i searched. here and tt.net. so, i either need someone to point out some search words that are better than "slow starting cranking", and "starting trouble turning over", or someone to give some good advise on this issue.

i may be posting prematurely, as i have not checked the codes. this will be done first thing tomorrow morning.

the problem is that i've lately had to crank the car for several seconds and give it some gas before it would start. it's given me a few good scares. my thoughts are: starter is wearing out, engine temp sensor connection is iffy, or the IACV-ACC and/or IACV-AIR are acting up somehow. any thoughts? i'm not really expecting a code, but if any come up, i'll post it up tomorrow. thanks in advance.

If it starts by giving it gas, you can rule out your starter.

Yes... check codes ... check fuel pressure .... check sensors ... check wiring ...

Start wit duh basics s0n!

yeah yeah yeah. why do you think you can rule out the starter? that was at the top of my list.

i forgot to mention, after it is started, it runs almost completely perfectly. the only other problem is that after i've been cruising, when i put it in neutral and coast to a light or something, it wants to stall while i'm slowing down. then once i stop, it's just fine. i had to just downshift a bit on the way home to stop it from stalling while i was slowing down.

Why do you think it is the starter? Does it click instead of turn over? Does it struggle to spin the motor? What are the volts to the starter?

If it starts, then would the starter be the problem?

well, if the starter were on its way out, it may turn slower i guess. i mean, i'm asking, i really don't know. but, the starter has occasionally kinda stopped in mid-turn, then quickly resumed. this isn't a stop and a pause and a start again, it's just one brief flaw in the turning of the starter. i'll check the volts to the starter. dumb question: when do i check that? while someone is cranking the starter? while the ignition is on? or just anytime?

Your battery is suffering because of the cold weather.

get a better batt and the stalling out while coasting is a common problem with aftermarket filters if i remember right.
i remember something about putting tape on the front of the filter

Stalling while coasting is a result of turbulent air across the MAS. There are two solutions: the ghetto fix and the proper fix.

Ghetto fix:
Tape the underside of the filter as follows to disrupt turbulence:

http://www.twinturbo.net/nissan/300z...ges/stall.html


Proper fix:
Install the filter and splash shiled the way they're supposed to be installed.


http://s95014253.onlinehome.us/63104...ession*id*val*

This is how most people install it:

creating the turbulence that causes hesitation. Or they don't install it at all, which will cause the same problem.

well, i've got an interstate battery that isn't more than 3 years old, and stock air filters in a stock air box. i have considered the battery, and it sounds likely. but, 90% of the time, the battery does me just fine. perhaps i'll trade batteries with my dad's truck and see what happens. he's not having any starting problems.

"Isn't more than 3 years old" is old, especially for bad weather. The battery might work fine when the weather isn't bad, but being cold will affect its ability to start the car.

As for the stalling on deceleration, clean the MAS and throttle bodies. And check this out: http://www.twinturbo.net/nissan/300z...pages/pep.html In a nut shell, replace PCV's, replace old vacuum hoses, replace fuel dampener (you can test that first - search my posts for fuel system diagnostic). When it comes to the EGR valve, I'm an advocate of removing rather than replacing.