99 Maxima ran good when turned off - now won't start

Assuming your Maxima doesn't have an immobilizer key recognition issue, I would check fuel pressure first. It doesn't require that much 'dissection' to get started. Find out what vital component you are missing before getting worried about the advanced tests. BTW, the FP relay is in the left kickpanel area -- and there is no Fordesque inertia switch on Maximas.

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Thanks. I'll take a look. As far as I can tell neither ignition key works. This thing belongs to my sister. It is still sitting hoping we come up with something. It is a long haul (ie expensive tow) from where the car is to anyone known to be competent in Nissan repair. It appears that I may have to cut the mumified fuel hose to check the fuel pressure. From what I can learn so far, there is not a pressure tap as found on most cars I am familiar with.

Thanks

Lugnut

Other than their God awful repair manuals, Nissans aren't moch different than any other car. Anyone that can fix cars will be able to diagnose this one quickly. They may not have the factory Consult scantool to deal with a possible immobilizer issue, though.

That's what banjo bolt adapters are for. Find the fuel filter or the fuel line to fuel rail junction and one of those should be a banjo bolt. Another option: I don't remember if the '99 uses a quick disconnect fitting, but if it does, it should be the same diameter as the common size quick disconnect adapter found in many pressure tester kits. Star makes a decent kit with an assortment of banjo fittings for cheap. You could probably get one through a Car Quest or Napa via their distribution warehouse same day if you live in a metro area.

Problem solved this AM! It was my BIL who is a cheapskate sometimes. He wanted another key which he had made at Home Depot after I told him it would not work. He had kept trying to have start it with the generic key while pumping the gas flooding the hell out of it. Friend with passing knowledge of Nissans stopped by and after hearing this which was not admitted to me was able to floor the fuel and start it in under 15 secs with the correct key. The bogus key is the one he gave me when I was trying to get it going. Now, if I can get my shoe out of his ass......

Lugnut

How did you get your foot and his head up there simultaneously?

My sister had pulled it out so she could rip it off! It is likely this could be a looooooong dry spell at home for him.

Lugnut

That's what I meant by 'possible immobilizer issue'. The transponder key security system, IOW. Glad you got it running.

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