Cranking endlessly

[Turbo_Bimmer]

Originally Posted by ubiquitus

My 2005 4.8 does the same. I can get it to work every time when it acts up if I hold the gas pedal all the way down, then let it crank for about 20 seconds, then it starts. No idea how to fix this though.

While installing + programming my Megasquirt injection system for my racecar, I learned some interresting stuff on injection systems.
One of them, is when you press down the gas pedal while cranking, the ECU will go into a 'flood clear mode' and cut the injectors while cranking. This is usefull to start a flooded engine. This is implemented in all modern fuel injected cars. (most cars...)

If your X starts by doing that procedure, may be that means you have a leaking injector, and the fuel line pressure discharges into one or more cylinder, and creates a too rich condition for starting.

I remember in the 90s, I hard a 84 300ZX that was had to start (lots of cranking) when I let the car sit for ~30 minutes after a drive. When it was cold, no problem, when I let the car sit for more than 2 hours, no problem. Anyways, we did some unsuccessfull troubleshooting, and one day, like a miracle, Nissan issued a recall on all those cars (even if out of warranty), to replace defective injectors. After they did my car, the problem went away.

So, for the others who have that problem, it way be worthwhile to try to depress the accelerator pedal, just to see if it helps the X to start.
If it makes a difference, it may be fuel related.

If it doesn't make any difference, I would check the ignition. There are some inductive test lights on the market for electricians. While someone is cranking, just move the test light close to the coil(s) to see if the coil(s) is(are) energized. (remove the plastic cover from the engine first.)

[Nik]

Good tests

[diyanich]

Just cleaned the ignition switch,copper contacts were discolored with from dark blue to redish-greenish colors.Ordering a new switch.
Also let the battery disconnected for at least 2 hours.
It started flawlessly,also I left the glove box out and will monitor the Fuel Pump relay engaging.Ordering new relays.

[windy]

The one on the back of the ignition barrel?

[diyanich]

Originally Posted by windy

The one on the back of the ignition barrel?

Yeah, the one that is PITA to get to
But once you know how to do it it get's easier.
I was researching online and found out that that piece is worth $ 90 bucks..WOW,should cost more than $ 25 IMO.
Relays are OK,$ 5 bucks each.

[diyanich]

Few starts and no problems so far,some times it starts faster than usual.

[Wrscott]

I'm having the same exact problem in my 05 X. I replaced the ignition switch and few days back and issue came back this morning. How's yours doing? Maybe I need to replace the relays now?