Hard Starting I30

[Itsaracket]

In case anyone's been there done that... 1996 I30 with 150K mi started misbehaving a month ago. Had rough idle, and I was able to determine that a cylinder wasn't firing. Changed coil and plug, and found no difference. Then traded coils with another cylinder to learn the problem was just in that cylinder position.

My daughter had to drive 4 hrs back to school on 5 cylinders when I ran out of weekend. She took the car to a shop, and mechanic installed the rest of the new plugs, reset something, and the car appeared to be doing great. The next day she went to start it, and had to lay on the key for minutes to get it going. Once lit, it ran great, and still behaves that way now.

First mechanic was at a loss, and recommended another. They cleaned MAF, checked fuel pressure, and a few other things, and decided the problem was actually the starter. They installed a new starter. Problem persists. This guy thinks the ECM is the problem, but he recommended going to a dealer to get it fixed.

Sound like an ECM problem? I've heard you can get them pre-programmed. Worth trying?

Thanks for reading!

[NutriaforBreakfast]

Maybe check the crankshaft position sensor and the throttle position sensor
After that maybe the fuel pump pressure
The FSM should be able to guide you through the processes
A good multimeter will be the tool to check them

[craftmax95]

Drop transmission sand the mating surface.

[Itsaracket]

Thanks for weighing in. I got tired of playing, and took it to someone else last week. Apparently there's a 30 amp fuse that has something to do with starting, especially from cold start. The technician pulled out wiring diagrams, labored over it for a while, and figured out the fuse was MISSING! They charged me an hour for diagnosis, plus about $9 for the fuse, and she starts INSTANTLY, EVERY TIME!

It would be interesting to know how long the car has been without that fuse, but mostly I feel blessed to have dodged a bigger bullet. Too bad the first two repair shops didn't figure it out sooner.

[OwnerCS]

Thanks for weighing in. I got tired of playing, and took it to someone else last week. Apparently there's a 30 amp fuse that has something to do with starting, especially from cold start. The technician pulled out wiring diagrams, labored over it for a while, and figured out the fuse was MISSING! They charged me an hour for diagnosis, plus about $9 for the fuse, and she starts INSTANTLY, EVERY TIME!

It would be interesting to know how long the car has been without that fuse, but mostly I feel blessed to have dodged a bigger bullet. Too bad the first two repair shops didn't figure it out sooner.

That's a rare issue that the fuse would turn up missing. I take it the fuse is under the hood?

[korrekmynos]

Well, I have the exact same problem with my 96 I30. It started about a year ago and so far 3 different mechanics and a Infiniti dealer can't figure it out yet, the car just doesn't want to start when the engine is cold and the check engine light comes and goes for different periods of time. Last time showed the code for EGR, It when away for 2or 3 months, then come back couple a days ago, but now the code is for knock sensor. Other than that the car run excellent.
Any advise will be appreciated, thanks.

[Itsaracket]

In answer to the fuse location question, I don't know, because I didn't ask. They explained to me over the phone, and I was in a hurry when I picked it up. Would be worth asking if I get back over there. Then I could tell korrekmynos where to look for it--just in case it's the same problem.

[OwnerCS]

Well, I have the exact same problem with my 96 I30. It started about a year ago and so far 3 different mechanics and a Infiniti dealer can't figure it out yet, the car just doesn't want to start when the engine is cold and the check engine light comes and goes for different periods of time. Last time showed the code for EGR, It when away for 2or 3 months, then come back couple a days ago, but now the code is for knock sensor. Other than that the car run excellent.
Any advise will be appreciated, thanks.

How many miles do you have on your I30? Are you the original owner? Can you provide some maintenance history?

There are some known items that can cause a hard to start condition.

1) Engine Coolant Temp Sensor (ECTS) - The part sends the engine coolant temp to the ECU for adjustments to be made to fuel mix for when the car is hot or cold. If the sensor is sending the wring signal, too much to too little fuel will be provided -- thus making the car hard to start.

2) Fuel Pressure Regulator (FPR) - If the regulator is beginning to fail, fuel pressure will be low at the time the car is starting. If you can turn on the switch and let the fuel pump run to build up pressure. If this helps to resolve the problem it could be a failing FPR.

4) Dirty Crankshaft Position Sensors (CKPS) - Your Maxima has two magnetic CPKS units. One at the front of the engine just below the crankshaft pulley and on the bell housing at the rear of the engine. The front has a tendency to get covered in oil and grit. The rear has a tendency to pick up metal shavings from starter gear wear and the contacts can become corroded. It is a good maintenance practice to clean the CKPS after 100,000 miles.

5) General Maintenance Items - NGK Spark Plugs and fuel filter help keep your car running good.

6) Has the EGR tube been cleaned? The tube can become clogged with carbon deposits.

[korrekmynos]

Ok, to make the very long, long story short, I did check and replaced just about everything that has been mentioned in this forums, except for ECM.
Going back on time (exactly 2 years ) and many frustrations, and all because the reverse switch went bad and the so, called MECHANIC that worked on it didn't have a clue of what he was doing. Somehow 2 of the fusses located under the Steering Cullum where removed and placed in the wrong spot.
How did I find out????
Well, based on the same experience and comments posted by ...OwnerCS
I did checked the fusses one by one, but nothing seems to be wrong, them when for a second look and...BINGO....there it was.
4 different mechanics and a Infiniti dealer can't figure it out for 2 long years, UNVALIEBLE '''but a sadly TRUE.
Thank You so much to all of You, specialty to..........OwnerCS.

[korrekmynos]

Correction: My biggest thanks are for the post of.....Itsarachet, without those comments I probably never find my cars problem, now my car start at any time without hesitation, just like it was before.
Thanks again...........Itsarache, and God Bess You.

[OwnerCS]

Congratulations! Glad to see the problem has been finally solved.