Home › Forums › Stay Dirty Lounge › Service and Repair Questions Answered Here › Hot Start Problem
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June 15, 2012 at 11:00 am #446907
I purchased a 2003 Nissan Sentra, 1.8 liter, with 72,000 miles on it for my 16-yr old offspring.
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June 15, 2012 at 11:00 am #446908
Theres no check engine light on? If so post codes.
I would start with checking fuel pressure. at idle you
want to see 51 psi Then with the car off watch the bleed
down.June 15, 2012 at 11:00 am #446909I agree with college man, sounds like a fuel pressure problem to me
June 15, 2012 at 11:00 am #446910I’ve heard of fuel pressure regulators causing similar problems (at least on GM vehicles) the diaphragm in the FPR can get a slight tear and cause fuel to get sucked into the vacuum line after the engine is shut off. Basically it momentarily floods the engine but then goes away
June 15, 2012 at 11:00 am #446911I think the form may be on the right track with the fuel pressure regulator problem but it would be nice if you could get some evidence of that by checking the fuel pressure during the no start condition. I remember Hondas had similar issues with their V6’s in that there wasn’t enough fuel pressure after a ‘hot soak’ causing hard hot restarts, the fix was an updated fuel pressure regulator, I suppose the same could be true for your vehicle.
June 16, 2012 at 11:00 am #446914Also check your coolant. if you lost coolant and no external leak shown, it’s posible leaking in to engine cylinder(s). what happen is when coolant leaking into a cylinder it will foul out the plug. it will cause hard to start. Just a though.
June 16, 2012 at 11:00 am #446912Thanks for the responses.
No “Check Engine Light” has ever come on. Sounds like I need to check the fuel pressure. Can anyone walk me through the process, recommend a fuel pressure gauge and show me where the fuel pressure regulator is located? Unfortunately, I have no repair manual/schematics for this vehicle.
This is a great forum and I am hooked on the videos! All of your help is greatly appreciated.June 16, 2012 at 11:00 am #446913The fuel pressure regulator should be mounted on the fuel rail, it will have a little vacuum hose on it. Start the engine and disconnect the vacuum line connected to the FPR. Hold your finger over the hose and watch the fuel pressure regulator for several minutes to see if fuel sprays out of it
June 17, 2012 at 11:00 am #446915I *think* that fuel system on that Nissan is return-less so the FPR is apart of the fuel pump assembly.
There was a TSB from Nissan on this issue. Another trick you can try is to cycle the key several times. On the 3rd cycle, start the vehicle. If it starts right away then it may be the FPR issue.
I would also look at some live PID data to make sure that the ECT temperature is at the correct reading.
June 17, 2012 at 11:00 am #446916Quoted From dreamer2355:
I *think* that fuel system on that Nissan is return-less so the FPR is apart of the fuel pump assembly.
There was a TSB from Nissan on this issue. Another trick you can try is to cycle the key several times. On the 3rd cycle, start the vehicle. If it starts right away then it may be the FPR issue.
I would also look at some live PID data to make sure that the ECT temperature is at the correct reading.
What was the TSB? 🙂
June 18, 2012 at 11:00 am #446917Dreamer: I am assuming “FPR” refers to fuel pressure regulator. Also, I looked up the “TSB(s)” for this model and found TSBs # 201062 and # 158142 and # 322808 seem to address this issue. However, I am unable to obtain directions on how to check/address the issue.
On a “hot” re-start, she really struggles to start on the first crank – say 3 seconds. However, she starts right up on the second crank – say 1 second. This process is very consistent.
Is there a simple diagnostic procedure for dummies to nail down what is causing this?
Is the FPR located in the fuel pump itself? Changing the fuel pump on this vehicle is fairly simple, but the part costs in the $300 range – something I do not want to do if not necessary.
I appreciate any help.June 18, 2012 at 11:00 am #446918according to mitchell on demand the FPR is on the fuel rail. Go to google and search for a picture showing the location, it wont let me post a link on here!
June 18, 2012 at 11:00 am #446919This video also shows the basics of how to hook up a fuel pressure gauge.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=piOzN1tZI_EJune 18, 2012 at 11:00 am #446920The fuel pressure reg is built into the fuel pump. You will need to disconnect the
quick connect fitting by the fire wall. slip the fuel gauge tubing over the the first spool
to the second spool. you will need to clamp it. the link shows the procedure. not great
photos. but it is from the factory service manual. scroll to EM21http://www.nicoclub.com/FSM/Sentra/2003_Sentra/fl.pdf fuel pump diagram
http://www.nicoclub.com/FSM/Sentra/2003_Sentra/em.pdf fuel pressure check
June 18, 2012 at 11:00 am #446921Hmmm I learn something new everyday. Luckily he wont have to drop the tank to do it
June 20, 2012 at 11:00 am #446922The Nissan dealer should have a ‘update kit’ for the fuel pump module that addresses the FPR issue.
Keep us posted.
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