Southern California Fuel Pump Problem

[MobStar]

Hi there. I'm in southern California and I'm afraid I've got the dreaded fuel pump problem. Typical symptoms, once in a while, mostly after short stops somewhere, I'll turn the key, engine will crank but not start. I try again 30 seconds later, and its like nothing ever happened. My problem is that it only happens to me like once or twice a month. Its and 08 HB, manual and it's been doing this since september.

My problem is that none of the dealers I've contacted/taken it to want to fix it unless it "demonstrates" at the dealership. The odds of that (seeing as how it only happens a once/twice a month) are slim to none= I'm SOL.

I've already got a file with Nissan Customer Care, and so far their service sucks too.

My question is if anyone knows anyone that has gotten this problem fixed in Southern Cali, and if so, which dealer did it? I really hope someone out there has an answer or more information about Nissan's response to the problem, or something. I know there's already a lot of other threads about this, but someone please help me! My Vice is sick!

[BBISHOPPCM]

This may not be an actual defect, and is merely a character of the fuel injection system. Let me explain; Every once in a while, my car will "fail to start" after two or three compression strokes. Because the car usually starts after roughly two compression strokes, I instinctively let go of the key. This is NOT a defect; it is caused by several factors including coolant temperature, crank position at the time the starter begins to crank, residual fuel pressure, coil pack residual charge, ambient temperature, fuel temperature, and readiness of the computer depending on how long you waited to begin cranking as you turned the key to the "on" position.

Are you allowing the car to crank for a bit longer than usual, or just letting the key go after one second (as a reflex action since it usually takes one second to start?) Every car I've ever owned (new and old) does this. The fuel pump failure was manifesting itself as a failure to start regardless of how long you allowed the car to crank upon initial key turn. (correct me if I'm wrong).

[MobStar]

Honestly, I've never just sat there and let it crank because I feel like that's bad for it and because I know it will start the second time I try. I guess what you're suggesting could be true, but I've never experienced this on any other car I own (past or present, new or old) and I drive a lot of different types of cars.

[flukybard]

i had the same problem a month after getting mine, i too have an 08 HB. The dealer couldnt replicatethe problem. but he said that its happened in one of the trucks before (cant remember which one). so he said he would replace the fuel pump as part of my warranty.

Ever since the fuel pump was replaced, i have had no problems what so ever. good luck with your problem and i hope they just replace it for you.

[RetiredTexans]

I haven't had the "fuel pump" problem mentioned, I did notice after about 17K miles some clicking noise. It was always on a cold engine and seemed to go away after the engine warmed. I added Seafoam fuel additive and the noise waen away almost immediately and the engine smoothed out a little. Possibly a slightly sticking injector.

[RetiredTexans]

Check Nissan TB08-11 to see if it applies to your symptoms. They sound similar.

[MobStar]

Honestly, I've never just sat there and let it crank because I feel like that's bad for it and because I know it will start the second time I try. I guess what you're suggesting could be true, but I've never experienced this on any other car I own (past or present, new or old) and I drive a lot of different types of cars.

[MobStar]

Thanks all for the input, I'll check the bulletin that RetiredTexans mentioned. BTW flukybard, the truck your dealer mentioned to you was the Titan. My service manager was contacted directly by my nissan customer care rep, and he had a talk w/my technician, and they've suddenly been more cooperative. I'll post an update later.