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I have a 2003 Nissan Sentra GXE. I have had trouble starting it for a few months, but it always started. The car sounds like it its trying to start, but just won't catch unless you pump the gas and sometimes it will still cut out. Once started, I have to put the car in reverse to back out. The car kind of shimmys and shakes in reverse, but it usually stops within about 10 seconds after shifting into drive. Just this week, the car will not always start. It churns and sounds like it's going to, but just won't catch. I think it's getting flooded because I can smell gas in the air when I get out. Any ideas on where we should start trying to fix this? Thank you for your time.
Year: 2003Make: NissanModel: SentraEngine: 4 cylinder, GXE Already Tried: Took it to a garage and they cleaned the spark plugs. Told us that if the problem continued, we'd have to take it to the dealer which is over an hour away.
Hi there! Is the check engine light on when it is running?
Yes.
OK, Are you having any problems with the cooling system? low coolant or anything?
Not that I am aware of. I remember my hubby putting antifreeze in it a while back, so it must have been low.
OK, This car has a problem with head gaskets leaking. What happens is the coolant leaks into the cylinder and puts the flame out when it sits overnight. This normally causes hard starting on the first start up of the day, but the car will continue to start fine afterwards. This is why you get the fuel smell.I think you should have the cooling system pressure tested. Usually you have to leave the pressure tester on it for about and hour, then pull the spark plugs and look for coolant in the cylinders.This is likely the problem.If you have no coolant problem, then I think I would start with a set of new spark plugs,if they are having trouble firing, the car will flood.Hope this helps! Thanks
That sounds like it might be the problem. Once I start it in the morning, it's usually ok the rest of the day.
Do I need to go to a special garage to get the cooling system pressure tested? And not that it matters that much because I'm sure that it's cheaper than a new car, but how much does that run?
If they do find that there is coolant in the cylinders, is there anything that can be done to fix it?
You do not need to take the car to a special garage, just one with a pressure tester. It is important that they leave it on the car for about an hour. I used to put it on and go to lunch,then come back and pull the plugs.The only good repair will be replacing the head gasket. Usually runs about $600 give or take a bit.
Auto Service Technician
25years experience,certified subaru technician,Nissan factory trained