Hard to start

UBRDEM

MEMBER
2004 NISSAN SENTRA
4 CYL
FWD
AUTOMATIC
182,000 MILES

Car is hard to start, then cranks but sometimes sputters and dies. Usually when I crank it immediately after it finally shuts off while sputtering, it fires right up with no problem or drama.

Monday, January 31st, 2011 AT 12:58 AM

6 Replies

UBRDEM

MEMBER
5 POSTS

What are some possible causes? I've replaced the fuel pump assembly once with a new(er) assembly with fewer miles, yet the problem persists. Since the problem still exists after the pump swap, i'm less inclined to believe the pump is the culprit.

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Monday, January 31st, 2011 AT 1:01 AM

RASMATAZ

MECHANIC
75,992 POSTS

You need to verify the fuel pressure if its within specs-could be leaking down somewhere such as the injectors and fuel pressure regulator and fuel pump check valve-that's causing the hard starts

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Monday, January 31st, 2011 AT 7:51 AM

UBRDEM

MEMBER
5 POSTS

Is there a way to check the fuel pressure regulator? I mean, I know how to test fuel pressure, and I know it should only drop 5-7psi upon shut-off, but is there a way to actually test each potential problem individually?
Like I said, I replaced the pump assembly once already with a newer model, so i'll be testing the regulator first, if there is a simple way to do it.
As far as injectors are concerned, could they be leaking fuel into the cylinders, and back into the tank? I'm confused on that one.

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Tuesday, February 1st, 2011 AT 2:03 AM

FIXITMR

MECHANIC
9,990 POSTS

What do your plugs look like? Did you check for engine codes?

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Sunday, February 6th, 2011 AT 2:25 AM

UBRDEM

MEMBER
5 POSTS

Checked the codes, It just refers to a (known) catalytic efficiency problem. Nothing else mentioned. Could be related, I know, but I doubt it.
Haven't pulled the plugs out yet, waiting for a clear day.