What is my car's problem starting?

Question

Lately when I get in my car, a 2005 Nissan Sentra, and turn the key I have to keep it turned for a little while longer than I used to until the engine turns over and starts.

It just started recently and it is not the same each time, but I'm just concerned it won't start sometime when I really need it to.

Also, it seems that if I pump the gas a little when the key is turned it helps is start.

Any ideas what the problem is before I take it in to the shop?

Answer 1

You don't say if is trying to turn over and is just having a hard time getting running or it won't turn over at all, but from your description of pumping the gas, then I'd say read the following:

It could be your spark plugs as the electrodes do wear down over time, even with the high mileage expensive ones. They also may have some carbon buildup on them that will make it hard for them to fire correctly. When was the last time they were changed? You could pull a couple of them out and check them over for signs of wear and carbon buildup, or just replace them.

Your fuel injectors could also be suspect. They can get clogged up as well over time. You could try running some strong injector cleaner in your fuel for awhile to help clean them out. Some repair shops can even pull them out and put them on a special device that runs special cleaner through them to clean them out quickly and also allows the mechanics to test and observe their operation for any abnormalities. Your cold start injector could also be suspect. Of course you could just replace them outright too. It's your call.

Maybe call around for some quotes on the different options you have to see what it costs and make your decision based on that. It may just be in need of a good tune-up overall.

Your plug wires could be a possibility, but they are rarely a problem anymore. You could replace them as well if you like, but I think your problem is much more likely to be the other two things that I mentioned first. You could even have potential problems with different engine sensors and/or the car's computer that may be causing it to be hard to start, but worry about those as a last option. I would think you would get an engine service light if it were those, but not always. The first two options I mentioned are easy and relatively inexpensive things to try first as well as a tune-up.

One more thing you should check, and probably change (often) is your air filter.

If it isn't turning over at all, then check your battery & starter contacts, starter & its solenoid, ignition switch.

Hope that helps. Good luck.

Answer 2

I have the same problem with my Nissan Sentra 2004. I want to thank John Paul for responding to this guestion. The engine turns over and won't start. Turn off the key and try again and it starts up.I'll call my Nissan dealer tomorrow. This usually happens after it sits for a while. You got my vote.

Answer 3

There is a fuel pump repair kit for extended crank time. I bet after the first start it is OK until it sits for an hour or two. Take it to Nissan and see if they authorize Good Will if your over 50,000 miles... But take it in with less than 1/2 tank of gasoline. Make sure of the fuel reading is the same after repair.

Answer 4

Do yourself a favor, before you go looking for a "serious" problem, get a good tune up.

Replace:

Engine Oil
Oil Filter
Spark Plugs
Plug Wires
Air Filter
Fuel Filter

Check:

Distributor
Dist. Cap
Ignition Coil
Coolant

My bet is your car will be back to normal after this.

Answer 5

it can be your alternator or some thing is plugging up your fuel line. it could be dirty