Nissan Almera - Car delayed start/not starting

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Wed 2 Oct 2019 19:41
Nissan Almera - Car delayed start/not starting - Harriet Molyneux

A few weeks ago my engine malfunction light came on and I took the car to the garage. The fault showed a problem with the cam sensor which was replaced. The following day the car wouldn't start (turning over but not firing). A few hours later it started. This has happened a couple of times since and when the car does start it often turns over for at least 5 seconds before starting. The problem is always on a cold engine or standing for at least 24hrs. If it's been driven for a while or the same day it starts ok.

I've taken it back to the garage who did the original work and also another garage but it was starting ok and they couldn't find a fault. Before having the work done it started fine.

Any suggestions of what the problem might be would be appreciated as not knowing if the car is going to start and if I'm going to be able to get to work is a bit stressful.

Thanks

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Wed 2 Oct 2019 19:47
Nissan Almera - Car delayed start/not starting - elekie&a/c doctor
Cam sensor fault it isn’t , worn timing chain is the usual suspect here.
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Wed 2 Oct 2019 21:05
Nissan Almera - Car delayed start/not starting - bathtub tom

I agree with elekie&a/c doctor, but before you go for an expensive cam chain replacement, get the codes read.

I had exactly the same problem on an Almera and the codes pointed to crank sensor. I swapped the crank sensor with the cam sensor (they're both the same part) and lo and behold, the code changed to the cam sensor.

Replaced the sensor and the problem disappeared. The sensor cost around forty quid from a motor factors. The crank sensor was a pig to change as it sat above the starter and below a manifold, couldn't be seen and had to be done by touch!

This is assuming it's had regular oil replacements, as they hold less than 3 litres and the cam chains are (allegedly) made from cheese!

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Wed 2 Oct 2019 22:39
Nissan Almera - Car delayed start/not starting - Harriet Molyneux

Thanks for replying. I had to call the RAC out once when it didn't start but of course started as soon as the engineer arrived so his diagnostic didn't bring anything up. He did suggest there are often problems with the timing chain but he didn't think it was the issue as there is no rattling when the engine is running. I'll have s look in to swapping the sensors as suggested.

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