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My versa won't start

87K views 28 replies 12 participants last post by  tomasjohnson393 
#1 ·
I have been googling and working on my 09 versa sl all morning and I'm getting a bit desperate! It will crank but not start up, just kinda make that whirring sound as it struggles. I tested the battery, 12.6 v jumps to 14 when it cranks. I turned on the peer while my wife listened in the gas opening and she heard the sound of the fuel pump. I've checked the fuses. Where should I go from here?
 
#2 ·
#3 ·
I had read up on fuel pressure regulator failure however all instances seem to result in the car eventually starting. I have had no issues with it starting and now it won't start at all despite multiple attempts today. I've searched and found no pressure regulator problems where the car didn't eventually start, am I being foolish?
 
#4 ·
I read a few where it didn't start but you are correct it isn't common. Most likely because people swap out the unit before that happens. You can check the fuel pressure to determine if it is your issue. Did you start up your car recently and move it a short distance then shut it right off? This causes me a hard start every time.

When my car wouldn't start. I would turn the key to on, wait, then off and repeat a few times trying to build up pressure in the line. I eventually had to just keep it cranking while fluttering the gas pedal and she came alive. Sometimes I would just have to walk away for a bit and let her sit.
 
#5 ·
I eventually had to just keep it cranking while fluttering the gas pedal and she came alive..
Same here, keep trying
 
#7 ·
I tried jumping and it didn't work. I eventually gave up since it's still under warranty I had them take it in and guess what it started at the shop fine. I asked about the pressure regulator and said it wasn't giving him any codes, not exactly an answer but whatever. He said he would continue to look and call me back. I haven't heard from them and it's after five so I guess I'll call tomorrow.
 
#11 ·
Did you check all your relays and fuses? Could be an ignition control module fuse, which will cause a "no spark" condition... Anything unusual happen before this? Had to boost it recently? Unfortunately you can't check for spark in these things very easily as there's no way to pull any of the plugs out. I guess you could check for a voltage pulse at the most easily accessible ignition coil plug to check for spark. Checking fuel pressure at the rail is a no brainer at this point, bad regulator might cause a complete no start, but usually they go gradually to my knowledge. You can sort of isolate a fuel problem if you cycle the key on for 2 seconds then off and on again then try starting it, if it runs for a little bit then it's probably that regulator. The fuel pump will usually power up for about 2 seconds in KOEO position (key on engine off) to build system pressure then shut off, if it isn't holding system pressure then that's your problem. So try cycling the fuel pump on and off, or even jumper the fuel pump relay to power it indeffinitely and try to start it. Not sure if the Versa's electrical system will allow the fuel pump to be run all the time though. IPDM might prevent that. Worth a try though.
 
#14 ·
They called me back and said I had a bad cylinder and it needed to be fixed but I can pick it up and drive it. I have to provide proof of service which I foolishly didn't keep my invoices and the station where I go to says they can't find them but I'm in the system they just don't know how to print more. Hopefully I can find something or I guess I'm s o l.
 
#15 ·
If you're in their system, they may be able to give an over-the-phone green light.
Or if they're on the ball, they could use that new fangled interweb thing to google a how-to for printing. Hope it works out.
A used engine, mr18 or mr20, may be a cheaper option too
 
#16 ·
So your engine is broken?
 
#17 ·
Well that's not my main problem as they say it's running I'm going to find more details about how they came to that conclusion. I'm more worried I'm not going to be able to track down enough of my service info to satisfy them and they are going to try and weasel out of covering the cost. Any advice?
 
#18 ·
that sucks!

contact the place where you take your car for service and ask them to give you a copy of all oil change records.

did the car give you any warnings? burning oil? tick or piston slap sound? check engine light on?
 
#19 ·
I had to get an oil change so I have an invoice that has most of my history on it however I also used another place that's out of business so I don't know if I'm gonna get hassled about the gaps. I went to pick it up at 8 am and the few people who were there didn't know what the hell was going on so they gave me my keys and left. I've heard some negative stuff about their shop from a coworker who used to take her maxima there but doesn't anymore. I don't know what to think at this point they told me they would have someone contact me so I'm gonna let it rest for today. The car drives fine, same as it has been, I don't hear any noises or experience anything that would lead me to believe there was anything wrong other than sometimes I get a slight tremble when I'm stopped at a light but I honestly figured that was probably a sign that the plugs were getting older or something of that nature.

Oh also they told me it that one of the battery terminals was loose. I don't buy that I think they are just using it as an excuse because I replaced the battery myself a year and a half ago. I figure I wouldn't have been getting 14v when it was trying to crank if a terminal was loose but that's just a guess.
 
#20 ·
I'm so confused? If it's running and driving how does it need a new engine? I get the same stumble at stops sometimes. I figured same as you, just needs some new plugs.

Goodluck to you.
 
#21 ·
We had a car where the battery tested fine, but was causing the car to be possessed. Went to Walmart and replaced it. Fixed all problems. I also had a car with a cracked gas cap causing moisture in the fuel. Replaced the cap and added gas treatment for a while to resolve. I had tightened the gas cap too tight and cracked the plastic seal.
 
#22 ·
Whether they found internal engine damage and deemed repair necessary is irrelevant to the starting issue. That would not cause a no-start or intermittent no start. I would be asking to talk to the mechanic(s) themselves who typed the diagnosis into the computer in the first place, and ask them what they did to confirm their diagnosis. Did they do a compression test and found the bad cylinder? Did they use a borescope to look inside the cylinder and find out that way?

Just tell them to figure out your no start issue. If it's just a simple matter of fuel or spark, it isn't that hard to diagnose those problems. A simple 5 minute fuel pressure check would eliminate one of the possibilities.
 
#23 ·
Thanks. As I suspected no one from the dealership has contacted me so I'm probably going to see how it drives over the next few days. I'm only at 32000 miles and my warranty is good to I believe 60000 so I've got some wiggle room. I'm a bit afraid to press them about it because I really don't trust them. How do you test for a bad cylinder? Someone told me they do a compression test, should I have it checked elsewhere?
 
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