Question-------------------------
Followup To
Question -
I have a 1984 Nissan Maxima Sedan that went from running fine one day to not starting the next. Here's what I know:
Plugs/wires are new.
Plugs get spark.
The control unit gets power.
The control unit sends a signal to the injectors (1-3 and 4-6).
The injectors have all been checked for continuity.
The fuel pump motor runs.
Fuel pressure was checked immediately after the fuel filter and it is around 57-58 psi - what does it mean that pressure is so high? - none of the fuel lines appear deformed.
The engine turns over but will not start.
My repair manuel indicates that there is a fusible link for the EFI next to the positive battery terminal, which appears to be missing, but the book covers a wide range of model years so I am not positive. The wires that would be connected to the fusible link (which is connected to the positive terminal) are connected to the positive terminal.
Answer -
Check to see that the engine has not jumped timing. If the belt is broken or the belt was loose and the timing jumped you will not get it started. Second, I would check to see if the distributor is getting oil on the optical pickup. The older Nissan cars had a seal that goes out allowing oil to enter the bottom of the distributor. The oil gets on the pickup and the car either will not start or it will run badly. It sounds like you have proven that the circuits are good. If you get power to the injectors you should have no problem. The pressure is supposed to be around the range you indicate but if you have not changed the filter in a while I would.
_________________
Still no luck.
The car has a timing chain and the timing appears to be fine.
The fuel filter has been recently replaced.
The distributor does not have an optical pickup. The pick-up coil assembly, the magnet assembly, and the stator all appear fine.
Fuel is not coming through the return line, but if the fuel pressure is not excessive, then I suppose the pressure regulator would not open so that is expected. (My repair manual had indicated that fuel pressure should be around 36.3 psi).
I have determined that when the steering wheel is raised up, and the key is turned to the start position, the engine does not always turn over. When the steering column is lowered and the key is turned on then the engine turns over easily. It still does not start but it does turn over. This seems to suggest some kind of electrical problem in the dash but I am not sure if it would be why the engine does not start.
Thanks.
AnswerOK. Thanks for the information and the follow up with the ignition switch problem. The ignition switch does several things. First, it powers the starter, second it powers the fuel pump and third it powers the computer. If what you say is true I would take the columd apart and get at the ignition switch and check it out with a multi-meter to see if it is bad. But, from what you say it is or there are wires that are pulling loose. You do not ahve an aftermarket alarm on the car, do you? If so, check to see if that is not part of the problem. Many times the installers butcher wires under the dash connecting them.
The fuel pressure you say is well over the expected range indicates a blockage. That would mean that the fuel pressure regulator needs to be replaced.
Usually a car can run badly with one thing wrong. But, when several items go out is when it makes it difficult to diagnose. And, remember that I am doing this through email... Good luck and let me know things go. I would tackle the fuel pressure regulator first.
