2nd fuel pump failure?

[RedWhale]

So, got my first fuel pump replaced at 2700 miles after repeated failures on first engine start attempts and all was well until two days ago when my car failed to start the first time. What was different this time was that it immediately started the 2nd time, no delay like the regular fuel pump problem. Now, though, it seems to be starting the same vicious cycle so I'm beginning to wonder if anyone else has had to replace more than one fuel pump or could this be an indication of a more serious problem?

Any help in this is greatly appreciated.

[KimberKenobi]

I don't remember seeing any other thread come up on here where someone complained about having to replace 2 fuel pumps... I would check the injectors (or just run a tank with sea foam to see if that fixes the problem by cleaning them).

Do you notice any other problems... like, losing 'pressure' at the gas pedal (also indicated by feeling the throttle drop while you're cruising along steady with your foot even on the pedal)?

[RedWhale]

So Tuesday I leaving work to get home to see the all star game and my car starts jerking violently and sputtering. It seems every time I get to 2500 rpm this happens so I drive to the dealership via back roads in 5th with the AC off trying to stay around 2k. Prior to this was an increasing problem of getting the car to turn over, maybe for month or so.

They found it to be that I had problems with my replacement pressure regulator and apparently they were prepared for this. I am not sure if the preparation was for my situation, a replacement of a replacement, or just in general. They didn't seem to think it was unusual that I needed a second one which worries me greatly but I still love the car. It's the 2 mechanical problems in less than a year that I don't love so much.

For the record it was Douglas Nissan in Las Vegas that treated me well.

[Slither]

Could it be bad gas? I remember several years ago independent retailers in my area were selling gas laced with toluene. They were being paid to illegally dispose of solvents in gas. This caused many fuel pump failures.

[srellim234]

Someone a number of months ago did report having to get the fuel pump replaced a second time, but I don't remember who it was or what thread it was in. I'll take a shot at trying to find it.

[srellim234]

Here it is, buried in the following thread:

zerothread?id=305028

" « Re: Tire Pressure Light (megpl) 5:39 AM 6/16/2008

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Hi, It is me ... again....

My Versa DID have a fuel pump problem, just like you predicted.

At 5000 miles the dealer finally got it replaced...

Now car has 10000 miles ... and it the problems started again. The same symptoms as last time; it cranks but does not want to catch on. If I put the key in the middle setting, the car engine finally catches on...

...so... do these pumps last only 5000 miles???

This is ridiculous...I decided to contact Lemon Law Lawyer ... see what they have to say...I live in NJ ... here the car has to be out of commission for 20 days within first 18000 miles to be considered to be Lemon.

Meg"

......I found that EV made a comment in a thread, too, that some other people were getting the fuel pump replaced more than once.

[bdu]

I thought the current state of knowledge on this issue was that it was the pressure regulator and not the pump itself?

[srellim234]

Originally they thought it was the fuel pump and apparently some dealers still haven't received the message that it's the pressure regulator. If RedWhale had the fuel pump replaced, would the defective regulator still be on the car? (I'm not mechanically inclined; I have no idea if the regulator would be replaced as part of a pump replacement).

At any rate, yes, the problem is the regulator. Given the wide range of assembly dates of cars that have had the problem, I don't think it's that far-fetched that there are some defective units in replacement parts inventories, too.

[RedWhale]

I need to go back and review the service paperwork for the 1st problem but I believe I was under the impression from the forums it was a fuel pump issue but in the end I believe the 1st one was a pressure regulator as well.

What I wanted to get out there was the issue of the herky jerky at 2500 rpm and the possibility of having to replace a replacement part which seems unsat.

So in review, 1st replacement at 2700 miles under the classic problem of turning the key with no response on first try but starting on 2nd or 3rd attempt. Took it in to dealership who were aware of problems with Versas and this issue and was taken care of after 5 hours.

At around 11k miles it began again but with slightly different symptoms. For a month it was attempt to turn over but never quite got there until the 3rd or 4th tries. After ignoring this problem for awhile and on my way home last week I could not exceed 2500 rpm without the car reacting in a jerking and halting way. Took it back to the dealership and was repaired in 2 hours, paperwork reads a new pressure regulator was installed.

No issues since.

[birdgirl999]

I purchased a new, 2007 Nissan Versa in July 2007. One month later, I brought the car in after experiencing trouble starting the car. It took at least 5 cranks at a few seconds each to get the engine to turn over. They replaced the fuel pump assembly that August 2007. Same problem reappeared, which they replaced the fuel pump, again in March 2008. May 2008 - (third visit) brought it in and they replaced fuel pump and fuel pressure regulator. August 2008 same problem arose and fuel pump replaced. Wrote Nissan Corporate Affairs, after my fourth visit to Nissan service, in August 2008 addressing the issue and received a voicemail response. Problem was fixed until December 2009, when fuel pump was replaced for the fifth time. I noticed the problem would occur on cold starts, after the car sat for at least a couple hours. And was more common during cold weather months. Nonetheless, a new car should not have problems like this!

Now, in May 2011, I am experiencing the same problem. I am scheduled for my sixth fuel pump replacement. This time, however, was interesting because I am out of my factory warranty. Originally, the service manager tried to charge me $95 to diagnose the problem, despite my report of the same problem I have experienced intermittently the past 4 years. After an extended discussion, he agreed to diagnose the problem free of charge and the report revealed the problem was the fuel pump - yet again! This problem is covered under the power train warranty....but only 5 years and 50,000 miles. I'm quickly approaching that 50,000 mi and wonder how long this one will last...

I wish I didn't like everything else about the car, but this issue is beginning to make me hate my Nissan Versa.

In other words, you are not the only one experiencing multiple visits to Nissan Service to have your fuel pump replaced. I'm on my sixth and counting...

[eliseojpjm]

I bought a 2009 versa two years ago. I was so happy with the fuel mileage until all of a sudden it just broke down on me... My mecanic said the fuel pump just stopped working. I contacted a both nissan customer service and a local nissan dealership and both said there wasnt and TSB s or fuel related recalls on my Versa(mileage just over 74k). Needles to say $400 and change later im back on the road.... Disapointing Any comments?