Rough Start - Something Seems Wrong
 

Was hoping someone could help me with this problem.

After the car has been running and is warm, if I leave it sitting 2-4 hours and come back and try to start it, it seems like it struggles to start. Basically there is a long crank and it continues until the engine finally turns over and starts. There have been a few occasions that the engine didn't start and I have to press the ignition button again. It is definitely embarrassing when sitting in the parking lot trying to start a 2009 car that sounds like it is having trouble.

I've taken it to the dealer and they were basically no help - saying that sometimes a long start is "normal" and they pointed me to a page in the owners manual that talks about having trouble starting, you need to apply some gas, or some BS like that.

When starting cold or still hot, engine starts up fine - it is just that 2-4 hour window that gives me the problems.

Any ideas? It just doesn't seem right that I would be having starting troubles like this. Thanks in advance.

Sounds like you need to move from your stealership to a proper dealership. The issue you're having doesn't sound right. Hope some techies here can point you in the right direction.

Vapor lock maybe?
 

It sounds like vapor lock to me, but then I'm only a "shade tree" mechanic. It has to be something to do w/ heat soak @ the fuel lines (sitting for 2hrs after being driven). It may even be a faulty fuel cap? Thankfully I haven't had this problem in the 16,xxx miles I've put on my car. I wouldn't accept this as normal. Something is wrong w/ your fuel system. You'll probably need to either find another dealer or become more "forceful" w/ your current one. I despise the way some dealer service dep'ts won't do anything until you are about to explode w/ anger! I had to be like this w/ the local Nissan dealer over the alignment on my Frontier. Good luck and don't take no for an answer.

I've had this situation with my last car(push button), sometime you don't push the button correctly maybe too quick or too soft or not in the centre of the button and the engine doesn't turn on, instead just the radio.
Don't worry no real problem to worry about, just monitor it and if happens everytime you start the car then do have it looked at.

Sounds like heat soaked fuel lines, which would cause a temporary vapor lock. A few things you could try.

- Switch fuel brands. Make sure your fuel has no more than 10% ethanol and is 91+ octane.
- With the foot off the clutch double tap the start button so that it goes to the 'On' mode first which I believe will pressurize the fuel system. Once in this mode depress the clutch and press the button again to start. Same procedure for auto, just substitute brake for clutch.

I think you're onto something as the starter button simply sends an electronic signal to the ECM to get matters going. Also, if you depress the starter button for more than two (2) seconds the engine stops. Almost sounds like a switch issue?

I've heard of engines being somewhat difficult to start after 10-15 minutes (like at a gas station), but not after 2-3 hours.

My Honda (del Sol - modified ECU) would exhibit this 10-15 min issue, and it turned out replacing the coolant temperature sensor and adjusting the cold start fuel compensation helped out a lot (but not 100%). My theory was the sensor read good at the extremes, but in between as it cooled down (the 10-15 min range), it would send the wrong temp reading to the ECU, which would incorrectly lean out/richen the fuel mixture upon start up.

But after 2-3 hours? Doesn't seem likely, though I've noticed there is A LOT of stored heat in the VQ37 engine and compartment after the car turns off. I've noticed oil temps still up there after the car's been stopped for an hour.

Other manufacturers have had problems with sticking fuel pump relays under similar circumstances. Just one more thing to consider.

I am having the exact same issue. I've taken the car to the dealer twice - they typically tell me that they cannot duplicate the problem. I drive home, let the car sit - and it doesn't want to start "normally". I spoke with the mechanic (not the service rep) after the second visit. He said that the service rep did not tell him everything I told him; he recommended I make an appointment to leave the car overnight. Mechanic stated it may be a fuel pressure issue. They did a fuel pressure test of some type, called me today stating they are replacing a "faulty" fuel pump. I'll let you know what happens.

BTW - I agree with you about being embarrassed that your sweet looking car won't start normally, especially when people are watching. Happened to me quite a few times.

-Bob

Bob - are you having the problem after your car has been sitting overnight and is cool, or like me after a few hours? I have found that using a better quality fuel is helping somewhat. I'm still testing it out.

Also, I believe my fuel pump was also replaced at about 5,000 miles (20,000 on there now) for a similar issue. That was me having problems starting from cold (after leaving it overnight).

Keep us updated on whether or not it was your fuel pump and anything else you might find out. Thanks.

zero610,

My starting problem seems to happen most frequently after the car sits for about an hour or so, usually after it has reached operating temperature with normal driving. I have not experienced any cold starting (first thing in the AM) problems. It only happens after I drive it and it sits for a while. I picked my car up from the dealer yesterday, they replaced the fuel pump. There is a strong odor of gasoline in the car (hope that is normal after a fuel pump replacement). I drove the car for about a 1/2 hour, let it sit for about an hour...same problem, hard start (long cranking - then sputtering as it tries to start). The car always starts - my concern is the excessive wear on the starter. I'm not a mechanic, but the problem doesn't seem to be the fuel pump :) unless they replaced it with another defective one. I'm going to take it back and have them look at it again on Monday. I have about 7000 miles on the car. I have had the 370Z for about 1.5 years (I travel alot) of a 3 year lease. I'm pretty disappointed that I'm having these problems with a car I don't drive that frequently. I may be crossing Nissan off of my list after this experience.

-Bob

That's def a little too long. Take it to ANOTHER Nissan dealer. If they don't honor your request then write an email to the Nissan Corp Dealer Manager (I can pm you the email address(s) ) or call their 1-800 number for Nissan consumer affairs.

Good luck

I posted a video of my hard starting issue so you can get a better idea of what I am experiencing. This is AFTER the dealer installed the new fuel pump. The fuel pump replacement obviously did not solve the problem. Do you think this is abnormal? Or is it just me??

AK370Z -- thanks for the lightning fast reply. If I don't get any help from the dealer I'll let you know :) Thanks

-Bob

I def think it's abnormal. Regardless of how long or short distance I drive, regardless of how cold or hot my engine is, my Z starts in a split second! Just my :twocents:

Don't really know but ......
 

Don't really know but it sounds like
it could be a sensor ..... maybe .

I just took my 2003 Sentra into the
dealer for the same thing that you
are describing. Hard starts and finally
stalling after driving all day and
letting it set for a couple of hours.

Replaced the fuel pump ($ 680). This
did not fix the problem. After doing my
own investigating on the internet, ....
it turned out to be the Crankshaft positioning
sensor ($ 187). I took it back to the
dealer and they replaced the sensor.

Car runs fine now . It is now fixed. Starts
up on the first turn of the key.

Let us know what it is .....

Tom Geer in Tennessee

.

Thanks for your post. May be that's it!

Zero610,

Not trying to steal your thread, I'm simply trying to see if you and I are having the same problem. Hence me posting the video for you to compare with your issue.

Thanks to everyone else for your posts, comments and suggestions.

-Bob

Bob,

No problem about adding the info to the thread. I'm glad you got a video of the rough start. I've tried to do that a couple times and they never come out good.

Your start sounds exactly like mine does when I have the problem (still doesn't seem to be every time).

Just out of curiosity, what type of fuel do you use? Originally, I was using some cheap fuel from Kroger, Valero, etc (93 octane) - whatever was cheapest in my area. Someone previously said might be cheap fuel, so the past 2 fill ups have been with Chevron. I haven't had the problem since but can't say I've tried to start within the 1-3 hour window when it normally happened. I'm going to try again today.

Let me know what the dealer says with your video evidence. Thanks again.

Well I buy gas wherever I am when I need it. I don't have a specific station use use really. I always put 93 octane in though. I dropped the car off at the dealer again today. They watched the video and agreed something is wrong. They said they are going to call Nissan and show them the video. We will see if they can figure out the issue and go from there. I've never used arbitration or lemon law -- anyone have experience with an issue that the dealer cannot figure out?

-Bob

Sensors or the vvel system something does not let it have a complete combustion i would really recommend for everyone 2 get like a com-sort of a ECU to ur laptop connection 2 see the read outs, in the end the car stats and runs fine then its not the pump this is what i personally think :driving:

Bob - any updates from the dealer?

Car is still at the dealer (this is day 6). They tried replacing the cars internal key coding system?? They called the next day and said that did not work...

So -- I'm still waiting. I wonder when they decide to give up?

-Bob

Rough Starting
 

I live in Florida so I'm dealing with heat on fairly regular basis...I always let my car cool down for about 30 sec...also it could be your battery?

No, they checked the battery early on in the process. It doesn't seem to be weather related now (high heat) -- it has cooled off considerably here. The dealer called this morning and stated they are considering replacing the fuel injectors now (they said they called Nissan about the issue). I'm not a mechanic -- but I feel that's heading in the right direction. I think it's combustion related (air, fuel or spark) or a sensor myself - but what do I know :)

I'm heading out of town for work for a week -- so hopefully its resolved by the time I get back.

I'll let you all know what's happening as soon as I hear.

-Bob

Well - talked to the Dealer - they are now going to replace the fuel line and the ECM unit? I'm beginning to think they are just throwing parts at it now hoping to get lucky and find the cause. They think it'll be ready Monday -- 14 days in the shop now.

-Bob

maybe you should call back to that place that AK pmed you about and just have them give you a new z instead lol

I think that's a good idea now - I have contacted the Virginia Consumer Affairs Dept. And according to the warranty booklet - I'm required to contact Nissan Consumer Affairs prior to enacting the "lemon law".

AK -- I'll take you up on your offer for the email address now.

Thanks

-Bob

Cured??
 

Picked up the 09 Nissan 370Z from the dealer, also brought in my other key for programming. They replaced a fuel line (causing the gasoline smell) and damper assembly; and also replaced something called the IPDM (Intelligent Power Distribution Module in the Engine Room). Nissan also filled the car with gasoline - note that they put nearly 200 miles on the car from the time I dropped it off - We shall see if this cured the issue.

-Bob

Bob, I'm try to gather information about several anomalies that may or not be related. Prior to your failure, did you experience hesitation or lack of power when accelerating? I'm just wondering if you have any fuel pressure issues.

Thanks!

DIGItonium, As a matter of fact I did. The car would hesitate (for probably less than a second) if I hit the gas to accelerate quickly, I'd almost call it a sputter. I've been reading several threads regarding the high oil temp issue - and kind of attributed the lack of power/hesitation to that issue. My oil temperature seems to hover (with normal driving) in the 230 range. I do feel as though that sputtering/hesitation feeling is gone after this most recent visit. I'm not sure if the electronic device replacement (IPDM) solved that issue? But -- it does "seem" a little peppier than before. the mechanic that worked on my car said Nissan Corporate told him to change the IPDM part -- he said he wouldn't have known to replace it. I've been doing a little Google'ing about that part. It seems as though it's a known issue with other Nissan vehicles (mostly the truck & SUV line-up). I also noticed that AK370 posted a TSB about that part also -- if you do a search you'll find his post. You having some issues?

-Bob

Oh -- and also, the mechanic seemed a little frustrated with the plastic fuel line? He was ranting about a clamp or something causing a piece of plastic mashing (causing a crack) which caused the fuel to start leaking after he replaced the fuel pump (see my previous comment about the car wreaking of gas above). The dealer is obviously shaky about the "repair" to my problem -- they do NOT seem real confident that they've completely solved this issue. I don't think they have either...just a feeling :)

So in short -- YES I did have fuel pressure problems. They replaced the fuel pump originally because they said I was losing fuel pressure when the car just sat.

-Bob

Thanks, Bob! I got a call back this afternoon and the tech was told that it was oil temperature. It doesn't make sense for daily driving conditions that the ECM would start cutting power when the temps are above 200F. Mine typically hovers around 220F. With cooler temps, 200F on average. :dunno: Hopefully more complaints roll in so Nissan can do something about it besides blame it on oil temperature especially when it's just casual driving.

Damn, i now have the same issue. The car has been sitting at my condo basement for 4 weeks (work on an offshore rig). Before i leave, gave her a good fuel fill up till full with Shell V Power. When i came back 2 days ago, the car start straight away after the push, no problem at all. Today after few good runs on highway (temp normal), i went for a movie with my GF ~ 3hrs. Came to my car at valet service and it takes solid 3 cranks and a noticeable clunk before it start. Got back home, shut off the engine and try to give it a start, same 3 cranks and a clunk then vrrrrooom. Will send the car to Nissan service center tomorrow.

There's your problem...

To the OP, does the car stumble a little when it does start after cranking for a few seconds? To me it sounds like a fuel issue. Either an air leak is causing you to lose fuel pressure (worn or cracked seals in the fuel system such as injector o-rings) OR an injector(s) is leaking. If you have an injector leak, they will start to leak as soon as you shut the vehicle off. If you start the vehicle back up as soon as you shut it off, you shouldn't have any cranking issues, but leaving it for a couple hours will cause the injectors to slightly flood the chamber and thus the hard starts. Leaving it overnight will "dry up" the flood and so no hard starting issues.

Pressure test the fuel system and see if there is any fuel pressure loss.

Old thread I know.

So no one has found the definitive solution to this problem yet? I have been having the same issue since 10,000 miles, and I am now at 22,000. Again, it always starts fine on the first start of the day, and the car runs fine otherwise, but if I let it sit for 2-3 hours after the car is warmed up and then try and start it, i get the horrible noise at startup and its a very hard start. Just like the video! Please! someone must have the answer to this!!!

Still happening
 

Still have the rough start. Nissan dealer has now replaced the battery - says it's a charging problem. Completely and thoroughly clueless. They also installed a monitoring computer and had me drive the car for 10 days. They have since removed it and sent it to Nissan. I have been communicating with Nissan Consumer Affairs - total waste of time. They do not care. My solution is to complete my lease (1 more year) and buy a Cayman. Nissan has lost me as a customer for life.

Thanks for the replies b, I feel your pain. I can't believe more people havent reported this issue and Nissan is not aware of the fix for it. Please report back to this thread if they find the solution and I will do the same. Unfortunately I am not in a lease. I will have a hard time selling a sports car that sounds like a 25 year old beater when it starts. :shakes head:

I have been calling every dealer in the state to see if someone has encounterd this problem and found a solution and nobody has. This is so sad. I love my car besides this annoying problem :(