slow_yota

iTrader: (1)

This just started happening when the weather went cold, When it was warmer out I could start it up and it would fire within a few turns.

Now I turn the key..It cranks over, Will fire up but will instantly die.
I can do this pretty much as many times as I want and it still wont stay alive.

If I crank it, Let it fire up and give it gas it will stay alive and be fine .

The idle is fine..always at 500 at idle, No stalling or lunging of any sort so Its just a starting issue in the cold.But its very annoying and makes my car look like sh*t.

My guess is that is has a problem getting fuel on first start ups...So faulty cold start or plugged fuel filter ?

Any help would be appreciated. =]

atriuum

iTrader: (3)

Had the same thing happening to me a few weeks ago. What really sucks is that you need to throttle it to get the engine going WHILE it's cold and the oil is still at the bottom of the pan. I CRINGED and clenched my jaw when I had to do it.

I took off the TB and IACV and cleaned them both thoroughly - unscrewed all the valves on the IACV and cleaned those out - and the problem went away. However, we've not had any real cold spells lately so I can't tell for sure. It's definitely a LOT better, and starts right away.

To clarify, I did the TB first and it was filthy. The car started no problem after that. It may be that the dirt gets a bit more solid as the temps drop, making it harder for the TB to operate properly (I'm guessing). The IACV I did the following day. Point being I would start with the Throttle Body.

And, I also ordered a new fuel filter from courtesyparts and received it today. I'll replace it Friday because I don't want to smell like a gas station while eating my bird. That and a 20 oz of techron fuel injector cleaner will at least make me feel better if not actually clean the fuel system (on sale 2-for-1 20 oz bottles at AdvanceAuto).

I'll update when I get that puppy on.

ATTappman

Assuming you have no codes, try running through the procedure in the FSM for adjusting your idle.

My car idled at 500 rpm in Drive, and occasionally had the same cold-starting problem you describe. When I adjusted the idle per the procedure, I was surprised to find that in the last step, with the TPS disconnected, the car wouldn't even keep running. I had to turn the idle adjustment screw quite a ways to get to 650 rpm in Neutral. Now the car idles at 550-600 in Drive, and starts fine. Just a suggestion.

kelster23

If all else fails, it might be worth checking for vacuum leaks. After the car warms up, the culprit hose may expand which would keep you from having that problem? Just a thought...maybea a longshot.

vqmaxman

It can be anything,but the best thing Is to do Is get some codes pulled, If you have any yet. I would check the fuel pump or fuel injectors if your car feels sluggish clean the system out with some cleaner and try the TB cleaning I would try to look into the CPS if the cars still has starting issues.

RyanJC

My mom's Maxima has the same exact issue. From what I have read up on, it's usually a dirty throttle body or a bad Engine Coolant Temperature Sensor.

I cleaned out her throttle body today and checked the resistance on the ECTS (read .68 kilo-ohms after I did a quick test drive). I have to wait for the engine to get cold again to see my results.


Here's the ECTS correct resistances if you want to check:

Conrad283

iTrader: (2)

IIRC you just purchased your car. Your battery might not be a cold weather battery.

RyanJC

The TB cleaning did the trick

josmicru

nice car conrad

addanis01

maybe i should try that too...been have that issue recently

atriuum

iTrader: (3)

As mentioned above, I finally changed the fuel filter this weekend. The car starts nice a smooth. Just slightly better than after cleaning the TB. Anywho, it was a PITA to get the hoses off the fuel filter. I used the nail removing end of a hammer to pry the hose off the filter nipple as gently as I could. That worked like a charm. Took me like 25 min, if I don't count the aborted attempt last week.