help please

[RagingPanda]

I have a 2002 sentra with 1.8l engine. My car will crank but won't start. I even tried with a jumper cable on another car to make sure it wasn't battery problem

[nametakennow]

1. Fuel pump, should be a free dealer fix.

If you can hear the fuel pump whine, then:

2. ECU recall, check the VIN at a dealer.

[RagingPanda]

And here I thought it has something to do with the alternator or starter. Then again, I'm not mechanically inclined.

[nametakennow]

If it cranks, the starter must be turning. So it's gotta be fuel or spark. My bet is on fuel, but bad ECU would be no spark.

[RagingPanda]

I think you sir are right. I pulled one of the fuel line out and cranked the car. Small amount came out when I turned the key but not all the way, but when I tried to start the car, nothing. I was going to buy new fuel pump and do it myself but you said Nissan will do it for free.

[nametakennow]

They should, there's a known issue with fuel pumps on 1.8s and 2.5s. If they make a fuss, talk to corporate.

[Madler]

Is this still a problem with 2004s? Mine won't start sometimes, but turns over. I was still on a 30 day warranty from buying it used, but that expires tomorrow (HA, a Sunday), and we hadn't fixed this problem yet. We replaced the starter, and it still occasionally starts up.

The annoying thing (especially for reproducing the issue) is that the car doesn't do it all the time, and it will start the second time you turn the key.

It'll also almost start, then keep turning over, then almost start, and sometimes will keep doing that after I turn the key back for a second or two until it sputters out or starts. I'm seeing that this is either fuel or spark or I think compression? but if the fuel pump is a known issue, I can just get the dealer to take care of it. (Hopefully for free, no...?)

[nametakennow]

Have the dealer check the VIN. If you haven't had it done, it's still a problem. It will be free even out of warranty. If the dealer tells you it's not, they're trying to work you over.

[Madler]

Now it's struggling to start with rattling and knocking noises... and the stereo stopped working. It's going to the shop on Monday, so hopefully we'll find out then. I might still write the VIN down and call the dealership.

Still not fun... thank God it's under warranty. We bought this car to replace a car with issues, not trade issues.