car won't start! help!

[jp81]

I've searched around the forum, but I can't seem to find something that is similar to my problem, so hopefully someone can help out! I went to take the car out of the garage and the service engine light came on. I then tried to find the code and by the time I did the error code went away and all it gave was 55. When I turn the key to start it the engine turns, the fuel goes to the engine ( there is a smell of fuel) but that's the end of it. I've checked out a few more things from other posts such as grounding and all seems fine. I've also just tested one injector and it does give the right ohm reading....but I seriously doubt 6 injectors failed out of the blue. I'm thinking its that PTU that is attached at the front of the engine casing, but all the wires leading to it seems fine and no signs of green corrosion. It is the 1st version with the heat sink which is why I'm leaning towards that but I'm looking for other opinions out there. I took it out just last week and at the time it started fine in the garage and then stopped it right away in the driveway. I started it an hour later and it hesitated a bit, but did start and then drove it for around 30min without any problems. The temperature was around 5-6 degree Celsius at that time and today it was around the same.

[DCaff300ZX]

Hard to tell too much with what you've posted here, but I do agree that at the very least I'd replace the PTU if it is an old one- there was a recall long ago and you can get it replaced for free from Nissan.

[jp81]

I've called the local dealer and seems like the recall was only for US VIN numbers. He mentioned that its difficult getting Canadian VIN's to get the recall done, so considering I've got a Japanese S/N that's not going to work out. I guess a car not starting is not considered a big deal with them in their other markets such as their own country or Canada....kind of sad. The good thing is that I was able to find the part for around $150USD so I'll see hopefully in a few weeks if this fixes everything!

[DCaff300ZX]

That blows and I agree with you, can't understand why they wouldn't help you out on such an obvious recall item that is as important as the PTU...too many businesses these days are SO short-sighted as to be damn near criminal.
Glad you found one, too bad it cost so much...did you check the classifieds here for a parts car or someone selling the part? I myself possibly have one I could part with although it's not been in use in many years...anyway. keep us posted!

[jp81]

I managed to install that new PTU with the included harness and overall it was pretty simple. I've had no luck starting the car even after having changed it, so I'm at a loss as to what it could be at this point. I've made a video to describe the noises when starting it.

https://www.dropbox.com/s/wj4nlkd7b7urq ... 7.mp4?dl=0

[RubyRed300ZX]

From the video, it sounds like your battery is great. All you need is fuel, air, compression and spark. Though you can smell fuel, that doesn't necessarily mean you have adequate fuel pressure. It won't start without at least 20 psi in the fuel rail. I'd check that first. As you mentioned, unlikely 6 components go bad at the same time (6 coil packs, 6 plugs, or 6 injectors). Thus something else common to all 6 cylinders. You've replaced the PTU; so, I'd check fuel pressure next.

[RubyRed300ZX]

Just to add to my post above, you may be smelling fuel being splashed or leaking from the fuel pressure regulator which would explain the smell and yet not enough fuel pressure to the fuel rail.

[veery]

If you hit the intake with some starting fluid spray, and it starts and then stalls, that confirms you have spark.

[jp81]

I finally got some time to test a few things out. I got a fuel pressure tester and got 40psi on the reading, so that should be fine. As for the spark, I got a tester to test the wiring. It basically replaces the spark plug so we can see if spark is generated by adjusting the screw to the desired gap. After a few attempts I didn't have any spark at all. If I've replaced the PTU, what else would cause the lack of power to the plugs? When I replaced the PTU, I did disconnect the battery in case the part could get damaged, so I would be doubtful if this new part would already be dead.

Here's what I used to test the spark. http://www.canadiantire.ca/en/pdp/adjus ... HuBKul0wy8

[RubyRed300ZX]

Check your fuses, relays, and the fuseable links. After that, check the Crankshaft Position sensor.

[Trimble Epic]

You could try checking the CAS... Read this.

If the cas isn't right, the PTU could be fine and still get no spark. cas also affects injectors. As mentioned above, just because you smell fuel doesn't mean the injectors are firing.

While doing the above to check for spark, als get a 12v LED, you can insert it into the injector connectors to check for signal to the injectors while checking the CAS.. that will test all the wires for the ECU, CAS, PTU, Coils and injectors. Pretty much everything needed to start up except compression.