2003 Nissan Altima 2.5 S takes several times to turn over

I have an 03 Altima. It has 49100 miles on it. Sunday I got in my car, temp 70 degrees, and the car would not turn over at first. Nor did it on the second try. Or third. Finally on the for try it started only after I pumped on the gas pedal. This is about the seventh time this has happened. Only difference was the other six times it was cold out. My wife was driving it at that time and she would leave it parked at the airport for about a week when she traveled on business. Or when I took her to the airport and left the car in the garage for about a week. This last time was different. I even drove it earlier to play a little golf. Anybody have any suggestions? Please help. :confused:

Many years ago when engines used carburetors that had accelerator pumps, stepping on the accelerator pedal would squirt a little gasoline into the intake manifold. Pumping the accelerator pedal on a fuel injected engine like any year of Altima doesn't do anything. The injectors don't let fuel go through them unless the distributor is turning. The distributor turns when the engine is running or when the starter is turning the crankshaft before the engine starts. Many drivers confuse automotive people by using the term "engine won't turn over" to describe an engine that cranks but will not start. "Won't or doesn't turn over" is the correct term used to describe an engine that will not crank as in crankshaft not turning because the starter isn't turning the crankshaft when the key is twisted. Fuel injected engines do simulate a flooded condition mode when the accelerator is held to the floor and the starter turns the crankshaft. Holding the pedal down will stop the fuel from going through the injectors to clear the flooded condition. A fuel pump inside the fuel tank maintains fuel pressure to the fuel injectors when the engine is running that is about the same as the pressure used in your tires. When you park your car the pressure should remain until the next time you start your car. After sitting a few days the pressure may bleed down just like tires will eventually go flat. What should happen when you first turn the key in the ignition is that the fuel pump runs for about three seconds to pressurize fuel to the injectors and then shuts off if the engine doesn't start. This is a safety feature that prevents the fuel pump from continuing to run and emptying the fuel tank if a fuel leak occurs during a collision. Your car may be bleeding the fuel pressure off and then for some reason not pressurizing the fuel system for three seconds when you try to restart the engine. Maybe only after your engine starts or cranks long enough will the pump begin and continue pumping. Next time you have trouble starting, turn the key back to the off position for a few seconds and then turn it to start again without touching the accelerator. Maybe you already know that it seems like the engine has to crank for 10-15 seconds before it will start? You may still have trouble starting. If you do, the fuel pump relay system needs to be diagnosed which is likely to be difficult as you may have an intermittent condition. As you have noticed and report, temperature probably doesn't effect the hard starting condition.