SureTrack Community Fix: Cheap Car, Cheap Gas

Real Fixes from the SureTrackĀ® expert information resource are documented issues from actual shop repair orders and community discussions. Read on to see how SureTrack can help you correct issues that are not easily diagnosed using OEM information alone. SureTrack is currently available free with the purchase of a current Snap-onĀ® diagnostic software version.

Gas prices are high, so drivers are shopping around for the cheapest price. This may cause issues down the road though if the quality isn’t up to snuff. SureTrack community member Jeffytune had a Nissan Versa in their shop that had been towed in for a no start condition but while working on it, it decided it was going to start again. They posed the question to the community, and with the help of fellow community member Macdonald.Motorworks and others, they were able to resolve the issue quickly.

The following Community Fix summarizes the interaction between members of the community that led to the solution.

Vehicle
2016 Nissan Versa 1.6L

Title
Intermittent no start, replaced fuel pump.

Complaint
Customer states that car will not start.

Diagnostic Steps Performed/Parts Replaced Vehicle towed in for no start. Customer had filled the tank the day before (Unocal 76) and the vehicle arrived with the gas gauge reading full. The customer had driven the car with no issues to the store, they came out and while the engine cranks strongly, the engine would not start.We started by checking codes in the computer, there were two codes in the BCM and the TPMS both were for low tire air pressure and nothing else. We tried to start the engine with the scanner in data mode, the RPMs read, the MAF read and the computer was turning on the fuel pump, but it would not even try to run.

We the tried starter spray into the intake, through the power brake port on the intake, and the engine started and ran until it ran out of spray. We then connected a fuel pressure gauge. This is a returnless system and there was 0 pressure on the system when we disconnected the line. We then turned the key on with a catch can in place, it primed about 1/2 a cup of fuel. We set up the gauge and using the scan tool, we turned on the pump. It jumped up to 51psi (Normal pressure) so we then left that test PID and started the engine, it fired right up with 51psi on the system. Okay, I hate it when the car fixes itself. It is very hard to get to the fuels or relays as Nissan made it very hard to get to them, encased in a box. You need to remove the battery for access. This vehicle has 68K on the clock and my gut says replace the fuel pump. This is a stripped model and does not have a security system that I can find on the CAN system nor a security light on the dash. Anyone run into this before? The only other thing I could try is to use a low amp probe on the pump by pulling the rear seat and access panel and turning it on with the scan tool.

Best Answer from Community Member Macdonald.Motorworks I bet pump too. But I’d be wanting to get access to it and put an amp clamp and my scope on it to see the pattern. Low mileage for sure but that doesn’t seem to matter these days. If pump RPMs are good and pattern is good, you’re not firing the parts cannon at least!

Cause
Attached low amp probe to fuel pump and testing clearly shows a bad armature section.

Correction
Replaced fuel pump unit and vehicle starts without issue.


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About the Author

Nick Taylor

Nick Taylor is the SureTrack Community Administrator and a Senior Applications Specialist at Mitchell 1 with over 25 years of experience with electronic repair data systems. Nick previously worked in the automotive dismantling and engine rebuilding industries.