HELP! HELP! hard to start I30

[bowsertk]

When first starting the car it turns over but will not start until about 2 to 3 tries. Then once started it does a put put idle then it is fine. The spark plugs have been changed, oil has been changed. When start off it is kind of sluggish then it catches speed slowly.

Can someone give me some indication as to what is going on?

I have read the other posts but can not find any answers to the question that I have.

[loystock]

I'm not sure what you meant by put put...but you can do the following:

Check you battery voltage, fluid and ensure your connectors are clean and tight. Winter is approaching and it will become harder to start a car with weak battery. It's also possible that your starter is 'sitcky' and needs lubrication (you have to take it out and disassemble to lubricate). Replace your fuel filter (on the firewall, driver side, below the brake booster) with OEM part from Joe at infinitipartsusa.com a.k.a. Infiniti of Scottsdale. Ensure your fuel line is empty before taking out the fuel filter (pull out the fuel pump fuse and run the car until it dies). For this month only, Joe has a $5 shipping fee for all parts (not sure about body parts). This is a good time to buy parts and lubricants from Joe. It may not be related to your problem but there is no harm replacing your transmission fluid - get a transmission service kit and 12 quarts of Nissan Matic-D (@ $5/quart from Joe vs. $11 from other Infiniti dealership). You can also use Dexron III or Mobil 1 ATF fluid. Whichever fluid you use, alway add a bottle of LubeGard Red ATF protectant.

It's probably time to clean your air intake, especially the throttle body and the MAF sensor. Use non-residue contact cleaner for the MAF sensor and dielectric grease for the connector. If you still have time, replace the PCV (Positive Crankcase Ventilation) valve and clean the EGR and IAC (Idle Air Control) valves. Some of the procedures for servicing the above items are posted in the "How To" section of this forum.

Good LuckRod

[edpapaj13]

I had similar problem but it wasn't sluggish. It gave me a hard time to start and it kept cranking. I had to try a few times to get it started. I was wondering, when do you have a hard time starting it, when the engine is hot or cold ( in the mornings) If its when its hot ( like mine ) it was the crank position sensor.

[bowsertk]

This happens when it is cold.

[bowsertk]

Thanks Rod

[edpapaj13]

Then I doubt it is the crank position sensor. Do you ever have to press the gas pedal to get the car started? Also does it crank the 2nd or 3rd time or it starts right up?

[bowsertk]

It usually cranks the 2nd or 3rd time. I pat the pedal sometimes but I do not want to flood it.

[edpapaj13]

See if it is the crank sensor actually. Maybe just the timing is off. On my car I had to press the gas all the way down and force it to start after many tries. Your situation doesnt sound as bad. If you can do it yourself or with friends check the fuel pump, fuel lines, fuel injectors, sparkplugs. If you get stuck I say go to the dealer pay $100 for diagnosis and hopefully they will find the problem. I took mine to 2 diff dealers because my car showed no codes and had no idea what it was. The second dealership did one diagnosis with and replaced the sensor with no luck. They did another diagnosis and replaced the sensor again and it worked