Nissan Repair: 2003 Nissan 350Z, nissan 350z, 2003 nissan 350z

Question
First some preface...
I have an 03 350Z with 75,405 miles on it.  I bought it used with about 55k miles on it.  Its driven very little, so I usually only put about $10 worth of gas in it, which gives me roughly 3 gallons (depends on price of gas).  That will usually last between 70 to 90 miles, depending on how I drive.  99% of my driving is all local, literally - we live in a great central location in our area.  Everything we need is within 5-8 miles of us.

Now the situation...
About 2 weeks ago on a Wednesday night, I put my regular $10 worth of gas in and had to do an errand run the next day.  The next day as I started my errand run, I noticed that my gas light came on quicker than usual and the 'DTS' reading went down much quicker than usual.  It took it almost no time at all for the dashed lines to appear, indicating no more gas!  I usually don't even worry about that because I have 3 gas stations, literally right around the corner!

So I simply tried to estimate how much gas I had and put more in according to my estimates.  That lasted (and worked) for about a week or so.

Now yesterday (Superbowl Sunday) I made 3 small trips to different stores in the morning - all ok.  Then in the evening I had to make another trip to the store, and the car started fine but when I got to the first traffic light, I noticed on my tach that the revs were falling to about 500 or so when I was stopped at the light.  So I put it in neutral (w/ parking brake engaged) and just tapped on the gas a bit to keep the revs up around 1k.  Got to the store, let it idle and the revs went down to about 500 or so.  Got my stuff, went home and enjoyed the superbowl!

Next morning (having forgotten about my little rev issue), I had to take my wife to work (her SUV is getting plugs) and when I went to turn on the engine - no go!  It did want to start but DID NOT.  I tried pumping some gas in it - and that did nothing.  I just replaced the battery about 2 years ago, so I am pretty confident thats not it.  Thinking that I might be out of gas, got my gas can and walked to the station and then walked back and put it in about 3 gallons of gas.  No go, car still would not start...

Since I bought the car about 4 years ago now, I have not had to do anything to it (except the battery).  So I am wandering if this is maybe a bad fuel filter, fuel pump, or fuel pressure regulator?  Maybe (and this is hopeful thinking here) a blown fuse?  What could it be?

NOTE:  The car has had the Nissan TSB work done regarding the fuel rails at a local Nissan dealer.

Answer
Hi David -

I am assuming that the engine is cranking, but just not starting. That being the case, you can rule out the starter or battery.

Engines do not start for 2 reasons, no fuel, or no spark. Determining which will help the diagnosis tremendously.

First, check for spark -

Pull out a spark plug wire, insert a screwdriver into the boot until it wedges firmly against the metal terminal inside. have a helper try to start the car while you hold the screwdriver shaft 1/4" away from any metal surface of the car (Do not touch any metal surface while doing this). A spark should jump between the 2 metal surfaces. If there is no spark, then the problem is electrical and you need to look at the distributor cap or rotor, ignition module, coils.

If there is spark, then it is fuel delivery. Get some starting fluid and spray some into the intake throat of the engine (remove the rubber boot). Right away, try starting the car. If the car starts momentarily and then dies out, the fuel pump is probably the problem. If it starts and remains started, perhaps the cold start valve, or regulator is the issue.

Hope this helps -
aloha
calvin