Start-up problems at 400 miles?

[EdKrull]

OK, my Service Manager got me in line for a new, redesigned fuel pump. Hope it does the trick... good overall response from Nissan, love the Versa!

[srellim234]

Can we tell when these cars were mfr'd? It would be interesting to find out if all the cars having this problem came off the assembly line together.

[ThirstyRoss]

Can we tell when these cars were mfr'd? It would be interesting to find out if all the cars having this problem came off the assembly line together.

All North American Versa's come from a plant in Mexico, as I understand it.

[EdKrull]

I don't know if Sentras are made in the same Mexico plant that all of the Versas are, but my Service Manager said they are doing this for Sentras that are having the same problem. More likely a problem with wherever the Fuel Pumps are made than at final assembly in Mexico (unless the FPs are made there)...

[matt_a]

I don't know if Sentras are made in the same Mexico plant that all of the Versas are, but my Service Manager said they are doing this for Sentras that are having the same problem. More likely a problem with wherever the Fuel Pumps are made than at final assembly in Mexico (unless the FPs are made there)...

I'm pretty sure I remember reading somewhere that the Versa and Sentra are made at the same factory in Mexico. I could be mistaken, but I'm pretty sure I read/heard that somewhere. I also think that those two cars share some mechanical and electrical components.

[Demonspawn]

the sentra is made in tenn.

[Ever Victorious]

Can we tell when these cars were mfr'd? It would be interesting to find out if all the cars having this problem came off the assembly line together.

Versa Hatchbacks are mostly made at a plant in Aguascalientes, Mexico.

Originally, Nissan had decided to make 40% of all Versas into hatchbacks, and 60% sedans. When they saw the actual sales numbers, they reversed that, making 60% hatchbacks and 40% sedans. Aguascalientes is supposedly not a large enough plant to make these numbers of hatchbacks, so supposedly part of the 2nd Mexico plant, where the Sedans are made (I forget the name of it) ALSO makes hatchbacks.

But there are 2 different Mexico plants that the Versas are made at. Most of us here will have had ours built at Aguascalientes.

[jacksan1]

The other assembly plant is in Cuernavaca.

[PB]

I am hearing nothing about the problem in canada here,My car seems ok,Could it be bad gas at some stations where you are,Maybe even some moisture causing the problem.Try changing brands or go to another station and try that for awhile.

[brownbrix]

I am hearing nothing about the problem in canada here,My car seems ok,Could it be bad gas at some stations where you are,Maybe even some moisture causing the problem.Try changing brands or go to another station and try that for awhile.

i live in winnipeg. and now i had my 4 time having this done to me. Brought it in once all ready they say they have no idea.I think it has to do with the fuel line or fuel pump which has been posted on another thread and in this one too..Damm nissan needs to get this fix what happens when it wont start at all dun dun

[The Clock Meister]

the sentra is made in tenn.

Sorry, the Sentra has not been made in Smyrna for several years now, it is assembled in Mexico.

Chris

[lcajongirl]

It IS the fuel pump!! I just now got onto this thread about start-up problems, quite a bit after the fact for the original poster, but for anyone who is currently having the same problem I've got an answer for you.....well, it's what turned out to be the solution to my same problem: IT'S THE FUEL PUMP! I was having the same start up problem: turn the key, ignition turns over but doesn't catch, then starts on 2nd try. This happened all of a sudden one night after driving the car around town all day long, lots of starts and stops. I was leaving my daughter's house and this happened when I tried to start the car. I had 1,200 miles on the car. I had purchased the car in March and this was in the middle of June (I live just outside of San Diego and we weren't experiencing our hot weather yet, right along with a dry winter). Since this was a new car and was under warranty there was no way I was going to wait and see if it went away so the next day I took it to the dealer. That morning the same thing happened (of course when I got to the dealer it started up perfectly for him). After diagnosis, it turned out the car had a faulty fuel pump. The tech explained it like this: behind the injectors, there's about 32# of fuel pressure. The door from the injector unit wasn't closing as it should to build up the fuel pressure thus there's no gas in the injectors. The reason the car starts up on the 2nd try is because the first attempt at starting creates the needed pressure. The tech said that they will replace the fuel pump (free....remember, under warranty) BUT...since the car is a new model there aren't any spare parts and the pump will have to be back order. He told me I could still drive the car in the meantime but in order to start it I will first have to turn the key to the "on" position for about 5-10 seconds then start the car as normally and it should start right up (this will build the needed pressure). Well, since this was literally a new car with a defective part, a major part at that, I said absolutely will I NOT drive the car under those conditions with a bad fuel pump and that they will keep my car until the part comes in and they will provide me with a rental car until that time. Sure enough, they did. Well......it took over a month for the new fuel pump to come in but they did install it immediately. The tech said that they have not had this problem before, but reading this thread convinces me that he probably will now if he hasn't already since I've been there. But I've had the car back for almost a month now and have not had one problem whatsoever with the car starting up. So far, this seems to have solved my start-up problem. (The repair invoice I got from the dealer when I picked up the car shows the fuel pump itself costing $515). Hope this helps anyone who may currently be experiencing this same problem.

[Demonspawn]

Sorry, the Sentra has not been made in Smyrna for several years now, it is assembled in Mexico.

Chris

well it has been 7 yrs since i was in tenn did not realize they moved what are they making there now? that was the last road trip i made for nissan before i left the old company i worked for

[tletram]

I am currently experiencing the same problem. I will post again after my service appointment on 13-Aug.

[wippy]

I have asked the dealership a few times now, "will cranking repeatedly have an adverse effect on something (e.g., starter motor, etc) until the part comes in (whenever) and the problem is fixed?" They always say "no, it's not a problem" yet I can't help but think, every time I crank it the second time, that it will be. Any opinions on this out there???

[EdKrull]

Got a call from the dealership and my new pump is in. The Service Manager said current Sentras are not having the issue and the old Service Manager was probably thinking of a problem they had with Sentras two years ago. Anyway, hopefully starting tomorrow I'll be starting up immediately!

[matttail]

I have asked the dealership a few times now, "will cranking repeatedly have an adverse effect on something (e.g., starter motor, etc) until the part comes in (whenever) and the problem is fixed?" They always say "no, it's not a problem" yet I can't help but think, every time I crank it the second time, that it will be. Any opinions on this out there???

Something like 90% of all engine wear occurs at startup before the oil has had time to re-coat everything - so there is some additional wear from the repeated cranking. The starter motor should have no problems though, it can handle a good workout.

I've been having some problems starting the car my self - seems to match the descriptions here. I was out at my dearer Tuesday having the wiring harness recall done, and asked them to check it out. They did a full diagnostic and didn't find anything - but apparently one of the mechanics had been on the phone with Nissan before and said that because I only had one key programmed for the car that could be effecting the system.

I, unfortunately, gave him the benefit of the doubt. The next time I took it out after getting home it didn't start up again. I'll be back at the dealer again when I get the time. *sigh*

[EdKrull]

If possible, call your service manager and give him all the details and see if he can put you on the list for a new Fuel Pump before you go there. Might save you a trip and the worst they can say is no...

They replaced mine today, and the two times I started it after it fired right up. Will continue with updates...

[janetleslie]

Ialmost have the same problem. I sometimes have to crank it a few times before it turns over. This only seems to happen when it is extemly hot outside. Took my car back to the dealer and he said that the V are having problems with the fuel pump. Nissan will gladley replace with a new one. Only problem is that they are on back order. I have been waiting since July 12th. I was also told that the car will always start. So far he's right.

[janetleslie]

same problem, same result. I'm waiting for my fuel pump and I was given a loaner.

[wippy]

My fuel pump just came in Get it installed tomorrow.

[wippy]

New fuel pump is installed and all is well. So far.

[lyric]

i am encountering an ignition problem with my versa. it's brand new (less than 1000 miles) and usually won't start until the second or even third try turning the ignition. doesn't seem to matter if the engine is warm or cold. i am taking it into the dealership for inspection.

i wonder if it's the fuel pump, like others have said...

[EdKrull]

i am encountering an ignition problem with my versa. it's brand new (less than 1000 miles) and usually won't start until the second or even third try turning the ignition. doesn't seem to matter if the engine is warm or cold. i am taking it into the dealership for inspection.

i wonder if it's the fuel pump, like others have said...

I would say, in a word, yes. It may take a little extra badgering if your service manager hasn't dealt with this issue yet but it is a known issue wth Versa Fuel pumps. You'll have to wait a few weeks to get it replaced but it still should be starting if you hold it cranked for 3 or more seconds...

Also, I am almost a week into my new Fuel Pump and have not yet had a slow start. My original problem didn't start til I was on my second tank of gas so I will have to keep an eye on it... But, so far, so good. I have to say I am pretty pleased with the relative lack of pain I had getting this fixed.

[lyric]

i took my car into the dealership today; they found that a faulty fuel pump was the problem!

luckily, i won't have to wait too long for the part to come in and be installed in my car.

[Deke40]

Since I posted back in July mine has been starting with a very short cranking action. Go figure.

[EdKrull]

Well, Two and a half gas tanks in and she is still starting like a champ! So, anyone who is having this problem, go tell your service manager you need a new fuel pump.

[tletram]

After bringing my car in for the first service, the following was listed on my invoice:check long crank to start/repeated attemptsrequires fuel pump replacementpart on back order

After bringing my car in for a second service appointment, the following was listed on my invoice:replaced fuel sending unit...internal failure494 wppackingpump, injectorcheck for vehicle hard start/check for fuel pressurefound pump not holding fuel pressurereplaced sending unit and recheck ok

I am thankful for this post! Thanks to all who took the time. If I hadn't come across this thread before bringing my car in for the first appointment, I probably wouldn't have known how to effectively handle the situation.

I haven't had any startup problems since.

[blacksmaru]

my V just started acting wierd last night, tried to start and it took longer then usual, and even today it did it again... i might make a trip to the dealer soon to get it taken care of...

[Demonspawn]

mine on more than one occasion would not even let me start. just jams up and will not let me turn the ingnition. seems to do it most if i just start the car to move it then shut it right off