Get the latest advice about your car

Get Started
Advice » Q&A » 1996 Nissan Altima

Q&A

Ask Your Question

1996 Nissan Altima

Question: my car will not start it just turn over

Question

jimpay6, Memphis, TN, October 21, 2009, 18:05
Profile_thumbnail
 Rookie

i put a coil on and it started for about ten minutes and cut off

2 Answers
Flag This
  • Medium-star Best Answer
    patrick mannion from Greg Solow's Engine Room, October 21, 2009, 20:21
    Profile_thumbnail
     Master

    Its hard to speculate without being able to do some basic diagnostic tests first hand. An engine needs three basic things to start, mechanical integrity (the engine's components must be in synchronization with each other and the engine must be able to develop compression), the engine must get fuel injected into the cylinders (fuel must be injected into the engine ( there is a computer that takes inputs from many sensors on the engine, interprets these signals and decides when and how much fuel to inject into each cylinder) finally the engine needs spark to ignite the fuel injected into the engine, (the spark is also controlled by the vehicle's computer deciding when the spark arrive at the spark plug). If the components in the engine are not in synchronization due to a broken or "slipped" timing belt or chain the engine will not develop adequate compression to start and run properly. If any engine sensor has failed (crank angle sensor, camshaft position sensor, intake manifold pressure senor/air flow meter, coolant temperature sensor) any of these will cause the engine to fail to start by causing a loss of spark or fuel delivery. All these components need electricity to function, a failed fuse, relay, open or shorted electrical circuit could cause the computer, fuel pump or ignition system not to function. Unfortunately there are too many things that could cause your engine not to start to be able to pin point anything to specifically look for. Check for fuel and spark first.
    I have seen timing chain problems on these engines at higher milage in fact I have one to replace tomorrow.

    Flag This
  • Reply

    Visitor, February 26, 2011, 10:21

    yes sounds like a plan to me. need to get back on the road or i will be a skinny one by summers end and its toooooo hot in florida to not have a car....... thanx again. i will let you know the outcome. fyi i hit thumbs down in error and tried to click on it to remove it and it turned into two thumbs down.

    Reply
    Flag This
  • Answer #2

    Superman February 20, 2010, 08:40
    Profile_thumbnail
     Rookie

    In some cars there is a Battery Sensor under the battery this will not let the car start it shut down the (ASD) Automatic Shut Down Relay try checking that. Superman

    Flag This
  • Reply

    Superman, February 20, 2010, 08:43
    Profile_thumbnail
     Rookie

    has the car ever got hot

    Reply
    Flag This
Answer Ranks