help: start problem, bad mpg

[palbuddy]

Hi,

I'm a newbie to the forum. I just bought a used 04 sentra, w/ 1.8L engine. It looks perfect, but here are some problems I discovered.

1. At noon when the temperature is high(I'm in San Jose, and it's > 70 F these days.), and I try to start the car. The engine cranks first but doesn't start, so the trick for me is to turn off ignition, and start again. Now it works. This is a problem only during the day. Early in the morning, when it is cold, I've never experienced similar issues.

2. low MPG. I would expect mpg>28. But the car has used up half tank of fuel for only 150 miles. That's 22 mpg mostly highway, and it's odd.

3. no MIL light. Very strange.

What I've done so far:1. replace the air filter2. clean the spark plugs. since the manual says the OEM plugs need no replacement until 10K mile. Mine has only 50K miles. So I only cleaned them with carb cleaner and wire brush. 3. use seafoam to clean the engine.

None has helped.

Please advise if you have any idea or similar issues before. Thanks a bunch!

Jason
Modified by palbuddy at 3:47 PM 1/15/2009

[nametakennow]

Call a dealer and double check that the recalls and TSB's (in particular, the fuel pump issue) have been done on your car. They'll need your VIN for that.

It sounds like the beginnings of the fuel pump failure issue to me.

Welcome to NICO!

[D3stro]

For the fuel pump failure, what you can do to help when starting the car, is to put the key at ''ON'', you should hear the fuel pump pressurize and after the noise end, start the car.

[palbuddy]

Yea, I can hear these noise, for about 2 second or so. Is it normal to have these noise or it's a sign of the pump going out?I called the dealership today, and the service guy immediately realized that it could be one of the typical problems of nissan. He said NISSAN may still honor the warranty, but I will find out on Monday.Thank you guys.

For the fuel pump failure, what you can do to help when starting the car, is to put the key at ''ON'', you should hear the fuel pump pressurize and after the noise end, start the car.

[palbuddy]

Pulled my car into the dealership yesterday, and got it back. Prom solved, and it is indeed the fuel pressure regulator. The service guy understood the prom very well. And since my car was first bought in CA, this part is covered under warranty. Actually, this particular warranty last for 15yr/150K mi. He replaced the repair kit per the TSB# NTB05-052a.Many thanks to you guys who gave me useful suggestions.

[nametakennow]

Glad we could help!

Feel free to drop in any time you have an issue or just feel like posting a comment.