1998 Q45 electrical problems -- shift lock control unit? wiring harness? BCM?

[tfvesquire]

Hi there:

It's been awhile since a posted a thread for some help so here goes. My 98 Q has had an intermittent problem with the shift lock solenoid "clicking" when you press the brake with the car in gear, like sitting at a stop light. It literally sounds like the shift lock solenoid is short circuiting. When I investigated the area around the shifter, I discovered the PO must have spilled a large soda all onto the shifter and the liquid got into the shift lock solenoid switch and surrounding electrical connections. I cleaned the area out as much as I could and used compressed air to dry everything. I did not have any problems until a few months later.

After the clicking came back, it was after I had driven the car in heavy traffic and had to press the brake constantly. I thought the shift lock solenoid must be heating up and malfunctioning. It went away (so I thought) when I liberally sprayed the shift lock solenoid switch and connectors with electrical cleaner and dried them with compressed air. FYI, I have thoroughly read the FSM, but do not have the proper know how on auto electrical work.

Recently, the annoying clicking came back, and not just intermittently, but every time I drove the car. I located an entire replacement shifter unit from a parts car. It came with the shift lock solenoid and detention switch (this switch activates the PRND21 lights on the dash and in the TCM. After installing the replacement shift assembly and resetting the computer, the clicking was still there.

I located a replacement shift lock control unit from another 98 Q and installed it. It still clicks. I cleaned out the brake switch and connector, no good. I just purchased a replacement brake switch and shift lock control unit and installed them two nights ago. Reset the computer and no click. I thought, great I fixed it, but after driving the car less than a mile around town, the clicks returned.

At this point, I don't know what else to do except take it to the dealer and have them diagnose what the problem is. Am I over looking something simple? Is it possible that the shift lock solenoid on the replacement shifter unit is bad and causing my issue? ( I looked it over before installing it and it looked really clean to me) I even traced as much of the wire harness that I could from teh shifter to the shift lock control unit and did not see any loose or grounded out wires. Is it possible my BCM or TCM units are going bad from the constant switching of the shift solenoid? The car runs great and everything else works properly so I am baffled. I am a mechanical DIYer, but electrical is not my forte.

If anyone has any good suggestions on what to check before surrendering my baby to the dealer, let me know.

Thanks and hope all is well with all of you.

Ted, Chicago

[tfvesquire]

*** Update ***

Well, for some reason, the clicking has subsided for now. I had a replacement rear window installed on Saturday because the PO had that dark tint crap on it and when I removed it I messed up all my defroster, keyless and FM radio window lines.

I am not sure if they unhooked my battery to install the window, but when I picked up the car and drove home, there was no annoying short circuiting sound from the shift lock switch. I drove around later in the day and ran several errands and the electrical problem did not rear its ugly head. I can remain thankful for now. Still not sure what caused it, but maybe the computer finally reset itself after several tries.

I will keep everyone posted if it comes back. I had an appt with the dealer this evening that I happily cancelled.

BTW, I have some extra Y33 parts I posted in the infiniti parts f/s forum.

Ted

[maxnix]

BTW, I have some extra Y33 parts I posted in the infiniti parts f/s forum.

Ted

Like the head gaskets for the V6?

Keep us updated on your problem. Is there a realy in the shift lock circuit?

[tfvesquire]

[QUOTE=maxnix]Like the head gaskets for the V6?

Huh? I don't get it. I will keep everyone posted on the electrical issue though.

[Infinitiguy19]

By saying you have parts for a Y33 (Which is a Nissan Cima) instead of a FY33 (Which is a 1997-2001 Q45), he was asking if you have a head gasket for a VQ30DET (V-6-cylinder 3.0 L) which is what came in the Y33.

[tfvesquire]

Thanks Paul, I did not pay attention to the difference btwn the Y33 and FGY33. I will change my f/s post as well.
Modified by tfvesquire at 8:26 PM 2/2/2009

[maxnix]

By saying you have parts for a Y33 (Which is a Nissan Cima) instead of a FY33 (Which is a 1997-2001 Q45), he was asking if you have a head gasket for a VQ30DET (V-6-cylinder 3.0 L) which is what came in the Y33.

The Y33 Gloria and Cedric never came with any V8.

The FY33 Cima did, as did the FGY33 1997-2001 Q45 (US market only).

Most, including 3rd party after market vendors, are careless with the distinction. Nissan never was.

And now that we have an international membership with imported JDM models......

[tfvesquire]

Ok, I have had it with this issue. The clicking came back this afternoon and it won't let up. At this point, I cannot think of anything else except take it to the dealer and have them at least try and diagnose the problem at $104.00 per hr.

If anyone has a suggestion about what to check, that would be great. If I have to start replacing the BCM, TCM and possibly the ECU I will be friggin pissed. It has to be something simple unless the PO drive the damn car so long with this problem that it burned out a circuit or wiring harness somewhere.

Let me know what to do, please!!!

Ted