02 Q45 Stalled on Freeway [SOLVED - camshaft sensor]

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COOLQ45
Posts: 17
Joined: Thu Jul 15, 2010 11:45 am
Car: 2005 Infiniti Q45

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My sister-in-law has been using my 2002 Q45 while she searches for a new car. She was driving on the 405 yesterday and the check engine light came on, then the cruise control light and the brakes wouldn't respond. She jammed on the brakes and the car stalled and wouldn't restart. She was in the fast lane and was stranded there until AAA could come. Car was towed to my mechanic who can't find any codes or anything. Car fired right up when it was towed in. My car has the radar cruise control, which doesn't work, so I don't think the cruise control light coming on had anything to do with this, but who knows. Anyone have any suggestions on what could have happened? She is deathly afraid to drive the car now.


EdBwoy
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Unfortunately we're all useless without the codes. What happened between the check engine light coming on, she jamming the brakes, and arrival at your mechanic's?

Anyway, I am not a fan of replacing parts for the sake of it, but if your car has around 120k miles and you aren't certain of the history regarding this, I'd recommend you replace the camshaft sensor.
infiniti-v8-p0340-p0335-camshaft-and-cr ... 16654.html

COOLQ45
Posts: 17
Joined: Thu Jul 15, 2010 11:45 am
Car: 2005 Infiniti Q45

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Turned out to be the Cam Position Sensor, so you were spot on! Mine only has 85k miles, but I guess they fail with age.

EdBwoy
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Perfect! Glad to help.
:shifter:

HollywoodJackson
Posts: 262
Joined: Thu Oct 23, 2014 1:35 pm
Car: 2004 Infiniti G35
1990 Nissan 240SX Hatchback
1990 Nissan 240SX Coupe
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This web site is f*cking priceless!

@ CoolQ45, we are in the same area, maybe, since you and you're sister are dealing with dreaded 405 traffic. Let me know if you are down to network.

All the best,
~HollywoodJackson~

sheikhnbake
Posts: 20
Joined: Tue Nov 15, 2016 5:34 pm
Car: 2003 Infiniti Q45 premium package

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Is this a common problem with '02-'06 Q45s? I have an '03 Premium with 89,000 miles on it. Runs and idles like new.

EdBwoy
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sheikhnbake wrote:
Thu Sep 20, 2018 5:16 pm
... Runs and idles like new.
...until it suddenly doesn't. Lol

It's common enough to all vehicles that used the VK45DE engine. The good news is that they aren't a recurring failure; do it right the first time and you probably don't ever have to do it again in the ownership of the vehicle. Using an OEM part has a higher chance of success.

You could preemptively replace it and secure another 15+ years of reliability;
or just carry a spare sensor in the trunk along with basic tools;
or just take a gamble on being left stranded and getting towed etc.

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Q451990
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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
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I had two cases of success with standard motor products parts from Advance Auto. One on my wife's '05 G, where I needed the part immediately - or risk having her drive the Q on a road trip :ohno: - and another one on a friend's '05 G who needed the cheapest way out possible. But OEM Hitachi would be the way to go for the best long term result.

HollywoodJackson
Posts: 262
Joined: Thu Oct 23, 2014 1:35 pm
Car: 2004 Infiniti G35
1990 Nissan 240SX Hatchback
1990 Nissan 240SX Coupe
Location: Hollywood, CA
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I've learned my lesson with the aftermarket parts, ESPECIALLY the sensors. I tried swapping in a new AutoZone Intake Valve Timing Control Position sensor.

1, the plug was facing at an incorrect angle, which made it difficult to plug in.

2, the sensor didn't work. At all. AND TO BOOT AutoZone didn't want to give me a refund.

Go OEM for the fuses, for sure.

All the best,
~HollywoodJackson~


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