Nissan Repair: 1995 Nissan Altima Inconsistent Start, nissan altima, intermittent problems


Question
My 95 Nissan Altima has been having problems starting.  When I turn the key, it turns over and will sometimes do a terrible sounding idle for a few seconds, then it dies.  My wife first noticed this a few weeks ago, but if it didn't start the first time it'd start the second or third.  Finally it wouldn't start.  I replaced the spark plugs, added a fuel cleaner, and replaced the fuel filter.  It wouldn't start at all until I came back the next day.  After revving it for a while, it finally sounded normal.  It worked for a couple days (I drove it about 70 miles) and then it wouldn't start again.  The sound it makes when trying to start is as if it's not getting enough fuel--kind of a clunky sputtering sound.  I don't understand why sometimes it works and sometimes it doesn't.

Answer
Blake,

If there is no check engine code I would be looking at fuel pressure to make sure it is within range and the pump is not going out and that the coil is producing sufficient spark.  Intermittent problems are always the hardest kind to resolve.  I would think, from my experience, it to be the fuel pump or relay.