300zx starting/stalling issue after accident

[dans300]

I recently rear ended somebody, did a lot a damage pretty much from the fan forward was replaced. New hood, core support, fenders, bumper, radiator, headlights, etc. Ive had all the body work done, engine mounts replaced, oil pan replaced, and mechanic can not get car running.

At first car was running very rough, I was able to drive around block however it would stall if I hit more than 4000 rpms, instantly stall. So I took it to mechanic that did original work, they are unable to figure it out, replaced battery, states getting spark and fuel, no idea what it could be, wants to refer me to place that specializes in auto electric. Since they began tinkering with it, it now wont start, it tries to turnover, however the starter just keeps whining and wont turnover, not clicking... Its trying.

So I read up online, and there has been some damage to my MAF sensor so i thought this may be my issue, perhaps MAF sensor not sending signal to ECU hence causing stalling (although doesnt explain why wont start now i dont believe or maybe it does...) I have ordered the part and Im going to put it on today.

I guess I am just asking if anyone has any other ideas as i already have about 3k into fixing this thing, and now its all done and cant get it running... Thanks in advance

[BigTDogg (MA)]

That's your MAF. One way to confirm is the check the signal the ECU is receiving from the MAF. Where are you located? Best to see if a local member has Nistune, Datascan, or Data Voice software they can check that for you.

[dans300]

Located in Toledo, OH, I am replacing the MAF sensor either today or tomorrow, guess i was just wondering if there is somewhere else i should also be looking... Thing has me baffled and after money ive put into it, Id really like to get it back on road. And not sure I want to drop $$ on another mechanic if not needed. Hoping MAF sensor will fix issue, it is cracked, still concerned that it wont turnover and start at all now, installed new battery and it started once or twice and now wont again. All and any suggestions appreciated thanks.

[BigTDogg (MA)]

When I reinstalled my engine, I did so with a used Apex'i SAFC in line with the MAF signal. That SAFC was bunk, so my ECU was getting a bunk MAF signal. The car would crank all day, but never fire. I removed the SAFC and reconnected the OEM MAF wire to the ECU, fired first try.

This guy lives 15 minutes from you, might be worth emailing him if your new MAF doesn't work out

Did you buy a new MAF ($400ish from Nissan) or a known good used one, or a "new" one off eBay, which are garbage?

[dans300]

Ok thanks a lot for you help man, Im thinking it has to be something with that MAF, I am going to replace that , and if it doesnt work I will see if I can get in touch with that guy. Thanks, youve been a lot of help

[dans300]

UPDATE. Replaced MAF sensor, car wouldnt start, disconnected battery started up fine, ran fine for 5 mins or so, shut off, wouldnt restart. Unhooked battery again, let sit, restarted, started back up. Rev engine to 4 rps, and exactly at 4000rpm engine shuts off, then realized that everytime after that when we try to start it, security light flashes other lights come on but security flashes. Unhook cable, hook back up starts. Stalls at 4000rpm again. We are thinking it has to be an alarm/security issue/feature. Any ideas? We have tried the key in door to reset, etc didnt work. If it isnt alarm system then something is telling car to shutdown at 4 rpm or after idleing for certain time and then not allowing car to start up again. Will turnover but wont start. ANY IDEAS please let me know. Anyway to bypass alarm??? Thanks in advance, need this thing running

[Ace2cool]

If you think it's security related, (doesn't sound like it to me, but the factory alarm can be screwy) then disconnect the factory alarm system. It's located above and to the right of the ECU in the passenger footwell, secured to the back of a bracket by 2x10mm screws. Also, try running ECU diagnostics after it shuts off and before disconnecting the battery to see if it's spitting any codes out.

Take a picture of the label of your "new" MAF sensor and post it up here. We'll tell you if it's the right one or not.