My car cranks but will not start

Tiny
TIFF_1K
  • MEMBER
  • 2000 NISSAN MAXIMA
  • 3.0L
  • 6 CYL
  • 200,000 MILES
I took it to AutoZone due to check engine light being on and was informed I was having a misfire in cylinder 5. This led to me replacing the spark plugs and coil packs. My check engine light is still on. I’ve already replaced the fuel pump and that has not resolved the issue either. A family member suggested I change my fuel line filter. I really need help with this issue.
Wednesday, September 30th, 2020 AT 9:02 AM

5 Replies

Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 110,176 POSTS
Hi,

The check engine light will stay on until either it is cleared via a scan took or it reaches a specific miles after repairs.

Since it isn't starting at all, have you checked to see if there is spark and fuel to the engine? That is where I would start. Take a look through this link and see if it helps:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/car-cranks-but-wont-start

Also, is there any chance that you mixed up the wires to each cylinder? That will prevent it from starting.

Let me know.
Joe
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Wednesday, September 30th, 2020 AT 5:11 PM
Tiny
TIFF_1K
  • MEMBER
  • 4 POSTS
Hello. It will start after cranking and gassing it a couple of times. Even when I give the car gas while cranking it, it makes a screeching sound.
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Wednesday, September 30th, 2020 AT 7:27 PM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 110,176 POSTS
Hi,

Is it possible for you to record the sound so I can hear it? Also, do you have to pump the throttle to get it to run?

Joe
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Thursday, October 1st, 2020 AT 6:51 PM
Tiny
TIFF_1K
  • MEMBER
  • 4 POSTS
Good morning. So I went back to AutoZone to have my car scanned again and voila the check engine light is no longer there. However, it has a rough idle now and it sputters when picking up speed. Yes, I do have to pump the throttle to make the car run as well. Not to throw to much in one response, when I turn the wheel it makes some sort of knocking sound and it sounds as if it would be coming from the tire area.
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Friday, October 2nd, 2020 AT 6:12 AM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 110,176 POSTS
Hi,

Is the check engine light staying off now?

The idea that you have to pump the throttle to start it leads me to believe there may be a fuel pressure issue. I would need to know specifics. For example, what the fuel pressure is or even what the short term fuel trims are to determine if that is an issue. The fuel pressure is easy enough to check, but it does require a fuel pressure gauge.

Here is a link that explains how it is done. Note that most parts stores will lend you a gauge.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-check-fuel-system-pressure-and-regulator

As far as retrieving fuel trims, you need a live data scan tool to do it while the engine is running.

As far as the noise, if you can record it and upload it, that may help with with that issue.

Let me know.

Joe
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Sunday, October 4th, 2020 AT 4:48 PM

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