1996 Nissan Maxima Starting Problems (intermittent)

1996 NISSAN MAXIMA
204,000 MILES • 6 CYL • 2WD • MANUAL
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MAXIMA96
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Hi,
I have starting problems with my 96 Maxima SE (manual trans) since last year and its getting worse (or may gets worse in summer). But sometimes it wont start. Cranks fine but wont pick up. Replaced fuel filter and fuel regulator and use fuel cleaners but problem persists. When it wont start, I tend to press the pedal a couple of times and when it starts (after many cranks), it is in a hesitation mode for about a minute so I have to keep it reveved high.. I can also smell gas when it starts but thats probably due to me pressing the gas pedal. By the way, the car starts normally most of the time on first crank and always starts fine while I am out. Only has a starting problem after standing for a long time or overnight. I also think the problem happens at times when the car is tilted backwards rather than on a slope with the front facing down.

Once it is running, no problems. Only a couple of times, I felt the engine stopped during first minute or two of running out of a bad start and since car is in motion, it picks up again. But otherwise, it runs just fine. Also, when it wont start for a long time, I had people push it and starts right away.

Funny thing is, the starting problem has happened at exactly the same spot many times.

Pls. Help.
Jul 6, 2010 at 2:56 PM
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MRKJR
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First you need to do a fuel pressure test and check to see if it drops fuel pressure after it sits for a few minutes,and if it drops more than 10 to 20 psi in about 5 minutes then the fuel pump need to be replaced.

Also the airflow meter will cause the same problem. It usually will pop and sputter when it starts
Jul 6, 2010 at 8:21 PM
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MAXIMA96
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mrkjr
thanks for the reply. The workshop actually did change the fuel regulator saying it wasn't keeping the pressure to 40psi. Now it is with the new regulator. He is also considering the fuel pump.

But the air flow meter is new thing. I will ask him to look at that.

thanks again.
Jul 6, 2010 at 11:29 PM
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MRKJR
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The most common is the fuel pump.
You r very welcome.
Jul 6, 2010 at 11:40 PM
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