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Cold Weather Problems

106 messages,  Last post on Mar 13, 2009 at 8:46 AM

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What is this discussion about? Electrical, Engine, Fuel System, Fuel Efficiency (MPG)


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#47 of 106
Re: Nissan Maxima 2000 cold start problem [div2] by dmaljunk
Dec 14, 2005 (7:39 am)
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Replying to: div2 (Dec 13, 2005 8:42 am)

I will let you know how it goes, I want to get down to the root of this problem as a matter of principle now If it's not this sensor then I will keep digging. By the way, I got the FSM for my car and it's amazing how many things you can do yourself, it's my new hobby
#48 of 106
Re: Nissan Maxima 2000 cold start problem [div2] by dmaljunk
Dec 18, 2005 (9:33 pm)
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Replying to: div2 (Dec 13, 2005 8:42 am)

div2, your original suggestion on Engine Coolant Temperature Sensor being the cause of cold weather stalling symptom was correct!!! Thanks a lot. I bought the sensor, replaced it myself and I didn't get any stalling or shaking symptoms today on a cold morning and evening. I think the car is cured and only for $27, well a $5 3/4 wrench, which I needed for this repair as well... Thanks again.
 
I'd like to quickly describe how the car behaves now after the sensor replacement. Can you let me know if this is normal or am I just paranoid now:
1. Cold Start-up - engine revs to about 2200 rpm and immediately comes down to about 1300 at which it idles for some time, may be 30 seconds or so.
2. Engine attempts to drop rpm to normal operating idle of about 700 or so. There is no hesitation or shaking, it drops the rpm, then it feels that engine is still cold and it bumps the rpms back up to about 1300 again and continues to idle. This step may occur two or 3 times before temperature guage climbs up about 1/4 of the way.
3. Finally rpms drop to normal 700 or so and engine idles perfectly.
 
Now, before I replaced the ECTS, at step two the car would start shaking real bad and stall, the only remedy was to hold foot on gas pedal. This doesn't happen now. But is step 2 necessary, do the rpms need to go down and then back up once it feels that temp is still too cold? Is this normal or an indication of a problem? Please let me know.
 
Thanks again for your help or to anyone else who might reply to this post.
#49 of 106
Re: Nissan Maxima 2000 cold start problem [dmaljunk] by div2
Dec 19, 2005 (8:36 pm)
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Replying to: dmaljunk (Dec 18, 2005 9:33 pm)

I don't think the car should be doing that. Does it have an Idle Control Valve? If so, it may be dirty or sticking. I know that a wonky ICV can cause similar problems on BMWs.
#50 of 106
Re: Nissan Maxima 2000 cold start problem [div2] by dmaljunk
Dec 21, 2005 (5:54 pm)
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Replying to: div2 (Dec 19, 2005 8:36 pm)

actually, it got colder and the old original problem came back. It's stalling as I described before when the temp is below freezing. So, I flushed my coolant but it didn't help at all. As far IACV, the dealer supposedly replaced it along with my computer. This was when I had an engine service soon light for IACV but he also determined that the computer itself is bad and he only charged me for IACV and computer was replaced under Nissan good will. So, I don't know, supposedly IACV was replaced. Should I try taking it off and washing it? May be they just lied to me and never touched the volve?
#51 of 106
Re: Nissan Maxima 2000 cold start problem [dmaljunk] by csli
Dec 22, 2005 (12:15 pm)
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Replying to: dmaljunk (Dec 18, 2005 9:33 pm)

Hi dmaljunk -
 
I have a 1996 Nissan Maxima and it has the same cold start problem. You mentioned that by changing the ECTS actually fixed it. I wonder if you can tell me where is the ECTS located and how can I change it?
 
Thanks a lot!
csli
#52 of 106
Re: Nissan Maxima 2000 cold start problem [csli] by dmaljunk
Dec 22, 2005 (8:16 pm)
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Replying to: csli (Dec 22, 2005 12:15 pm)

It didn't fix it unfortunately, seemed to improve it but the symptoms came back on a really cold morning. Mine is a 2000 model and so 1996 should be different but basically, look for the main hose coming out of your radiator and as it enters a pipe, the sensor should be right on that pipe because it's inner part needs to be dipped into your antifreeze. There is a harness connected to the outside of the sensor. I needed to remove part of the air duct to get to it and a 3/4 wrench is required.
#53 of 106
Re: Nissan Maxima 2000 cold start problem [dmaljunk] by div2
Dec 22, 2005 (8:19 pm)
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Replying to: dmaljunk (Dec 21, 2005 5:54 pm)

The best thing to do would be to swap your IACV with a known good one. In any event, it can't hurt to look the thing over.
#54 of 106
Re: Nissan Maxima 2000 cold start problem [div2] by dmaljunk
Dec 22, 2005 (8:47 pm)
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Replying to: div2 (Dec 22, 2005 8:19 pm)

just disassembled the air duct today and got a good look at IACV - it's brand new, the whole part. The dealer didn't lie to me, they did replace it just a month ago. So, I am lost here again. What the... Logic doesn't work any more Hey, just a thought, can this be in any way related to oil? Suppose I have an oil leak and a gasket or seals are leaking or even worse - oil is leaking inside one of the cylinders, would that cause such symptoms on cold starts and go away as the car warms up? If not oil leak then let's say low oil pressure? Would that cause such symptoms? I am kind of dismissing this because I would have symptoms with warm engine as well but hey I am not the mechanic. Please let me knwo. Appreciate your help. Thanks
#55 of 106
Re: Nissan Maxima 2000 cold start problem [dmaljunk] by div2
Dec 23, 2005 (8:19 am)
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Replying to: dmaljunk (Dec 22, 2005 8:47 pm)

If anything I'd think that it's a vacumn leak somewhere downstream from the HFM.
#56 of 106
Re: Nissan Maxima 2000 cold start problem [div2] by dmaljunk
Dec 23, 2005 (8:28 pm)
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Replying to: div2 (Dec 23, 2005 8:19 am)

div2, vacuum leaks is something I heard about a lot and it definitely may be the cause. Can you explain what is a vacume leak and where do I look for it and how do I fix it? Is it like a cracked air hose or loose clamp? Oh ye, what's an HFM?

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