03' 350z Won't Start Sometimes?!
 

Okay, I have a problem that NEEDS to be fixed.
Sometimes, (maybe once a month, 7 times a day, or 3 times a week), my car will NOT start. Not only is it embarrassing, it's irritating. Now done get me wrong, it starts in a few minutes, but this is starting to get to me. It is NOT the BATTERY. The engine CRANKS, but just will not ignite sometimes. I don't know what this could be, anymore. I have gone to autobodies all over, and they have no idea what it could be, and they say it's hard to test because it doesn't happen all the time. Anyone else have this problem, or better yet, a SOLUTION?! Thank you!:suicide:

When was the last time the throttle body was cleaned?

Never, actually. Is that extensive? Is it something you can do, yourself? Thanks for the input!

I'm sure there's a DIY either on here or Youtube, Its relatively easy. I would start with that.

EDIT:
Same engine: http://infinitihelp.com/diy/gsedan/p..._procedure.php

Besides the TB, when was MAF sensor last cleaned or replaced?

You didn't say how much mileage - what about plugs?

Is it hot or cold when it occurs? Rainy?

Could also be cam sensor. Went through that before.

It has about 85,000 miles on it; it's an '03.
To be completely honest, I don't even know what a MAF sensor is. I'm just 18, so I'm not really knowledgeable with this kinda stuff. Hahaha.
But the temperature & weather doesn't really affect when this happens, either.

I've heard that before, too. Wasn't there a recall of some sort on that?

Thanks alot, man. I'll definitely do this this winter when it's stored.

MAF = Mass Airflow Sensor. Its located midway on the intake piping, you'll see an electrical plug where its installed.

Thanks so much; I'll definitely look into that. Anything to fix this annoyance.

I think there was back in 04.

^^ Nissan did a voluntary recall to replace camshaft position sensors, but that was limited to a specific range of VINs on 2003 models.

A faulty camshaft position sensor can cause the car to stall and make it difficult to restart. However, if the sensor is the problem, you would also be experiencing some amount of “rough” idling and see the Service Engine Soon light and your SLIP light.

--Spike

Thanks for the input! Yeah, I dont have any of those other problems, and it's actually been going on for awhile now, so I'm sure those other signs would have shown up by now. I'll look into the recall just for the hell of it, though. Thanks!

Is your CEL on?

Are there any other problems with your car?

Could also be the anti-theft system. I know of a few '03's that have the same problem and that is what was diagnosed by the dealer. Typically intermittent, just like yours. And expensive to replace. Try removing the key entirely and starting over - that seems to work for some. Also - you say it is NOT the battery - have you had it tested? Just because the car cranks over does NOT mean the battery has enough amps to actually start the car.

What is a CEL? Hahaha.
But no, there are no other problems.

I've tried taking the key out, putting it back in, using the spare, flipping it around; sometimes it works, and sometimes it doesn't. So that's why I didn't think it was that.

And yes, I've had the battery tested. I've even replaced the battery 3 times in one month because of...well...it's a long story, but yes, it is definitely not the battery.

As I said the NATS system can be hit or miss. CEL is check engine light although on the Z it is actually Service Engine Soon - or SES. Regardless, sometimes a code can be thrown without the light coming on, you might want to get it scanned at Pep Boys or some other place that does it for free. Some have gotten a P1615 code which is for the anti-theft system. But if no code, don't have any other suggestions. Where in Ohio are you at???

Oh, yes, since I've had the car, I haven't had any problems with a check engine light.

I'm in Austintown, which is in Youngstown.