New G37x With A Big Problem

[The Rever]

Well, I should feel mighty happy to be posting a picture of my new G37x sedan (automatic), but I’ve encountered a serious problem that’s taking the fun out of it.

I took delivery of my car early this month (January) and was thrilled. What a classy and luxurious rocket it is! However, about one week after getting it I came to a stop in a slushy, snowy area, and then accelerated onto a street with dry pavement. It began to lurch and sputter, and would not go beyond 2,400 RPMs. Fortunately, I was only two blocks from my home. Any shifts occurred with a noticeable and untimely jerk. No warning lights came on.

After the car sat in the garage for thirty minutes, I started the engine and everything seemed fine. I called the dealership (Infiniti of Denver) and told a service guy what had happened. He said that perhaps it would be “a one time thing.” From that day until yesterday (Jan. 27) the car performed normally.

Yesterday was another slushy day. After leaving my neighborhood (which means I left the slushy, unplowed areas for dry main arteries), I drove for ten minutes on dry streets and at speeds of up to sixty mph. Still on dry streets, I made a left turn (same as before) onto another dry street when the car began doing what it did three weeks previously. Surprised (especially because I was on dry streets), I pulled over to see if the engine would recover, but after five minutes of no change, I limped the car home. Once again, I was very fortunate to be only two blocks from my home.

Once there, I left the engine running and called the dealership. I spoke with the service department and described in detail what was happening. With a rep on the phone, I revved the engine to 2,400 RPMs, and it began coughing and sputtering, unable to exceed it. The rep said he could hear the trouble, and asked me to turn off the engine and restart it. After doing that, the same trouble remained, so I parked the car and shut off the engine. The rep then gave me the Infiniti Roadside Assistance number, and suggested I call them in order to have the car transported to the dealership. However, after thirty minutes, I restarted the car and everything returned to normal. I drove the car to the dealership late this morning.

They put it through every diagnostic test they could and found nothing. They suspect that there is something wrong with a sensor or chip that forces the car into “fail safe mode,” something which protects the engine, but cannot duplicate the problem.

My option was: 1) take the car home (I live more than an hour away), wait for it to happen again and the dealership would have it towed for testing. Problem: it’s dangerous. If, for example, I were to attempt a merge into speeding traffic and it happened, well, that’s a serious risk. I wouldn’t let my wife drive it, and I wouldn’t allow my kids in the car. Further, the car seems to re-set after the engine is off for a while, which means the problem would be over by the time it was towed to the dealership. No duplication. 2) leave the car at the dealership and accept a loaner. This means a rep will drive my car until the problem happens again. How long that will be, no one knows. Further, I am paying for a car I’m not driving. How long do I let them have it?

Goodness.

I chose option #2. They have my G37x, and I have their EX 35.

I have been treated very well—understanding and sympathy all around. No complaints at all, but I feel trapped. What would you recommend? Any ideas?

[Sentientbydesign]

Welcome to NICO!

I'm sorry to hear your problem. The fail safe suggestion is exactly what came to mind when I was reading your post.

This is the second issue of this nature that I've seen on the boards in the past couple of days. I'll notify one of our Tech Staff and see if he has any insight into the problem.

I have a strong inclination to say that there is an electrical component that is failing due to heat and/or moisture, but I'd hesitate to speculate beyond that.

[G37 Man]

You got a lemon law in your state?if so document what and when the car goes in for service for the same problem.If it continues you will have something to use within the first year of owning the car.

Lets hope they correct the problem very soon.

[uncbeers]

Hey Rever,

Glad to see another CO guy here. I know this wont help you much but want my opinion? Raise some hell! I had a bad experience with Infiniti of Denver and servicing my 2005 G35X. I basically got screwed with the Service Dept. and the 1-800 Infiniti people couldn't do much for me. I should have taken it further but did not...

If you want more info let me know. I will be happy to discuss it and I do plan on going (nearly the same distance) down to Infiniti in Littleton next time I need service. But you're right, you're paying a lot of money for a car that is not safe right now and no good to you. I personally feel like Infiniti of Denver does not bend over backwards for us as I hear other dealerships do on here.

Anyways, welcome to NICO and hopefully this works out for you-I'll be keeping an eye out for you on I-25

[LuckyLuke]

I don't know if my problem is as bad as yours. But whenever I go over the pump on the 2nd gear (auto) sometimes the car jerking til I shift the 3rd gear or sometimes when I made a sharp turn. But it always on the 2nd gear that I noticed the jerking. But it never does 2400 RPM thing.

[weslvmaG37]

Sorry to hear what is happening to your car. I had a similar experience with my G37s 6MT coupe when I bought it in Sep 2007. I was at an intersection on a red light. When the green light came on, my car would not go above 2400 RPM. I was frantic, I was able to park the car and decided to let the car rest for 30 minutes (while I called the dealer) and the car restarted and drove normally. It hasn't happen since I hear that this problem has happen to a lot of people ( Ihad a posting a year ago about this G37Problem). My opinion is that the new VQ37 engine has a problem on its computer and nobody has been able to find out what it is because nobody can replicate the problem while the car is serviced. My Dealer Tech guy told me the same thing they told you. I hope this does not happen again and if it does hopefully it will be after I return the car from my lease. Good luck to you keep us posted.

Wes

[Jacko3]

Man, sorry for all your troubles. This must suck. These newer cars are loaded with more Microsoft and Intel power than my personal computer.

Enjoy the EX35. Your car note payment is probably slightly smaller than what you would have paid for an EX35. So, you ain't loosing nothing at all. Let Infiniti figure out what is wrong. I will tell you though, that Infiniti's customer service is second to none. Not many auto makers will go out of their way to hand you a loaner car for an indefinite amount of time. So, I think you are in good hands. Hang in there and it will be alright.

[SteveTheTech]

I have to second what Jacko stated. Hang tight, Infiniti has special factory reps whos sole job is go deal with new product issues. I have yet to see a 37 sedan exhibit such a condition, and to not generate a laundry list of fault codes is pretty interesting. These new cars have so many sensors and other detectable devices that there should be a path to follow for the technicians working on it.

Hang tight and keep us posted of what the outcome is, it may take some time. Leaving it with them is the ideal situation especially given your proximity to a dealer.

Good Luck and Welcome to Nico.

[G_whizz]

Welcome to NICO!!

Hope your problem is looked after quickly and with little hiccups!!!

[uncbeers]

Do report back Rever. I for one will be especially interested to see what they find and do for you.

Fingers crossed that you get better service (like Steve and Jacko mentioned) than what I got with Infiniti of Denver.

[The Rever]

I very much appreciate the support I am getting from this thread.

I have found other people who are having this same problem at myg37.com. I'm encouraged to know that I'm not the only guinea pig. I'm still a pig, however.

I passed along the link to the specific thread to several people at my dealership as well as to my service consultant, and then read it with him over the phone. They're on it.

I'll report back when I have more.

[The Rever]

Here’s the latest.

The service techs haven’t found anything wrong and driving it has not revealed the problem. After having it for one week, the dealership is sending someone tomorrow to return my car and take back their loaner. My service guy tells me that Infiniti is sending a top service rep to the dealership on Monday to look over my car, so they will send someone to my home to pick up my car that morning in exchange for another loaner. Because I consider my car a danger waiting to happen, I’m not overjoyed at getting it back.

In my thinking, Monday will be the third time they have looked at my car regarding this issue. The first time when I took it to them they put the issue in the “it’s probably just an aberration—keep an I on it”—category, but have been working on it specifically this second time.

While the situation is lousy, I am pleased with how they are treating me.

Comments? Suggestions?

[tollboothwilley]

Wow. Sorry to hear that you have an issue. I'd have to agree that it seems like a sensor is sending it into limp mode. Its weird that you are not getting any codes though.

Sucks that you're having to deal with this on such a new car. At least they take care of you.

[The Rever]

My G37x was swapped this morning for a loaner '07 G35x. My car was driven to the dealership.

I spoke with the service advisor at around 5:00pm this evening about what the regional service expert found after looking over my car today. He found nothing amiss—no surprise. However, the regional rep told the service advisor to tell me that I may have depressed both the brake and accelerator at the same time, which causes the car to go into limp mode. I suspect that’s what the regional rep thinks happened, unless something more sinister (read “cover up”) is going on.

The service advisor told me that depressing both at the same time will put a G into limp mode immediately. (Anyone know about this?) So, I attempted it with the G35x loaner I was driving. I attempted it from a standing start, I attempted it while at a about 5-10 mph, and I attempted it at about 20 mph—all to no effect. Further, the advisor said that as soon as the brake is applied when the car is in limp mode following this brake and accelerate pattern, the car immediately leaves limp mode and operates properly. No matter what I did during the actual incidents with my car—from braking and accelerating while moving as well as when in neutral—nothing “cured” the car of limp mode.

I do not believe that I did that at the time of the incidents anyway. Each was from a standard stop. In any case, I do not believe that my car went into limp mode because of this brake and accelerate theory. I was accelerating only.

So, my car will be returned to me tomorrow (Tuesday) with nothing found. I was told that if the problem should happen again, they will supply me with a sort of black box (like on an airplane) that will monitor the car at all times. Of course, I expressed reservations about driving the car since nothing has been found. I also said that if nothing happens after a month of driving, I will begin to relax my fears and family driving restrictions—my wife doesn’t now drive it, and I don’t let my kids in the car either.

And that’s the way it is today. Comments? Suggestions?

[infinitgkid]

idk dude...

this blows my mind to be honest...

I hope they get your problem fixed... sorry man

[Poyzinous]

Well I can tell you that the core systems in the 09 are a bit different than your 07 loaner, but it is definitely a strange problem. Stanger is the fact that they tried to reproduce it, and couldn't. If the problem happens again, I recommend recording it on your camera or camera phone as it occurs, and dont turn the car off. Have the dealer send someone out to you with Consult, the diagnostic computer, and check the car while it is in its unusual fail safe mode. I remember my Altima going into fail safe mode because of the distributor... When i figured it out, it was a relief. Either way, it may be an unusual minor defect thats causing a big problem, but remember that it could also be something you're doing that you dont notice. Don't want to keep you spinning in circles... just saying, in a not so good way, congratulations, you won the lottery...

[uncbeers]

Where will he get if he demands the "black box" now? Why should he have to go through it again (and ultimately another time after the "black box") because they can't find it now? This particular dealership pisses me off (service dept. issues) so I may sound a bit more heated but if they're going to say 'wait and see if it happens again and then we'll try to solve it,' that doesn't seem right to me.

As Rever notes, it seems dangerous and who knows, the next time it happens may not be at the safest of times... The problem is a strange one but I feel like he is paying a lot of money for some great risks every time he gets into his car.

This is just an unfortunate situation but I feel like Infiniti of Denver could do more for him to be proactive.

[pfarmer]

Well I can tell you that the core systems in the 09 are a bit different than your 07 loaner, but it is definitely a strange problem. Stanger is the fact that they tried to reproduce it, and couldn't. If the problem happens again, I recommend recording it on your camera or camera phone as it occurs, and dont turn the car off. Have the dealer send someone out to you with Consult, the diagnostic computer, and check the car while it is in its unusual fail safe mode. I remember my Altima going into fail safe mode because of the distributor... When i figured it out, it was a relief. Either way, it may be an unusual minor defect thats causing a big problem, but remember that it could also be something you're doing that you dont notice. Don't want to keep you spinning in circles... just saying, in a not so good way, congratulations, you won the lottery...

Does it in fact go in limp mode by depressing both? If so then that seems like that would be reproducible and then they should be able to follow if it comes out of it as stated. Also in limp mode, what are the indications (dash wise) other than the obvious driving issues?

Perry

[Poyzinous]

Well I dont know what Infiniti of Denver is like. If they are anything like the Donkeys, they must be terrible(yes, I'm a Charger Fan, had to throw that in there ) Anyway, they should try to reproduce the problem with someone there with you to monitor the problem. But I know how you feel. I remember a lady that had a Gcoupe said her seat shifted around and 'popped', but when I drove it, It wouldn't do any of that. So I decided to let her drive it. I sat behind her in the back seat. Turns out it only did it when the seat was at a specific part of the track. The rail was a little defective, so she got a new seat track I put in for her, and problem solved. Obviously, your issue is more serious, and complex. I know it sucks that of the thousands of G's out there, it had to be yours to have this one little issue. Keep us updated, see what the dealer says and does.

[uncbeers]

Well I was actually responding for The Rever but I have some interest in this due to the dealership. I liked you...until you started talking Chargers, but fortunately it sounds like you don't choke as bad as they do when it comes to performing! Oh wait, we just made history this year too. We may have time to salvage this Poyzinous.

I was just curious on what would happen if he demanded a "black box." Understandably an Infiniti rep can't move in with him for the next month to wait for the problem but it seems they should be offering this "black box" now for a month, not just if it happens again. The problem sounds dangerous really.

There are a few Infiniti guys on NICO that I wish lived closer to me. I feel like Infiniti of Denver is all about the sale... and they couldn't care less after that. I have an old topic regarding some "warranty work" I did there that was about $250 over the free sticker. That said, I appreciate the advice you Infiniti guys do offer (Steve too!) around here. Apologies if I missed anyone else that qualifies on this list.

[The Rever]

Well, here's great news--ha.

Driving to the airport yesterday in awful conditions (blizzard), my car did it again--went into limp mode. It's the third or fourth time. Called the dealership and spoke with the service guy, blah, blah, blah. Treated me well, but. . .I was really upset.

The car actually sort of warned me this time. It kind of shook and lurched a few times, then cleared up, but a moment later it did the same thing and cleared up. But after 30 seconds more, limp mode full time. No warning lights.

I had to drive maybe a quarter of a mile before I could pull over, since conditions were so bad and dangerous. I sat at the side of the road and people pulled over to check on me, including a State Farm tow truck guy. "Oh, it should be okay. It will probably re-set after a half hour or so, and I hope to be alright. If not, I have my cell phone. . ." It was terrible and very dangerous.

Anyway, it did reset after leaving the car off for 25 minutes, and I made it to the airport by the skin of my teeth.

I return home on Monday, and will pick it up from there.

Suggestions?

[G37 Man]

Well, here's great news--ha.

Driving to the airport yesterday in awful conditions (blizzard), my car did it again--went into limp mode. It's the third or fourth time. Called the dealership and spoke with the service guy, blah, blah, blah. Treated me well, but. . .I was really upset.

The car actually sort of warned me this time. It kind of shook and lurched a few times, then cleared up, but a moment later it did the same thing and cleared up. But after 30 seconds more, limp mode full time. No warning lights.

I had to drive maybe a quarter of a mile before I could pull over, since conditions were so bad and dangerous. I sat at the side of the road and people pulled over to check on me, including a State Farm tow truck guy. "Oh, it should be okay. It will probably re-set after a half hour or so, and I hope to be alright. If not, I have my cell phone. . ." It was terrible and very dangerous.

Anyway, it did reset after leaving the car off for 25 minutes, and I made it to the airport by the skin of my teeth.

I return home on Monday, and will pick it up from there.

Suggestions?

Tell Infiniti you want a new Car NOW!

[telcoman]

Tell Infiniti you want a new Car NOW!

+1



You should probably write a letter immediately to Infiniti complaining about this dangerous issue. I was at my local Infiniti dealer earlier today picking up a few oil filters and asked my service advisor if he ever heard of this issue and he said no. i just gave my G its 26th oil change yesterday.

You may want to consider one of these keeping it in the trunk?Not expensive.



Telcoman

[uncbeers]

Or call the 1-800 number for Infinti. You deserve what you paid for...not a potentially dangerous ride each time.

That seems to be how Infiniti of Denver really is...they sound and act very nice but I really think they could care less. I tried to write a review on Infinitihelp.com for them but they never emailed me to confirm the review.

Glad you made it through that snow last week-let us know what happens.

[The Rever]

Here's the latest.

I suspect the lemon law will not apply because there have been no attempts to repair it. They've had the car three times now, but have been unable to figure anything out. Therefore, no attempt at repair. This is essentially what I was told by the rep on the Infiniti Owners line. They are looking into it and will get back to me by Tuesday, but I'm not holding my breath.

Further, the corporate directive to the dealership (which continues to treat me very well) is to wait for when the regional tech rep can do a ride-along with me--in about a month! I'm certain that ride-along would be to show me that everything is fine and that it's simply my mistake.

Fat chance that I will wait for this. While I don't relish the idea of an adversarial relationship with Infiniti, it may well be drawing near. Can you say, "Lawyer time"? I was truly in serious danger during the snowstorm last week, and do not now confidently enjoy driving the car.

I have today (Friday) dropped my car off at the dealership because a big snow storm will arrive tonight and tomorrow. That will give them the chance to drive it extensively in poor conditions. Luck being what it is--fickle--it's likely nothing will occur. . .but maybe it will. Though there is no fix as of yet (at least here in the States), they'll at least have it on record.

I'll pick the car up on Sunday and post back what happens.

[Colton92]

While I do not have a G37. I have a Altima Coupe and I experienced the same exact thing you did. Luckily I was able to limp over to the dealership and drop it off. But of course by the time they test drove it, it was running fine. Oh and it was snowing on this day.

[The Rever]

Now that's surprising.

Until now I have not heard of any other car except the G37x having this problem. And, of course, yours isn't an AWD. Hmmmmm.

Do you live at high altitude? Greenvillie isn't high, right? But that's another one of the commonalities.

Anyone else out there?
Modified by The Rever at 10:52 AM 4/4/2009

[G37 Man]

Here's the latest.

I suspect the lemon law will not apply because there have been no attempts to repair it. They've had the car three times now, but have been unable to figure anything out. Therefore, no attempt at repair. This is essentially what I was told by the rep on the Infiniti Owners line. They are looking into it and will get back to me by Tuesday, but I'm not holding my breath.

Further, the corporate directive to the dealership (which continues to treat me very well) is to wait for when the regional tech rep can do a ride-along with me--in about a month! I'm certain that ride-along would be to show me that everything is fine and that it's simply my mistake.

Fat chance that I will wait for this. While I don't relish the idea of an adversarial relationship with Infiniti, it may well be drawing near. Can you say, "Lawyer time"? I was truly in serious danger during the snowstorm last week, and do not now confidently enjoy driving the car.

I have today (Friday) dropped my car off at the dealership because a big snow storm will arrive tonight and tomorrow. That will give them the chance to drive it extensively in poor conditions. Luck being what it is--fickle--it's likely nothing will occur. . .but maybe it will. Though there is no fix as of yet (at least here in the States), they'll at least have it on record.

I'll pick the car up on Sunday and post back what happens.

Contact your state lemon law division,forget the dealer.You tell them the car has been in 3 times and they are not making an effort to correct the problem,document the fact you have had the car in 3 or more times with service reports.

[uncbeers]

Your luck isn't very good-that snow didn't come for us...I'm sure they found nothing. Report back tomorrow after you pick it up. I'll be interested to see what they say now. Who have you been dealing with at Infiniti of Denver?

[The Rever]

So the storm failed to materialize, which means the driving conditions were not those associated with the troubles of the car. No snow, no sloppy conditions = no duplication of the problem. They drove it for about 25 miles, but no problem.

Of course.

Infiniti of America is supposed to contact me tomorrow with “their course of action,” but I doubt I will be satisfied. I’ll post what I find out, as well as what my plans are from here.