I've got a 2004.5 x with about 7000kms. Often the engine cranks for several seconds before starting. Sometimes it starts right away, but not often as often as it should (IMHO). It's super embarrasing sitting in a car like a G and have it cranking away. I asked the dealer to check out the problem and (not surprisingly) they said they could not reproduce the problem. Has anyone else experienced this? Is it normal?

I apologize if this has been posted before. I searched but could not find anything.

 

I no this i got a loaner that had about 4k on it and it did the same thing...My car never has done it .. And has this just started or has it done it sence you've had it?

 

I would think it's a problems with the fuel pump. Normaly when you turn on the key, the fuel pump runs a second to pressure up the fuel rails. If this is not happening, you will have poor starting. You need to get a pressure gauge on the fuel rails somehow.

Also, when the car is cold, go out and turn on the key without starting and LISTEN! You should hear the fuel pump run for a 1/2 second or so. If you don't, there you go...

 

It doesn't sound normal at all. It should crank and start within 1-2 seconds even in cold weather. Have they run a diagnostics on the car yet?

 

Good point. That's what I do in cold weather and find the car starts a lot easier.

 

I too have a 2004.5 x, 12,000 km, and I have never had that problem. It has always started right away. Sounds like you should probably have it checked out.

 

ever since I had that accident with the exhaust shop
(wanted to get a different premuffler, the guy at a exhaust shop punched a hole in my gas tank. Infiniti of Massapequa replaced my gas tank, two sending units, and a fuel line for a total cost of 1400 dollars which the muffler shop repaid...thankfully)
my 05x has been having this problem
I took it to the dealer three times to fix the problem, all times "could not reproduce" than on the third time, the mechanic who was working on my car caught me before I left. He asked me a few questions. Soon my car was back in the garage. I pointed out the rattles in the cabin, and he fixed a few right infront of me and ordered replacements for the interior pieces that can not be fixed. I than asked about the problems with my window motor...he checked it out, and ordered a replacement motor. I then started my car. He said "yea, that sounded a little slow, bring it in next week and we will run a test, that needs to be fixed".
Moral of story? If you can, speak to the mechanic directly. This way, there is no confusion between you and the third party (service rep). 15 minutes I spent with the mechanic were way more productive than the three seperate trips I took to the service rep to have my car repaired to no avail.

I usually give a few seconds to let the fuel pumps move, but I never physically checked if they where going. Maybe thats my problem. I will check today.

 

Thanks for the replies, all. I'm going to push the dealer to have a closer look next time I have the car in for service.

 

I have the same problem. (2004 6MT w/ 16k miles) It happened to me about three times in the last three months. I usually wait the two seconds before I start it up.
When it does not start after about 1 -1½ seconds of cranking, I turn the key off, turn it back on, wait for two seconds, and start -er up. It has never happened more than one time in a row.
I look forward to your resolution.

 

I would hope that with a 30-40k vehicle this wouldn't be normal.