I use a Nissan Altima 2000 Model. Recently I noticed that after buying fuel from filling stations, the car does not start immediately untill after 3 to 5 mins. Even if it starts it goes again untill I give it little time before it starts normally and moves smoothly, no jerking, accelerates smoothly and normally, doesn't somoke,consumes fuel normally etc.

Please what could be the problem...

possibly the fuel pump....

fuel serves as a coolant for the fuel pump so its not advisable to drive to near empty all the time.

your fuel pump might be 'ending' its useful life....

Siena: ^^^ Does this occur if you fill the tank from almost empty? If you add more fuel, and you've got let's say a quarter of a tank left, do you still get the same hard-start issues?

Yes, it happens all the time, when the tank is almost empty or when I add more fuel, and it's still occuring though I've not tried when it's on quater tank.
Actually it has been happening for about 1 month now and I've been ignoring it but I think it'll be better to check it now before it metamophoses to a bigger issue.

Denn: possibly the fuel pump....

fuel serves as a coolant for the fuel pump so its not advisable to drive to near empty all the time.

your fuel pump might be 'ending' its useful life....

My brother I think you are right because my wife always drive near empty tank before I refill.

@ chibube, thanks for the advice the last time.
I changed my fuel pump. after just 1 day, the problem i had returned again. I bought it for 7000 naira. The scan i did after the pump change indicates the fuel line is still the problem. so i had to change the fuel pump again. This second time, i bought it for 5000 naira- The car has since performed.

My conclusion is that not all pumps are of same Quality and i think altima 2000 is sensitive to this. A friend had to change his 3 times before getting his car to perform.
My Question is " is there a way to know a good fuel pump" there must be a particular brand around that is reliable or a place to buy.

chiebube: Just change ur fuel pump...I have a 1999 Nissan Altima. Siena, abeg no yab me o! My Nissan Altima is like a younger brother to me. I always know the problem anytime it 'coughs'.
@Poster. How dare u drive Nissan Altima on an almost empty fuel tank. its not advisable. Your fuel pump will always have problems after a short while. I buy my own fuel pump in Abuja N3000 and I fix it myself. If mechanic wants to buy it for u. They will collect N7000/N8000. And u will still pay them for fixing it. Most of the fuel pump vendors dont have a pressure guage. They test it the crude way using kerosene and car battery... Siena, abeg no yab me. Na local style i dey use for fuel pump.

Thanks my brother. I'll change the fuel pump at once..
Like ghazzal asked, is there a way we'll be able to know the right fuel pump for that 2000 model altima?

Arizona1: I use a Nissan Altima 2000 Model. Recently I noticed that after buying fuel from filling stations, the car does not start immediately untill after 3 to 5 mins. Even if it starts it goes again untill I give it little time before it starts normally and moves smoothly, no jerking, accelerates smoothly and normally, doesn't somoke,consumes fuel normally etc.

Please what could be the problem...

What you wrote is difficult to understand, you didn't say if you have any MIL, it might be your crankshaft sensor going out, no mention if it happens in the morning (every time you stopped the car for a while.If it work fine it means your pump is good, just change your fuel filter and add some fuel injector cleaner just in case your injector is leaking fuel pressure. Stick with the simple service first.Part of diagnosis is if your car does not start immediately but only after a few turn of key it might be no pressure in fuel line to spray fuel at start so you are priming by turning key.

If no mech has worked on it prior do a simple fuel system service.Filter, injector cleaner

Siena: ^^^ Does this occur if you fill the tank from almost empty? If you add more fuel, and you've got let's say a quarter of a tank left, do you still get the same hard-start issues?

the reason seina asked this question is that, if you refill after the car has gone far beyond its reserve tank it ends up pumping dirt from the bottom of the tank inside and it clogs your bump hence you end up such problems but if the problem occurs even at quarter tank it is either the pump is dying slowly or its the fuel OCTANE check for one meant for your car

but also fuel pressure has to be checked and also the regulator

octane rating on fuel pump