Occasional Non-Starts

[Densetsu]

Every dozen starts or so, my '03 Pathy won't start. The starter turns over the engine with ease, but the engine won't start. I'll wait five seconds, try again, and it'll start fine.

This started last week, a few days after I changed my spark plugs. Normally I'd suspect the problem was related to the plugs... but there's no other symptoms that'd point to that. It runs fine, accelerates smoothly, and the mileage has went up 15-20%. I'd suspect the SES light would come on if there was any pinging/misfiring, and it hasn't.

My other thought would be the fuel filter, but aside from the engine surging at the 7000RPM mark in neutral, I haven't seen any behaviour that would suggest that either.

For the curious, when I changed my plugs I also changed the engine oil/filter, transmission fluid/filter, and air filter.

Any suggestions? Could it be the immobilizer? With my Chev, the starter wouldn't even try to turn over with the wrong chip in the key... what happens with Nissans?

[Qxxx4]

My qx4 does that sometimes if im using a key that doesnt have the right chip (i had to reprogram them when i replaced the ignition) My dads 06 frontier also did the same thing, the dealer ended up doing some work underwarranty and fixed it, i guess it had something to do with a fuse for the gas pump

[slickroger]

I had the same problem.

i went to the dealership and had my codes read and i had a code that said something about one of my keys being faulty or something like that so i had the code erased and the key reprogrammed and no problems since. but i knew someone at the dealership who did it for free. so you might want to actually deal with the problem than pay those guys for something so dumb and simple.

hope this is your problem and this helps

[Densetsu]

Hmm... sounds like it's the key, then. I did some research, and yep, Nissan's NVIS system still lets the starter turn over... but cuts off the fuel supply.

If it happens again before the weekend, I'll watch for the security light to come on while I'm cranking it, which should happen if this is the case. Otherwise, I'll use my parent's code reader on the weekend and check for a P1610-1615 code. Hopefully it's that simple.

Thanks all.

[screwinitupagain]

Hopefully it's that simple.

it never is...