My car takes long to turn on after engine replacement

Tiny
KMB24
  • MEMBER
  • 2005 NISSAN MAXIMA
  • 6 CYL
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 145,000 MILES
My cars engine overheated and we had to replace the engine, it got a 2006 engine with less miles and it got rebuilt and everything. After doing that the car wouldn't turn on. I was told it was the computer of the car, then that it was some cables not connected right and also that it was some timing belt issue. Codes I got were 345 and 335. My mechanic got it to turn on now the issue is that it takes long, we replaced the crank shaft sensor and now it takes less to turn on but it still takes time. And the check engine light isn't on anymore so it doesn't read any codes. Need help ASAP. I was told I can use the car now, but I don’t want to ruin or make it worse.
Wednesday, March 6th, 2019 AT 6:52 PM

9 Replies

Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 110,144 POSTS
HI and thanks for using 2CarPros.

The codes you listed relate to the camshaft and crankshaft position sensors. If the codes are gone, I have to assume that the problem is resolved. Now, has fuel pressure been tested?

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

Also, if the engine was rebuilt, it could be a timing issue if it wasn't put together correctly. I would also confirm that engine compression is good.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-test-engine-compression

Next, I would also confirm that there is a signal to the injectors when it doesn't start.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-test-a-fuel-injector

One last thought is an electrical issue. Make sure all grounds, both the primary to the engine block and body are clean and tight.

Since the mechanic was working with the aforementioned sensors, I have to assume that he is getting a good hot spark to the plugs. If that is the case, then we have to assume either engine compression or fuel pressure is an issue. Although it takes long to start, does it run good when it starts?

Let me know.

Joe
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Wednesday, March 6th, 2019 AT 7:24 PM
Tiny
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He says he is completely sure it is not timing belt issue because he checked that numerous times when it wouldn’t power on. Now he did say he will try the fuel thing today. But he also says he thinks it is the ignition switch, I am not sure because a lot of people tell me to not buy that because I would have to program it and it is even more difficult. I am very confused now question is, can I use the car like this? And what would it be that needs to get replaced in your opinion? Or needs to be done?
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Thursday, March 7th, 2019 AT 1:24 PM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 110,144 POSTS
Welcome back:

I can't say if it is safe to drive without knowing the cause of the issue. How hard is it to start? Describe to me what it is like when starting the engine.

Joe
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Thursday, March 7th, 2019 AT 5:50 PM
Tiny
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  • 19 POSTS
Here is a video:
Video (Click to make bigger)
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Thursday, March 7th, 2019 AT 5:54 PM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 110,144 POSTS
Welcome back:

The engine sounds great, but I do see a slight delay on the restart. Honestly, that could simply be a fuel pressure related issue. Based on what I heard, I wouldn't be afraid to drive it.

Take care and let me know if I can help in any way.

Joe
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Thursday, March 7th, 2019 AT 7:12 PM
Tiny
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Okay thank you! The mechanic will give me news tomorrow. I will make sure to ask you if anything changes.
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Thursday, March 7th, 2019 AT 7:20 PM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 110,144 POSTS
Sounds like a plan. Take care and let me know. You know, I have an idea. Try this. With the engine off, do the following.

1) Turn the key to the run position (engine off) and count to 3.
2) Turn the key off and repeat number 1 two more times.
3) Then, see if it starts quicker.

Let me know the results.

Joe
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Thursday, March 7th, 2019 AT 7:30 PM
Tiny
KMB24
  • MEMBER
  • 19 POSTS
Sorry to get back so late. My mechanic left town but he will give me my car today and try what you have said. He said it will still have a delay in start. He is saying it is the switch and that I need to change it. Reason being is because he says he has to move the key a certain way to start it, but everyone tells me its not. He said I need to get a new switch and reprogram the computer. What do you think? Of course I am talking my car to another mechanic to fix it since this one is just way too busy to put more time into it.
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Tuesday, March 26th, 2019 AT 2:59 PM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 110,144 POSTS
Welcome back:

Honestly, anything is possible, but before I go to that extent (key lock assembly) I would check the other things to confirm it isn't something simple. However, if he said that the switch is the problem, my guess is no matter what is wrong, he will tell you the key needs replaced. Plus, the key wasn't an issue prior to the new engine, so why now? I could better understand a fuel leak or injector leak dropping pressure before I would think the switch suddenly went bad.

Let me know what you find. Also, if the ignition switch engages the starter, everything else is getting power, too. Thus, I doubt it is the switch. Not being there makes it difficult for me. I hope you understand.

Take care and let me know what you find.
Joe
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Tuesday, March 26th, 2019 AT 5:15 PM

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