Not starting?

2THESTARS

MEMBER
2000 NISSAN MAXIMA
3.0L
AUTOMATIC
346,000 MILES

I just put a new starter, new alternator, new harmonic balancer, new pulley, new A/C compressor, and a new battery on my car and it still won't start. I have had 2 different mechanics look at it two separate times. They both told me something completely different and I don't know which one to believe. The first one says I need a new fuel pump and the second one says it has jumped time. The car tries to start but won't start. My uncle sprayed it with starter fluid, and it started but only ran for a few seconds and made a very loud boom (backfire) then died. It still trying to start but won't start. What is your opinion? I know that both are expensive to fix.

Sunday, November 6th, 2022 AT 8:59 AM

3 Replies

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
110,176 POSTS

Hi,

The idea that it tries to start with starting fluid but backfired, may indicate a timing issue. The vehicle has a timing chain, so it isn't as common for failure to occur. However, it can happen.

We have two ways to approach this. The first and easiest is to record it cranking and upload it for me to hear. I can usually tell if it is a timing problem. There are times I can't, but most times I can.

Or you can check engine compression. If the engine has 300+K miles, we could have low compression caused by timing or simply wear.

Here is a link that explains how to test compression:

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

Let me know.

Joe

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Sunday, November 6th, 2022 AT 9:30 PM

2THESTARS

MEMBER
4 POSTS

I did go ahead and put the new fuel pump on it yesterday but it's still not starting. The guy that put it on says the fuel pump isn't kicking on because it's not getting power and he doesn't know how to fix that. I don't either. I was thinking maybe a relay but I'm not sure either.

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Monday, November 7th, 2022 AT 5:42 AM

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
110,176 POSTS

Hi,

There are fuses, a relay, and a module that controls power to the fuel pump. I attached a wiring schematic below in pic 1. Check the fuses I highlighted and the relay.

If there is a different relay that has the same part number, switch them. If there isn't, here is a link that explains how to test one:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-check-an-electrical-relay-and-wiring-control-circuit

As far as the fuses go, in addition to checking the fuse, make sure there is power to and from them.

Here is a link you may find helpful:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-check-a-car-fuse

Let me know what you find. Also, if you could record it cranking, that may help me.

Take care,

Joe

See pic below.

Image (Click to make bigger)