2008 Nissan Xterra S Logo
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Jeff Posted on Dec 08, 2014
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My truck won't start when temps are below 30 degrees. It cranks normally, nice and strong, but can't seem to kick over into ignition.

I've been reading through the online forums and it seems that there are a lot of 2007-2009 Xterras with a similar problem. I have replaced the following, based on what was discussed in the forums. -Both Camshaft Position Sensors -Crankshaft Position Sensor -ECM Relay I replaced both the starter and battery a year ago. The battery I upgraded from the recommended 550cca to a 750cca. Spark plugs were recently replaced as well. The truck starts fine anytime the temp is over 50 degrees. From 35-49 degrees she starts after 2-3 attempts. Below 30 degrees, she won't start without a jump. I'm wondering if maybe there is a fault in the fuel relays, or a bad injector. It seems like the difference of 3 amps is causing the problem. I don't know what system in the truck could be drawing that extra power and preventing ignition. I plugged it into a code reader and it didn't give me any "hard fault" codes, but did produce a PENDING code P0603 - which indicates a pending fault in the ECM. Anyone have any similar problems or an idea of how to fix this issue?

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  • Jeff
    Jeff Dec 08, 2014

    Also - we preformed a "throttle position learning" procedure. That also, did not fix the problem.

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BILL HAND

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  • Posted on Dec 08, 2014
BILL HAND
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IT IS POSSIBLE THAT THE TEMP SENDING UNIT FOR THE ECM IS NOT READING PROPERLY AND NOT TELLING THE ECM ENGINE TEMP CORRECTLEY SO THE ECM IS NOT ENRICHING THE FUEL MIXTURE FOR COLD STARTS

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  • Jeff
    Jeff Jan 29, 2015

    Hi Bill,

  • Jeff
    Jeff Jan 29, 2015

    Thank you for the tip. I replaced the ECM Temp sensor for my car, and the car is still having the same problem. I think the only sensor I haven't changed is the air temp sensor. Could that be the issue?

  • BILL HAND Jan 29, 2015

    CHECK WITH THE DEALER TO SEE IF THERE ARE ANY PROGRAMING UPDATES TO ADDRESS THE ISSUE. A REFLASH MIGHT BE AVAILABLE . SADLY A PENDING ECM CODE MAY INDICATE THE ECM HAS FAILED. HOPE THIS HELPS BILL

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