1997 Nissan Altima Engine takes longer to start

Tiny
OHYEA
  • MEMBER
  • 1997 NISSAN ALTIMA
  • 2.4L
  • 4 CYL
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
Recently changed the fuel filter and a couple days after changing it without driving it that car takes longer to start than what it usually did. Takes like 4-5 cranks if I am using the right terms. Also this car was passed down from my parent to me and learned that the fuel filter has not been changed for years. Looked at the filter looks like its from the factory. What can this be or will it go away after a few drive cycles? Thanks
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Tuesday, February 17th, 2015 AT 4:35 PM

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Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 107,922 POSTS
The irony is that is usually the opposite of what happens. Since it is cranking longer, I want you to try something. When you go to start it, first cycle the key to the run position for a couple seconds, then off, then back to the start position. Do this 2 or 3 times waiting a couple seconds while it is in the run position (engine off). After doing that, try to start it. Does it start right away? Let me know.
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Tuesday, February 17th, 2015 AT 7:02 PM
Tiny
OHYEA
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Could it be that my alternator is going bad, because this morning my car started to smoke lightly opened up my hood and looked like the smoke was coming from the alternator
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Thursday, February 19th, 2015 AT 7:51 AM
Tiny
OHYEA
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  • 153 POSTS
Yup it was the alternator, went to test at autozone they said it was bad. So got a new one lifetime warrantied and installed it myself. Starts better now. Thanks for the help.
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Thursday, February 19th, 2015 AT 12:55 PM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 107,922 POSTS
Glad you got it fixed. Let us know if you have questions in the future.

Joe
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Thursday, February 19th, 2015 AT 4:15 PM

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