause starting issues.
In Nissan lingo, the sensor is called a camshaft position sensor (phase). See if these links will help you, the second one has autozone part numbers in one of my posts:
topic607101.html
topic603112.html

[mistermastamind]

No. I do not have a check engine light. I replaced the part that I asked about earlier in this thread. The car is running good but I think it should be running better. From a complete stop, if I press the pedal aggressively, the car hesitates. Also, when starting the engine, sometimes the engine will crank up and maintain a high rpm around 2000 rpm.

[mistermastamind]

Im not sure if its a sensor. A major tune-up may be needed.

[EdBwoy]

Yeah, probably some cleaning of the MAF sensor and throttle body to start. Be careful with the TB, you don't want to move the plate too much and ruin the whole component.
Is your air filter in good shape?

[mistermastamind]

Yes. The air filter is good. I purchased my 2003 with 74k in Dec/2014. It just hit 80k. I change all of the fluids comma repair doll defects comma and just replaced the spark plugs. I did a throttle body cleaning and a few service shortly after purchase. I think a major tune-up is needed as well as setting the timing. I'll keep you posted. Thanks for the info about the sensor.

[EdBwoy]

You're welcome man.
You'll be glad you don't have to set any timing in this car... and I honestly don't think there's any major tune up needed, considering what you've already done.
I would clean the MAF (cold), check the PCV valves and also check the vacuum tubes.

[mistermastamind]

Ok. I'm gonna let my mechanic do those things. Thanks.

[kp1]

Hello all, I'm new to this game of Asian cars but I finally let go of the American muscle Chevys etc and now I have a 2003 M45.
I recently dealt with "service engine soon" light and "VDC" and codes for cam sensor..
Car stalling, not starting, starting a half hour later being able to drive then stalling again..headaches..
This happened for a week and I changed the 2 cam sensors and the crank, ran diagnosis and finally found out that there is another sensor....it's called the "cam phase sensor"
Located on the drivers side under the cam sensor...it costed about $60
And my car seems all good now..I hope this helps anyone that's been having similar issues

I've had my vdc slip light on for years and never got it diagnosed and my car does this same thing has this worked for you??? its getting pretty bad now with the cold weather coming..