1996 Nissan Sentra car not starting

BARRI

MEMBER
1996 NISSAN SENTRA
4 CYL
FWD
AUTOMATIC
200,000 MILES

When I go to start it, it will turn over but not catch and start. It is not the starter because it will try to start. My starter went bad a few years ago and it would make a tapping noise when it wouldn't start and I would tap the starter and then it would start. The battery is new.

Friday, January 1st, 2010 AT 2:30 PM

2 Replies

RASMATAZ

MECHANIC
75,992 POSTS

Do below:

Cranks and w/n start

Get a helper disconnect a sparkplug wire or 2 and ground it to the engine -have helper crank engine over-do you have a snapping blue spark? If so-you have a fuel related problem, check the fuel pressure to rule out the fuel filter/fuel pump/pressure regulator and listen to the injector/s are they pulsing or hook up a noid light. No snapping blue spark continue to troubleshoot the ignition system-power input to the coil/coil packs, coil's resistances, distributor pick-up coil, ignition control module, cam and crank sensors and computer Note: If it doesn't apply disregard it

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Friday, January 1st, 2010 AT 5:46 PM

CHAOSMASTER1

MEMBER
5 POSTS

I have a similar nissan sentra except it's tripped 242,000
it did the same thing yours is doing, I suggest taking the distributor cap off and see if the rotor is securely attached if you have a tiny screw fall out line the rotor up to the hole and screw it back in and reinstall the cap and try to start it. As far as the spark test it will still give spark just not enough or fast enough with the rotor being loose

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Friday, March 5th, 2010 AT 11:20 PM