Nissan Repair: Nissan Pulsar Refuses to Start, nissan pulsar n15, engine cranks

Question
I have a 1996 Nissan Pulsar N15 with engine GA16DE.  A short while ago I was away for about 3 weeks and the car was left idle.  During this time the battery lost it charge and when I tried to charge it up using an external trickle charger the battery would no hold its charge.  I presumed the battery had passed its useful life.

I contacted a battery supplier and for a small extra fee a technician came to the site and replaced the battery.  Before the techician left, he turned the ignition key (presumably to check his work) and the engine fired up.  Before the engine could run up to speed, he turned it off, collected his payment and left.

Since then, I have been unable to start the engine.

I have kept the battery charged and it will turn the engine over rather well but there in no sign of life.  the fuel feed pump seems to run for the appropriate length of time and then stop before I turn the engine over.  

I have since done a lot of reading about data logging.  Is it possible to read the computer codes using an ordinary laptop with the right software and where can I get a terminal adapter for this Nissan?

Do you have any suggestions about what might have gone wrong.  Should I be looking to check the camshaft/crankshaft position detector and if so, how would I go about it?  

Answer
Graham,

DIACOM makes software as do others for a laptop and they come with the OBDII connector.  But, for the money a $50 buck unit from Harbor Freight or an auto parts store is your best bet.  If the engine cranks but does not start I would be looking at the master fuses on the positive battery terminal first and then the ones that are ignition related.  Also, check the fuel pressure with a gauge to be sure you are getting proper pressure. A cheapie way to tell if you have fuel or spark is to get some starting fluid and take the intake hose off the throttle body.  Spray a little into the intake tract with the throttle plate open.  Then shut the plate and reinstall the inles hose.  The car will not start with the hose removed since it is a mass airflow sensor motor.  Once the hose is reinstalled tight start the car.  It should run for short while.  If you have nothing then you are looking at spark.  If it starts and runs for a few seconds and dies then you have a fuel starvaton problem.