i have a '97 sentra 1.6L that won't start. it's either not getting gas, or not getting spark.
i've replaced all the plugs, wires, cap & rotor (which it was due for anyway). still won't start, so i bought a haynes manual and it says that i can use the OBDii to make the check engine light flash a code to possibly tell me what is wrong. well, looking at the picture in the manual, there is a place on the ECM to turn with a screwdriver to get it to work, but mine doesn't have this screw to turn. am i mislead by the manual?
i'm going to use a volt meter to test the plug on the ditributor tonight. if that checks ok, any suggestions on what to try next?
guy at the parts store said maybe the crankshaft sensor?
any help is very appreciated!
have you checked your battery? if your battery is dead you won't have to worry about checking the ecu anyways... if the battery is good turn the key and listen for the fuel pump. if fuel pump is working check your fuel pressure... check fuses also.
What are the symptoms? Do you hear it trying to crank (normal, slow, or fast)? The screw on the ECM might have a sticker on it and it should be there. Which plug are you going to test with a voltmeter? Let's just say it better be the wire harness.
The screw for resetting the computer is on the backside (towards the firewall) of the ECU on the passenger side of the vehicle. When you go to read/reset the computer there will be a plastic tape over the screw you will have to break. Just so you know the screw will turn easily and make sure you never force it. Also, don't get confused as to which way is right & left when your all twisted on the floor under the dash.
i tested the battery and it has 12V.
it cranks fine like it wants to start. i also checked the mass airflow intake, crankshaft position sensor, and distributor harness and they're all getting the voltage they need. i checked fuses and they're all good.
when i get a second pair of hands tonight i'll check to see that my plugs are actually sparking. if they are, then i guess it's a fuel problem and i'll take it to a garage. it's 8 degrees here in michigan and i dont have a heated garage, so i'm not about to tear out the back seat to get at the fuel pump (which i think i can hear when i turn the ignition on). i'll replace the fuel filter and see if that does anything. i dumped a bottle of gas line anti-freeze in the tank (which is 3/4 full). so i don't think it's a frozen line. can i just pull the fuel line off of the fuel filter and turn the ignition to see if fuel is being pumped?
the picture in the haynes manual shows the self-diagnostic screw on the driver's side, right by the gas pedal, but i didnt look on the back side... it's a b!tch to get at!
thanks for all of your help!
You can extend the hose into a container and turn the key on for the fuel pump test or you can feel the hose for pulses and the fuel line will get stiff or hard to the touch. This doesn't indicate the pressure or volume though. The back seat is easier to remove than the fuel filter in a cold garage. It removes with 2 little clips in a '93 Sentra and you have easy access to the fuel tank. Hope this helps.
John
Well the screw of the ecu is easy to access if you remove the ecu from it's spot... you can take it out and kind of angle it to the passenger side so you can get to it...
Its a hell of a lot easier to check your codes if you take out the ecu form its mounts. There is a plastic cover over the ECU. You have to remove two nuts from the front (side towards the rear of the car) of the plastic cover. On each side (driver & passenger) there will be a plastic screw to remove. This will loosen the cover and the ECU.
Your deffinately right about it being cold here in Michigan
Another thing you can do if you've got access to a timing light is hook it up to one of the spark plug wires or coil-distributer wire, and turn it over while you look at the timing light, if you got spark, it will flash. Let us know.
Make sure your battery terminals and cable connections are clean. I have seen about this time of year, where cars will turn over, but not start and the end result was cleaning the terminals and cable connections fix the problem.( the cables and terminals looked clean, but all it was, was just alittle light film of corrosion at the connections that inhibited current flow)
change your engine temp sensor, and if that doesn't work has your alternator checked,,I know it sound crazy about the alt, but I was having the same trouble. I went too CHI town towed it back to TENN and it started right up^(&)(*&) but that night the airbag light came on then the brake light then ABS light so I changed the alt and it never had a starting problem again...
I traded it about a week and half ago for My 03 specV, the little car had 251,012miles on it and still running strong...good luck
__________________ WARNING:Wastegates,Blowoff Valves,and Boost Controllers can cause unforseen urges to crap your pants.
93 Nissan Hardbody**SOLD**
03 White SpecV(GONE)
Now 06 Mustang GT
Last edited by Dwntyme : Jan 22nd, 2003 at 08:39 PM.
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