Nissan Repair: Altima wont start, fuel delivery system, nissan altima

Question
Hello,

I have 97 Nissan Altima. Bought used and have had for the last year and half. Today it just won't start. The lights work, it has a half tank of gas. What is the next step in troubleshooting the problem.

Thanks in advance for your help


Answer
Hi Greg -

I am assuming that the engine is cranking but not engaging.

Cars do not start for 2 reasons, no spark or no fuel. First step in the diagnosis is to narrow this down.

Pull out a spark plug wire and insert a screwdriver in the boot until it firmly contacts the terminal inside. Hold the shaft of the screwdriver about 1/4" away from any metal surface while a helper cranks the engine as if to start it. Do not touch any metal surface while doing this -

If there is a spark jumping between the metal surfaces, then the car is getting sprak and you need to check the fuel delivery system. If the car does not have spark, then look for a bad dist cap, rotor, ignition module.

Please get back to me after this test and we'll go to the next step -

Hope this helps -
aloha
calvin