Expert: Sean Halliday - 5/15/2007

Question
2001 nissan maxima 20th ann. edition takes a quite a few tries to start. I am told this could be a fuel pump problem, after car cranks it runs fine? if this is a fuel pump is there an access panel or does tank need dropped.

Answer
I would check a few other things before i renew the fuel pump.It is in the tank, but test the regulator,look at your plugs and all electrical components first.Check ignition timing  and also the MAF and MAP sensors.Spark plugs may help and be sure to use NGK or what the makers recommend.If the engine has high mileage you might want to test the compression.Low compression will make it hard to start.The Chiltons or Haynes manual will be a huge help as it goes through all possible symptoms of this problem.