Intermittent hard starting issue

MARY THERRIEN SWEENEY

MEMBER
2002 NISSAN ALTIMA
2.5L
4 CYL
2WD
AUTOMATIC
134,000 MILES

My car might start with no problem 5 or 6 times a day but then it might take me 10-20 turns of the key to start it. It always starts. I left it at my garage for 5 days but every time the mechanic tried to start it the car was fine. He would try it 5 or 6 times at different intervals. He couldn't get a code because it always started right up. So I took it back and have had not trouble starting it, but tonight after driving for 4-5 min. I notice by temperature gauge on H. It didn't appear to be overheating and it was riding fine. No problem. I did stop and added a little 50/50 antifreeze to the overflow but as soon as I started it up it went to H again. Could the two problems be related. My mechanic doesn't want to put a lot of money into it until he is sure of the problem and I appreciate that, any suggestions?

3 Replies

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
108,179 POSTS

Hi,

The engine coolant temperature sensor can cause a hard start. The signal from the sensor is used by the computer to determine air/fuel ratio to the engine. If the signal is wrong, the computer may be setting the wrong mixture to the engine.

When you say it went to hot, are you sure it wasn't overheating? If you are, I would replace the sensor. I attached a pic below to help you locate it. Check to make sure the connector isn't loose or damaged.

Let me know.

Joe

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Saturday, May 23rd, 2020 AT 10:26 PM

MARY THERRIEN SWEENEY

MEMBER
2 POSTS

Thank you Joe for answering my question. Today I tried taking the car out to see if it would go directly to H on the temperature gauge. I did check the overflow for the antifreeze and it was low again, so I filled it again. When I went up the street I noticed the temperature gauge did not even move off C.

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Sunday, May 24th, 2020 AT 7:27 PM

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
108,179 POSTS

Hi, Mary. It sounds like either there is a bad connection at the sensor or the sensor itself is bad. I do have a concern that the coolant was low again. Is there any evidence of a leak? Have you ever noticed white smoke from the exhaust? If you check the motor oil, is there anything that appears to be creamy or tan in color?

As far as the sensor, it is easy to replace. Above, I provided a location pic for you. You will lose coolant when it's removed so you have two choices. First, when the old one comes out, have the new one ready to put in as quick as you can to limit the amount of coolant lost. Or, you can drain the radiator to a level below the sensor level.

I attached a pic of what the sensor will look like. Just disconnect the electrical connector and then unscrew it from the engine and reverse the process for install. I circled the point on the sensor where you will place the wrench. I can't remember the exact size wrench you will need, but it will be near a 1" open end wrench. I don't think a deep well socket will fit over the connector area.

However, since it didn't read at all today, before replacing it, just make sure the wiring/connector isn't damaged.

I hope this helps. Feel free to let me know if you have other questions and also if there is evidence or a leak, anything odd about the oil in the engine, or if you notice white smoke from the exhaust.

Let me know.

Joe

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