I have a 03 Z with 30K. For the past couple weeks the Z has been having problems starting. When I try to start it sometimes it will crank for a long time before starting, while sometimes it will crank once or twice and die before it starts. Then I will try again and it will start right up. Its a very inconsistent problem, sometimes it will start up fine, but I can definitely tell its getting worse. The battery is fine, could it be the starter, fuel pump? Any help is appreciated.

 

eh, thats a really hard problem to diagnose. if your starter is cranking the engine, i would say it probably is not that. it might be your fuel pump going bad. it could be so many things: crank position sensor, maf, tps, etc...

try simple things though. perform the ECU reset procedure, see if that helps. if not do the idle/tps re-learn procedure. let me know if any of this helps.

 

Thanks for the reply. How do you do the ECU reset procedure, I couldn't find it in the owner's manual. Also how to do the idle/tps re-learn procedure. Thanks, I'll let you know if it works.

 

Just Googled the ECU reset, and tried this

350Z ECU Resetting Procedures

Please read all instructions and be familiar with them before any attempts.
A stop watch or an analog clock with a second’s needle will be useful.

ECU Resetting Procedures

Timing is extremely critical. If it is NOT DONE within the specify time, the ECU will not reset and the Check Engine Light (CEL) will continue to remain ON.
A stop watch or an analog clock with a second’s needle will be useful.

Operations Procedures

1. Confirm that accelerator pedal is fully released, turn ignition switch “ON” and wait 3 seconds.
2. Repeat the following steps (2a and 2b) procedures quickly five times within 5 seconds.
2a. Fully depress the accelerator pedal (HARD).
2b. Fully release the accelerator pedal.
3. Wait 7 seconds, fully depress the accelerator pedal and keep it for approx. 10 seconds until the CEL starts blinking.
4. Fully release the accelerator pedal (while the CEL is still blinking)
5. Wait about 10 second.
6. Fully depress the accelerator pedal and keep it for more than 10 seconds.
7. Fully release the accelerator pedal (The CEL light will continue to blink).
8. Turn ignition switch to “OFF” position and now you can start the car. The CEL light should be gone.

If the CEL light continues to remain ON, repeat the above steps. Timing is EXTREMELY critical to resetting the ECU.

Not sure if I did it right because I didn't remember seeing the CEL come on, but now my car won't start at all. Need help

 

the engine wont crank? or is the car completely dead?