car wouldn't start Need HELP please!
 

So I was out cruising around yesterday, and the darndest thing happened. Everything started off fine, then when I was taking off from a stop i noticed a very slight sputter. It only happened once so I thought nothing of it until... I stopped for gas later in the day (the car was started and turned off multiple times no problem). After filling up (93+ octane every time) the car just wouldn't start. It would turn over and try to run, but it would just die out immediately. Let the car cool down, tried jumping it, tried a rolling clutch start, tried starting for about 45 min intermittently with no luck. I even tried disconnecting the battery, fuses and ran codes. No codes came back, no check engine light, just wouldn't start. Got it towed 3 miles down the Rd, and wouldn't you know it as soon as it came off the truck it started right up with no hesitation. Drove it around my neighborhood throughout the day and haven't had the issue again. I can't afford to have this happen, so I would really appreciate some help. My vehicle is a 2009 sport touring 6mt. I searched all over the forum, and didn't find anything like this. Only found the steering lock and I don't think that it would've turned the way it did. Thanks in advance!

Steering lock
 

You better look for that DIY to disconnect that steering lock ASAP unless you want to get stranded again. My buddy and I where crusing the streets about two months ago and your story matches almost to the T. The only difference is that his started up after we jumped it. We headed to my house and followed the DIY for steering lock and no issues since.

While I was sitting at the gas station for an hour waiting for the tow truck I tried removing the slu and the set the car to access remove fuse and replace, and there was no change. I'm going to try it again since I'm at home now with access to all my tools. Thanks for the recommendation kidkotic

If it was the SL it wouldn't even turn over. You may need to clean the pre filter on the in tank pump. How many miles on it?

Also note there was a No Charge recall on the SL, if you haven't already gone to get it done, go.

about 62k. How do I do that?

might as well replace the pump itself if your going to mess with the filter. the fuel pump is under the little midget seat behind the passenger seat. you need a pick to pull that tray off and i believe there are 5 10mm bolts you need to remove and then some more phillips head bolts holding the pump in. be careful not to damage the bobber if you DIY
my pump died right around the same mileage youre at now

Did you make any hard right turns with less than 1/2 a tank of gas right before it sputtered?The lines could have been fueled starved and upon being tilted by the tow truck gravity worked its magic.

I had something similar when I first got the Z back in 2009. LOL

Sounds similar to an overheating fuel pump except the part where you said it sat for 1 hour with no change after that.

Judging by the symptoms I'd say it's the fuel pump

I'll be doing the work myself because the dealership here is worthless. I think I might have to just bite the bullet and replace the pump and filter. Is the filter in the same area as the pump? Or is it like domestic cars and have it in the rear bumper or some other fun filled place? I'll ask here before I jump on the parts area if anyone happens to have a fuel pump and filter on hand? I appreciate all the help so far, and appreciate all that is to come:bowrofl:

Nope, I usually don't let it get below half and this was just regular city driving.


Also what other maintenance, upgrades, replacements should I do while I have the pump out?

i think u have bad gas.. :ugh:

How would you recommend cleaning out the system? I always use 93+ octane.

The filter is attached to the pump. I just responded to your wanted ad, but ive got a spare pump and filter for free if you want it. The trick is dissassembling and reassembling the housing

Thanks Maizen and PM sent!

Mr. EastWest had some bad gas, too. Daily.

try to use it up once the car starts.

try another gas station. it's possible water is getting inside their underground tank at your usual station.

After over 52K posts, let me help you. :)

ES:M1:UB:A1 Capital Letters

or just syphon the gas out. There are additives that remove water from gas also

strike one newb.

Yah, where to dispose 20 gallons of gas? Toilet? :ugh:

Let us help you too.

http://www.yourcoach.be/blog/wp-cont...nce-people.pdf

This was the first time I used this station. I just moved to Bloomington IL and this was the first time I had to fill it up since I trailered the car down here. Would it be that immediate? If so should I run it dry then use a can to put new stuff in?

yah, depending on how much gas was in there before you refilled, some cars clunk out like a block after pumping bad gas.

if your dealer can pump the gas out i would try that first and refill at another station.
if that dont fix it, then probably the pump as others say

So, i don't sit in front of a computer and post 24/7 makes me a newb...ok.

Where's your sense of humor? :rofl2:

You're so seasoned....

Cliff Notes?

My steering lock and transmitter on the Z both went out last week. Luckily for me Nissan covered it all including the tow. It all depends on your model and year so get your VIN ran and see if yours falls into that. If so get it replaced asap!

Sorry, no short cuts in life.

Agreed.

Use empty gas can/cans and put it in another car after adding water remover, or save it for weed killer, or mix with styrofoam and make some napalm, or convert a super soaker into a flame thrower, or have some friends over for a giant bonfire and make them all some s'mores. There are plenty of options but
I would not recommend putting it in a toilet :ugh:

preferably not your own eh?

Hummmm... all good ideas indeed.. :ugh:

:ugh:

Thanks jar. I'm gonna follow kechan and lava and drain and light up the night! Im still gonna replace the pump and seals just for longevity. I cleaned out the throttle body today and it was FILTHY! The response and sound was noticeably better after cleaning and an ecu reset. What other recommendations do we have. I'm trying to hit all the bases.

It's been several years since I had a new Gm car with a supercharger and had to run 93 octane. Everything was fine till winter then could not get car to start. Occasionally it would about the 30th time I cranked it. After fuel pumps, filters etc from dealer a young lady from a different shop told me to put some mid grade gas and sure as sh&t thst was it. The computer was not tuned for the winter chemical additive.
The Z states engine damage so I would do as someone else suggested empty your tank and put new 93 octane from a different station. If it fixes it, sure would save a lot of money. You can always change the pump if that does not work.

I only run shell super unleaded and have never had a problem with my 2013 or 2014 370Z NISMO's.

waz that because of winterized gas aka oxygenated gas for improved burning for people idling their cars on a cold winter day? .. or because it was just GM? :ugh:

Replaced the fuel pump today, and it made a world of difference. After looking at the old one it was toast. Ended up draining the gas too, thanks to the astounding amount of water in the tank. Thanks for all the help!

Glad you got it fixed

Especially if you like sitting on the throne and smoking. Sounds like an option for quick hair removal.

So I thought the issue was fixed, and the car was running great for a couple days after the swap, but now it's right back to it. Any ideas? Doesn't want to start up, but it will on occasion, and it will be a really rough and inconsistent idle. I'm at a total loss.