Kizashi Club

Have had my new Kizashi for a couple of weeks now and in that time the engine has failed to start twice during engine cranking; one for about a good 7~8 seconds and one for about 3~4 seconds. When I booked the car in for it's first 1K km service I queried them if there was an update to eradicate this problem, but they knew nothing of this problem. Does anyone else experience this problem and has it been resolved? Both my wife and I are very happy with the car though.

Hi, welcome to the forum. (Can you perhaps update your details to include your location- it will make answering some questions easier. I'm guessing you're not from the USA as you're talking km, not miles. )

I believe there is an update to the ECU for hard starting for the USA models. There are a few posts on here about it.

I questioned the local (Australian) dealer regarding engine ECU updates and was told there aren't any.... the reason I asked is because I have once had the same thing happen as you described. I was told the only software updates for Australia is for the CVT.

Thanks for your prompt reply, you guessed correctly, I'm an Aussie. My car has a manufacture date of 3/13, ( it must have been on the floor for some time ) so I'm interested in hearing what the CVT upgrade is suppose to do. I don't appear to have any issues with the gearbox, just taking me a while to get over the high gearing and unusual engine rev variations.....sounds like a slipping clutch. Is the transmission chain or belt drive?

It's belt driven with a lock up torque converter to improve acceleration off the line. Sounds pretty much like it's operating as it should though. Being a 2013 model you may not need the CVT software upgrade as it might already be installed?

Regarding the hard starting, mine's only done it once in 12mths/ 7000km. My guess is it is the same problem as the USA models - something about a certain combination of engine sensors being in certain positions for it to occur? No doubt they just haven't bothered doing an update for Australia due to not enough noise about there being a problem. The dealer didn't seem too interested, even when I mentioned what happened and there being a software update in the USA.

Regarding the manufacture date- that sounds about right. That date would be the day it left the Japan production line, it would then sit over there waiting for a full boat load to be shipped here. The trip over would be slow, then they probably sit on the wharves here for a few more weeks.... before being transported by road throughout the different states. Then there's the pre-delivery stuff to be done.

Just to add to the hard start... My 2012 sls (usa model) has done this about 3 times in the last year, it always happens when I get in the car in a hurry and almost push the start button and brake pedal at the same time, when I take the time to push the brake pedal first then a couple of seconds later push the start button it all works fine... I also think is a sensor reading thing getting out of sequence between the brake and the start button.

Thanks guys for the info,and I'd keep you informed if anything extra develops. I'm sure it's not a huge issue. I'll try to remember from now on my starting proceedure to see if there is a certain sequence with the brake pedal. Cheers to all.

Welcome Grandpa, what colour and model did you buy?
We all have a perverse interest in what people get here....post some pics too, if you get a chance...

Red, of course....they go faster!!!! It's a Touring model, with CVT. Didn't need any of the extra fruit salad on the "upmarket" one. It has all that my wife and I need. Both very happy with it.

Grandpa1951 wrote:Red, of course....they go faster!!!! It's a Touring model, with CVT. Didn't need any of the extra fruit salad on the "upmarket" one. It has all that my wife and I need. Both very happy with it.

Racing Stripes are scientifically proven to make a car go faster. They add 5-15 HP... LoL.