99 infiniti I30 starting issue

[sargent73]

I have a 99 Infiniti I30 limited with approx 140,000 miles on it and have recently run into some issues starting the car. When I try to start it it won't initially crank just makes a whooshing noise but if i keep the key turned for 10 to 20 seconds it will start to crank and sputter to a start. After it is started it smells like fuel. Any ideas? Mind you i'm not a car savy person so just trying to get an idea of what to expect when i take it in to get looked at and possibly what the cost will be. Thanks in advance.

[MaximA32]

There are only three things that will make a car not start: air, fuel and spark. It sounds like you're eventually getting them but not all at once when you turn the key on. I would have the starting and charging system checked out to begin with. During that 10-20 seconds, is the motor cranking at all?

[NutriaforBreakfast]

It is relatively inexpensive (as a do it yourselfer) to see if your fuel pump is pumping as it should.