Nissan Repair: 96 Nissan xe pickup stalls., electric door locks, courtesynissan

Question
Hi Von,
My Nissan pickup tends to stall when it is cold and I make sudden (or not so sudden) stops such as stop streets.  It has been doing this for quite some time.  Now, on occasion, when i go to start it, i hear the fuel pump prime? and then there is a hesitation, and then the starter engages and the truck starts.  I have had a few incidences when i turned the key and the starter did not engage!  I would try again (turned key off and on) and then it would start.  Are these 2 related?  Do you think this is the fuel pump or dirty fuel filter causing this?  The truck has about 115000 miles on it, but otherwise runs strong.

any advise would be greatly appreciated.

Also have problems with the electric door locks on my 97 Nissan Quest.  Sometimes they lock, sometimes they don't.  The switches on the doors look lazy when they are activated from the drivers door to engage the locks.  Is this a bad connection?  I'm afraid to leave the keys in the car as sometimes the doors lock themselves!  Any ideas.  
         thanks again!
                           Mike


Answer
The fuel pump and the starter problem are not related.  On the fuel pump it sounds like yours is going out.  You could check the fuel pressure to see if it is within specifications.  On the starter you are probably going to need to check the output of your ignition switch.  You can get a volt/ohm meter and get under the truck and check to see if you are getting current to the starter.  If you are not it will be the ignition switch and if you are getting current it is the starter.

On the Quest the problem is most likely the multi switch on the drivers door.  These go out from time to time.  I have three Nissans that I personally own and the Maxima has already gone through three in 108000 miles.  Check out rockauto.com or courtesynissan.com and you can save some money by purchasing on-line.