Maxima Won't Start

[gounc14]

Ok, I have a 4th gen (99) Maxima, Automatic, 107k miles, and when I hit the ignition the starter will turn the engine over, and it proceeds to run for 2-3 seconds, then it stalls. After it stalls it won't even turn over for the next indeterminate amount of time, you can hear the starter turning but it won't turn the engine over. So yeah, I just replaced the spark plugs after the problem started, the old ones were pretty gross, but no luck yet. I figure since it turns over sometimes it can't be the starter, but a fuel/spark issue. Any ideas?

[NISTECH]

So your saying the starter will crank the engine all the time, it just wont start it? how about if you hold your foot to the floor on that second try? will it start then?

[gounc14]

Nope, just keeps cranking.

Edit: And won't turn over in order to stall, just keeps on cranking into eternity.

[NISTECH]

see if you can get any codes out of it. There is a procedure in the maxima forum on this. Follow that then post back your codes.

[gounc14]

Ok, do you know if autozone or anyone rents code readers? I'll get a hold of one tomorrow and see what happens.

[ricebike]

autozone will plug it to your ODB II connector & will give you the trouble codes for free! just go in & ask!

[gounc14]

autozone will plug it to your ODB II connector & will give you the trouble codes for free! just go in & ask!

Yes, but I can't actually get the car to them, I have to walk over, get the reader, then walk back. =P

[NISTECH]

You can use the old screw method. there is a procedure for turning a screw in the ECM. locate that procedure and you can get them that way. Like I said I believe it is in one of the sticky's in the maxima forum.

[gounc14]

You can use the old screw method. there is a procedure for turning a screw in the ECM. locate that procedure and you can get them that way. Like I said I believe it is in one of the sticky's in the maxima forum.

Sorry, didn't quite understand. I'm looking for a small enough screwdriver at the moment, I'll hopefully have the code by tonight. (Class at 4)

[gounc14]

55. No Failure Recorded/Detected

Hmph. Any other ideas for what to check?

[NISTECH]

There is a security light on the side of your steering coloum. I think its on the left. When you are cranking the engine is that light on solid or is it off?

[gounc14]

Solid on.

[NISTECH]

your keys need to be reprogrammed. The system is going into nats lock out for difference of key. There was a TSB related to that. I believe the ECM required replacement and have the keys reprogrammed.You can just have the keys reprogrammed without the ECM but the problem may return in the future.

[gounc14]

Well fair enough. So I need to get it towed to the dealership I assume?

[NISTECH]

yea pretty much. Is this key possibly a replaced or hardly used key? Do you have other keys you use regularly? If so try a key used more recently that worked, you need to attemt to start the car 5 times with a good key. on the sixth try it should start. Other wise take the car, all keys and your proof of ownership of the car to the closest dealer and have them reprogram it and replace the ECM if neccesary.

[gounc14]

Just found my other key, apparently the spare that hadn't been used is the one causing the car to not start. Thanks, I never would have thought to just try the other key. Now to continue maintenance, the car gets new plugs, air filter, and an oil change.

[NISTECH]

make sure you either mark that key or go down and get it programmed so that wont happen again. It dawned on me later what the problem might be when I reflected back that your car was probably NATS equipped. Sorry didnt catch that earlier on.

[Chezedik]

Damn fine work Nistech, I am impressed.

[gounc14]

make sure you either mark that key or go down and get it programmed so that wont happen again. It dawned on me later what the problem might be when I reflected back that your car was probably NATS equipped. Sorry didnt catch that earlier on.

Haha well a bit of backstory, I had the car in a shop for 2 months over the summer and they couldn't figure out what the hell was going on, they happened to have the spare key that works fine. So until I get it reprogrammed the shop tag stays on.