Hello all! I purchased an 02' Q yesterday after 3+ months of casual looking. It worked out pretty well. They voluntarily dropped the price $1500 because they didn't want to prep the car for sale (needs a ball joint and a good buffing). It has most of the goodies I wanted: NAV, black interior, black exterior, etc. I've got some questions I'm hoping some can help me with.
1. Rust on the trunk - I would have though a car like this would be really resistant to rust however there is bubbling on the inside of the trunk lid. Is rust an issue with these cars?
2. I'm glued to my iPod. Is there any way I can integrate my iPod into the stock stereo?
3. The forward part of the dash pad (where the three speakers are) was starting to pop up. I took some superglue and got it to go back down. Is this a common problem and is there a better product I should be using in case it happens again?
4. Can I add the Bluetooth functionality of the newer (05-06) Q's to the existing head unit? I imagine it's just an add-on module.
5. Can I add the rearview camera to the car with relative ease? If I it just plugs into the head unit than I'll grab it. If it requires wiring I'll probably pass.
That's it! Love the car. My other car is a 400hp turbo Grand Prix which is just raw power. It's nice to have some refinement!
New owner with new owner questions!
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djwarner
- Posts: 407
- Joined: Sat Jan 23, 2010 6:07 pm
- Car: 1971 240Z Series I
2006 350Z - Location: Central Florida
Re: New owner with new owner questions! (Mike_K)
Hi Mike,
I'm not a technical guru by any means, but I've just bought an '02 Q45 in January.
From what I've been able to find out, the rear view camera setup Infiniti used required the NAV unit which mine does not have. It will require wiring though. There are 3rd party controllers and cameras available but again it's a custom wiring job.
More importantly, your Q45 is electronically a very complex beast with more computers than you ever dreamed of. From the Voice command to the automatic seat positioner, there's alot cross communication going on. Technically, everthing talks to the other components on the automotive equivalent of a LAN called a CANBUS. And like every computer network, everyone has to talk the same language. Easy to do if your designing the original system - quite difficult when you want to add something aftermarket.
As an example, even the cassette deck talks on the CANBUS so you can fast forward and rewind from the control panel. I bought an IPOD interface and HD Radio for my Mustang interfacing with its CANBUS. This unit would do just what you want, but unfortunately it speaks Ford and not Infiniti. I went back to the manufacturer but there is not enough market potential for them to back engineer an 8 year-old car.
As for the rust, can you say Chicago? I got out of there in '84 and moved to FL. Really though, I only have experience with my Q and it has never seen snow.
I'm not a technical guru by any means, but I've just bought an '02 Q45 in January.
From what I've been able to find out, the rear view camera setup Infiniti used required the NAV unit which mine does not have. It will require wiring though. There are 3rd party controllers and cameras available but again it's a custom wiring job.
More importantly, your Q45 is electronically a very complex beast with more computers than you ever dreamed of. From the Voice command to the automatic seat positioner, there's alot cross communication going on. Technically, everthing talks to the other components on the automotive equivalent of a LAN called a CANBUS. And like every computer network, everyone has to talk the same language. Easy to do if your designing the original system - quite difficult when you want to add something aftermarket.
As an example, even the cassette deck talks on the CANBUS so you can fast forward and rewind from the control panel. I bought an IPOD interface and HD Radio for my Mustang interfacing with its CANBUS. This unit would do just what you want, but unfortunately it speaks Ford and not Infiniti. I went back to the manufacturer but there is not enough market potential for them to back engineer an 8 year-old car.
As for the rust, can you say Chicago? I got out of there in '84 and moved to FL. Really though, I only have experience with my Q and it has never seen snow.
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Q451990
- Moderator
- Posts: 11030
- Joined: Tue Jul 23, 2002 8:21 am
- Car: 1990 Q45 - 118K, 2022 Toyota 4 Runner, 2004 Frontier M/T - 108K, 2012 Xterra (Mom's), 2023 Rogue (Inlaws)
- Location: Columbia, SC
- Contact:
Welcome to NICO!
I haven't heard of rust issues on the F50 series (2002+) Q45. Maybe someone else that's more familiar will know in terms of your other questions. Many of them can be answered by looking in the factory service manual for your car - available at http://www.nicoclub.com/FSM/
I compared the FSM for my '05 G35 and the '06 model about the bluetooth functionality and it made my head hurt. Wife drives it anyway, and she's happy enough with her earphone deal...
I would also obtain the service records from your nearest dealership. They should be able to look them up by the VIN. In particular you'll want to know if they have completed the upgrades to the Transmission Control Unit and gas pedal that helped off the line throttle response. Also look for any signs of oil consumption...
Heath
I haven't heard of rust issues on the F50 series (2002+) Q45. Maybe someone else that's more familiar will know in terms of your other questions. Many of them can be answered by looking in the factory service manual for your car - available at http://www.nicoclub.com/FSM/
I compared the FSM for my '05 G35 and the '06 model about the bluetooth functionality and it made my head hurt. Wife drives it anyway, and she's happy enough with her earphone deal...
I would also obtain the service records from your nearest dealership. They should be able to look them up by the VIN. In particular you'll want to know if they have completed the upgrades to the Transmission Control Unit and gas pedal that helped off the line throttle response. Also look for any signs of oil consumption...
Heath
Thanks guys... I did a lot of research prior to buying so I was looking for the oil consumption. No blue smoke on startup or otherwise so I think I'm good there. It does seep some oil which is probably typically for an 8 year old car. Overall the engine feels quite strong.
I was reading about the TSU/ gas pedal issue but didn't find much in the way of actual information about the problem. What problem am I looking for? I have noticed that there's a bit of dead pedal before it actually does anything and that results in me generally pausing at green lights while I slowly push the pedal down to get the car to move.
Other than that is seems quite strong mechanically. Just got to get this iPod bit figured out. If my 04' Grand Prix can have bluetooth/ iPod integration I'll be damned if my Q won't!
I was reading about the TSU/ gas pedal issue but didn't find much in the way of actual information about the problem. What problem am I looking for? I have noticed that there's a bit of dead pedal before it actually does anything and that results in me generally pausing at green lights while I slowly push the pedal down to get the car to move.
Other than that is seems quite strong mechanically. Just got to get this iPod bit figured out. If my 04' Grand Prix can have bluetooth/ iPod integration I'll be damned if my Q won't!
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Q451990
- Moderator
- Posts: 11030
- Joined: Tue Jul 23, 2002 8:21 am
- Car: 1990 Q45 - 118K, 2022 Toyota 4 Runner, 2004 Frontier M/T - 108K, 2012 Xterra (Mom's), 2023 Rogue (Inlaws)
- Location: Columbia, SC
- Contact:
Re: (Mike_K)
The lag you describe starting out from a stop sounds like the update was not performed.
Heath
Heath
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maxnix
- Posts: 22627
- Joined: Mon Jul 22, 2002 8:11 pm
- Car: 1995 Infiniti Q45
1995 Infiniti Q45t
2000 Infiniti Q45
Re: (Q451990)
The ITB will be noted in the Infiniti dealer performed service history you obtained prior to purchase.Q451990 wrote:The lag you describe starting out from a stop sounds like the update was not performed.
Heath
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djwarner
- Posts: 407
- Joined: Sat Jan 23, 2010 6:07 pm
- Car: 1971 240Z Series I
2006 350Z - Location: Central Florida
Re: (maxnix)
I looked into the accerator/shifting service bulletin and found it was not done on my car as well.
There are two parts to the bulletin dealing with two different problems/situations.
One thing should be pointed out here. Service Bulletins are not recalls. They are only performed as required. Since the vehicle is now out of warranty, expect to pay if you want them performed and this one is not cheap.
The first part has to do with the gas pedal. On the original design, the pedal is hinged to the rod at the bottom and is held forward by a spring. If your normal driving position presses the top of the pedal, the spring must first be compressed before the rod begins to move. If your normal position presses near the bottom of the pedal close to the hinge, you probably haven't noticed anything different than any other car.
You can spend money to replace the pedal assembly with one where the hinge and spring were eliminated - or - you can reposition where your foot rests on the peddle. My normal driving position is at the bottom so I haven't noticed any defficiency.
The second area has to do with downshift points on the transmission control computer. Some drivers had complained that the car was slow to downshift when they tromped on the gas. Depending on which design variation you had on the computer, the service bulletin called for re-programming - or - for the -1 version, replacing the computer module.
My computer was one of those to be replaced and since my driving style does not resemble Steve McQueen in Bullitt, I can't justify the expense.
But that's me. YMMV.
There are two parts to the bulletin dealing with two different problems/situations.
One thing should be pointed out here. Service Bulletins are not recalls. They are only performed as required. Since the vehicle is now out of warranty, expect to pay if you want them performed and this one is not cheap.
The first part has to do with the gas pedal. On the original design, the pedal is hinged to the rod at the bottom and is held forward by a spring. If your normal driving position presses the top of the pedal, the spring must first be compressed before the rod begins to move. If your normal position presses near the bottom of the pedal close to the hinge, you probably haven't noticed anything different than any other car.
You can spend money to replace the pedal assembly with one where the hinge and spring were eliminated - or - you can reposition where your foot rests on the peddle. My normal driving position is at the bottom so I haven't noticed any defficiency.
The second area has to do with downshift points on the transmission control computer. Some drivers had complained that the car was slow to downshift when they tromped on the gas. Depending on which design variation you had on the computer, the service bulletin called for re-programming - or - for the -1 version, replacing the computer module.
My computer was one of those to be replaced and since my driving style does not resemble Steve McQueen in Bullitt, I can't justify the expense.
But that's me. YMMV.
Re: (djwarner)
I'm not concerned about the pedal issue. To me it's just something different, not worse per say. You just need to be cautious as to wear the throttle blade actually starts to open. Otherwise it's easy to accidentally launch the car. :-)
Someone mentioned the car was drive by wire and then mentioned that it has a throttle cable. Which is it? Does the car have an electronic throttle body? If so I can see how a simple tune could drastically change how the car behaves. For me the smooth, slow power is fine. My Grand Prix is for tire shredding so I'm especially fond of the smoothness of the Q.
I did find something with respect to getting the iPod to work with the head unit. I'm going to order the unit and see what happens. I burned my first Audio CD in like 8 years today and... well... that just can't continue to happen!
Someone mentioned the car was drive by wire and then mentioned that it has a throttle cable. Which is it? Does the car have an electronic throttle body? If so I can see how a simple tune could drastically change how the car behaves. For me the smooth, slow power is fine. My Grand Prix is for tire shredding so I'm especially fond of the smoothness of the Q.
I did find something with respect to getting the iPod to work with the head unit. I'm going to order the unit and see what happens. I burned my first Audio CD in like 8 years today and... well... that just can't continue to happen!