06 M45 - Ton of codes and issues after Motor swap

[TTThornhill]

Happy Friday everyone. I have a 06 M45 that i recently purchased that had bad motor knock. I just replaced that motor with a used one and i seem to have some electrical problems now. I did have throttle pedal response for a little while after the swap but i lost that. the temp gauge at first shot to half way after ignition was on, now it seems to be working right. Horn doesnt work and has drivers open/short airbag codes. I think its either a bad ground or connection, but i dont really know where to begin. i double checked all the harness connection on the passengers kick panel area and all looks well. any advice is appreciated. There are over 15 codes in the system ranging from CAN COMM, ABS Codes, ECM Circuit, TCM CAN communication. Steering angle sensor. if you need any further info please feel free to ask.there were no electrical issues before the swap was done.

[cruzad3r]

i know there are some techs who work for the Infiniti dealer but i haven't seen them post anything related to an engine swap. there was this Ken from AZ guy here back in the days and he was pretty much the highest contributor in term of tinkering with the V8 but he's gone now. so my best advice is to seek independent dealer that can help with the transplant. If you were doing this yourself, man you're brave.

[TTThornhill]

Well the swap is done, and it really wasn't that bad. granted i work at a body shop so i have access to lifts and everything else. its runs smooth but just got all these dang electrical bugs now. plus i dont trust our local dealerships. not too many good techs out there, just people who like to throw parts at things.

[EdBwoy]

I probably can't match Ken in AZ's resume, but I have about 6 M45 v8 removals/replacements under my belt within the past year. I do it in my garage because most shops where I live wouldn't touch an Infiniti

Anyway, to your problem. How did you remove the engine? Hoisted the car and dropped the engine and subframe like the FSM suggests?
You can try to bypass this step, but I also assume you disconnected the steering column lower joint, correct? Did you lock the steering wheel or did you spin it at any point during the swap? Airbag codes and a mute horn point to a damaged clockspring, and freewheeling the steering wheel is the most likely way to damage it.
Replace the clockspring and bring your codes down by half.

Another thing you should make a note of is the steering angle sensor. This might become pertinent down the road, but let's troubleshoot a step at a time, right?

[TTThornhill]

Looks like 2 seperate issues. The clockspring failure which caused the drivers airbag code which killed the horn and steering controls. and apparently when disconnecting the engine harness plug that connects to the ECM under the dash, the other connector on it was knocked loose. Re secured connection and 1/2 of the codes disapeared. So far the only issues I have left is the clockspring and a constantly running cooling fan which i think the module on the fan assembly is to blame. I did see that there was a recall on this. would it still apply now or has it been too long.

[EdBwoy]

Making progress

Did you also replace the ECM or why did you have to deal with that plug in the first place?

[TTThornhill]

No, didn't have to replace the ECM. Main engine harness plugs directly into it. Had to disconnect hand fish it thru the cowl

[steve_c]

Looks like 2 seperate issues....... and a constantly running cooling fan which i think the module on the fan assembly is to blame. I did see that there was a recall on this. would it still apply now or has it been too long.

If your car was part of the recall & it was never performed, you should be entitled to it with no problems. You can call up or visit the dealer to confirm if the recall for the fan motor is applicable & still open for your vehicle, (meaning it has not already been brought in for the repair). Have your VIN # ready if you call!
You can also call Infiniti corporate I believe, to verify open recalls on a vehicle.

[TTThornhill]

awesome. i looovveee free stuff. once i get all this mechanical stuff complete, i intend on doing a serious quality audio build. Gotta get all the Bose junk out the way. will definitely do a thread on it.

[EdBwoy]

No, didn't have to replace the ECM. Main engine harness plugs directly into it. Had to disconnect hand fish it thru the cowl

Makes sense. IIRC, I think most times I have resorted to unplugging the busy end (all engine and accessory harnesses) because I have engines with no harnesses or cut harnesses. If I received a fully harnessed engine-trans combo, then I would definitely just go for one plug