Weird issue: 2008 SE-R Spec V intermittent starting problems

[YF19Alpha]

Okay, the issue started yesterday. Up until then car is running fine. but when leaving for work, it was taking a bit to start. It was cranking normally just wouldn't start. Any ideas? Has plenty of fuel, and like I said, no issues with it. Only thing that changed was I finally got my license plate.

[audtatious]

Gremlins in the system.

You are still under the factory B-B warranty so Nissan should repair it for you regardless. I try and not spend time troubleshooting problems on new cars due to the warranties as it makes life far less stressful

Let us know what you find out.

[YF19Alpha]

That's true, was going to try to do that this weekend, only problem is only time I have to take it to Nissan would be Sat. and since my wife works, will have my 2 kids with me, Kids + car dealership =

Will definitely post what I find out.

[nametakennow]

Yeah, no sense in wrangling to find the issue when the dealer has to fix it for you for free.

[RED_DET]

Seems they haven't ever figured out this issue. All years had them since 02. My wife's car still does this and we have had the ecu replaced and the so called "fuel pump" fix.

[yellowspecv02]

cylinder maybe flood. I had the same issue before.

[08specv]

did you torque the tag bolts!? happens all the time, check the specs in your service manual and you should be good to go.

-matt

[YF19Alpha]

Update: Well finally had the opportunity to take my car in to the dealership this past Friday, and they said they will need to replace the transmission . So, hopefully the problem will be fixed. Will update again once I get my vehicle back.

[RED_DET]

When does a car not starting have anything to do with a transmission.

[nametakennow]

Maybe the killswitch is faulty or the clutch is still engaged? Ask them for a better explanation.

[YF19Alpha]

Yeah... they said there were some loose bearings and possibly a leak, won't know until they get into the transmission. but the story continues. get a call and lo and behold, while waiting for the transmission, they call and say that there is a connector busted on the starter so, now they are replacing the starter, and today now there is a problem with a battery terminal. woohoo. love dealing with the dealership.
Modified by YF19Alpha at 10:17 AM 8/26/2009

[trinity076]

I've had this very same problem a couple of times on my 08 spec-v. Last week when I was in for my oil change, the service manager found a bulletin about this. I initially thought it was a bad fuel pressure regulator, but they said it's something else. The parts are covered under my warranty and should be in next week. I just emailed my service manager to see if I can get a copy of the bulletin...I'll get back to you.

[trinity076]

This is the information I just received from the service manager at my dealership:

This starting issue with your car is similar to the Versa's and previous year Sentra's. The fuel regulator that is part of the fuel pump tends to leak down and results in a hard start condition. Although we checked the fuel pressure on your car and it did not drop, the conditions have to be right and I believe this will correct the problem. part is on order. The second issue and there is a bulletin on this condition is that the the fuel filler tube is not secure and needs to be replaced.

I don't know if that helps anyone, but maybe you can ask your dealership to check these things...

[YF19Alpha]

I finally got my car back yesterday afternoon. All in all, new transmission, new fuel pump, new fuel pressure regulator, new starter. these were covered by warranty, had to pay for new battery terminal and labor, $91 total because it was caused by previous owner, modified possibly for new audio system or something, and batter was replaced by dealer, service mgr said they also found corrosion on the terminal, and since it is maintenance issue, not covered, but he tried to get it, said if I had original battery, they could have blamed terminal on battery and it would have been covered.

Just happy I'm back in my Spec V.

[YF19Alpha]

BTW, the annoying whiny buzzing noise is gone, was broken gear in transmission, all is right in the universe now.

[Snacktime_QR25]

You said the buzzing annoying whine sound....I have a 2007 SER Spec V and my gearbox whines very loudly. I think I may have the same problem you had with yours. I might need a new gearbox.

[rockstarking]

there is also a known issue with the b16 sentras, possibly only spec v, not sure where the ignition will stick. this usually happens when the wheels are not straight before turning off or something like that. My driveway is slightly angled to the side and back and it has happened to me a couple times. The front suspension compresses more in this situation for some reason. So far my left reverse light has went out and my driving and side parking lights have went out on my right front. I love how my car was at the dealer for four days and they didnt replace the two lights which I told them about in written form and why I brought it in and WERE DISCONNECTED FROM THE ASSEMBLY AND OBVIOUS as soon as one opened the hood or jiggled around...

[Snacktime_QR25]

A few of my tail lights went out on my car too...strange. Instead of taking it to some one, I just removed the lenses my self and put in 3 new bulbs...piece of cake. All you need is an 8mm socket and 1/4 inch rachet. Remove carpet and remove the plastic covers over the nuts and voila!! Lenses remove with ease. Cost about 4 bux for bulbs.(2 per pack) As far as the front, i have not done these yet...they're still glowin.

[PapaSmurf2k3]

So if it causes a leak down condition... that would cause there to be very little fuel pressure at startup.
If anyone reads this in the future, try and turn the key to "ON" for a second before cranking it... that should trigger the fuel pump to come on and build up some pressure. If it works, then its most likely that faulty regulator.

[seankraynak]

2007 Nissan Sentra SE-R Spec V, have/had the same problem.

Just a thought since I noticed all of the work you folks are getting done are extremely high dollar fixes.
My Nissan is having intermittent starting problems because of the anti-theft system and the microchip in the key. Was quoted for the repairs for $40-$175 dollars depending on whether or not the key needs to be replaced/reprogrammed, or if the ignition itself is faulty.

When your car isn't starting, is the security light lit up while turning the key?

My rule of thumb, if you are going to save money by going to backyard mechanics, or doing the work yourself. At least have the car diagnosed by a professional. Pay the 50 bucks and have a the dealership tell you what's wrong with it.