Grinding noise at start-up, and a couple other problems...

[Maverick7687]

I have had this in the Maxima section for a few weeks so I thought I would put it here. I have a 98 Maxima and when I start it there is some kind of noise that sounds like a pulley rubbing against whatever it is connected to. I dont think that is what it is because you cannot hear it outside the car, only when you are inside. The noise changes very slightly when I start to let out the clutch and speed up. It usually stops after a few blocks of driving.

Also, I have a Cyl 1 Misfire code.. I have changed the coil pack out with another one and it stayed on Cyl1. The only other things I can think of would be spark plugs and injectors. If there is anything else I could check please let me know.

The last thing is an electrical problem and I havent really looked into it deep yet but I figured I would go ahead and put it in here. My fog lights stopped working one night and when I checked the fuse it was blown. I replaced it and as soon as I turned the switch for the fogs on it popped again. Is there anything that commonly comes undone or shorts out on these lights?

Thanks for all your help.

Tim

[steve s14]

as for the first problem, i'd have to hear it to get any kind of idea as to what it might be.try to swap coils 1 and 2 make sure you swapped the right ones, some people mistake number 2 cylinder with number 1 this way even if you make that mistake, the correct suspect coil will still be moved. if you know that you swapped the right coil, swap the spark plug also to make sure that isn't causing the problem.a faulty injector can cause the code. you might want to do a compression test on the engine. if the compression readings are far off, it will cause a misfire code.the fog light circuit is shorted so check the easy stuff first. remove the fog light relay change out the blown fuse and see if it blows again when the fog lights are turned on. if it doesn't, plug the relay back in and unplug the fog lights and put in another fuse or a circuit breaker if you don't want to waste fuses and see if unplugging the fog lights changes anything. if it does, then you know the problem is in the bulb or bulb contacts/ harness.if it doesn't change anything, the problem is a short to ground in the harness inbetween the switched side of the relay and fog light assembly. you will need a short detector or spend time inspecting that length of the harness.

[s13sr20chris]

98 max...cant remember if that year had top feed injectors or not...if so, i will mention that iv seen lots of the top feeds going bad lately.

[Maverick7687]

Thanks guys. I am not sure about the injectors but I did check the fog lights last night. I took the relay out, replaced the fuse, nothing. So I put the relay back in and unhooked both lights. Turned on the switch and the relay clicked, fuse stayed intact. Replaced lights one at a time and now they are both hooked back up and working fine. I have no idea what was causing that but whatever it was its not doing it now. As for the sound, I know what you mean about having to actually hear it but just for the hell of it I will try to explain it. If you have ever stook outside a 240sx with a KA24DE with the hood open while the engine is running you have undoubtedly heard the infamous Timing chain guide rattle. Its like that but about 3 times louder and on the inside of the car, you cant hear it outside. It usually will not make the noise when you are accellerating but it gets loud on decel. That kind of makes me thing that maybe there is something rubbing on the back side of the motor when it turns from letting off the gas? Then again that wouldnt make much sense since it only does it for a few minutes after startup. I can try to get a sound clip if you think it would help. I just want to get it to stop, its annoying. Like I said beforem, nothing changes when it is making the noise and everything else runs fine. Just an annoying sound. Thanks

[Maverick7687]

Okay, turns out that the problem with the fog lights is just a random problem. Any ideas on how to find it other than listed above? I am not really sure where to start except look at all the wires and connectors to make sure nothing is loose.

[steve s14]

as for the fog lights, you'll have to catch it when the fuse blows and trace the short during that time. keep at it and you'll find the problem. unfortunately, you can't diagnose a problem until it's happening.the rattle noise maybe something loose or not secured properly on the firewall or on the body underneath the firewall. check all the tubes, hoses and heatshields in the area also check the exhaust heatshields while your down there. make sure nothing that can move, such as the engine, exhaust, transmission or any of it's parts are contacting the body. aside from that, i couldn't give you anymore suggestions without actually seeing the car.

[Maverick7687]

Another interesting point about my strange noise. It dosent seem to do it when it warm outside. It has been around the 60-65 degree range and I havent heard it today. What gives?

[Maverick7687]

BACK FROM THE DEAD!

Just checking to see if anyone has anymore information...