Help, maxims hard to start

[vincentparrett]

Okay, my 2004 Nissan Maxima with 145000 miles was hard to start suddenly today, as I turned the key it would only make the ignition sound then after about 20 seconds start up. Drove for about an hour, turned it off and was just as hard to start as before. As I left the parking lot the car simply turned off. No bad idling or nothing, then it took me about 2 minutes of trying to get the car started. Then finally the service engine soon light came on. Managed to drive it home and now it sits. I have been noticing a ticking noise from the engine lately when I start it but it goes away once the car warms up. I don't know if it was my imagination but it seemed to sound a little rougher after this happened today.

[frapjap]

Welcome to NICO!
Sounds like you've got yourself a little intermittent problem to sort out.

For starters, I'd suggest some basic maintenance- plugs, wires, fuel filter, etc. Also get the code for the check engine light. Most any Autozone or Advance will pull the code for free for you.

[OwnerCS]

The ticking noise could be from a weak timing chain tensioner. I had to replace the timing chain tensioner on my I30 at approximately 220,000 miles. There is a timing chain tensioner access door on the timing cover for service access.

Be sure to position the engine and timing chain at TDC before performing any work on the timing chain.

Videos for reference below.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mXPIWgsyUhc

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I0b6mQPLigU

Similar Nissan engine video for reference.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S_4iMo5FUvc

[DaveP52462]

It may be your crank sensor. Timing may be off due to the sensor.