1994 Q45 virtually dying at startup, HELP PLEASE!!!

[rml85]

I have a 1994 Q45t with 126,673 miles on it. In the last few days, when I start the car up, everything appears normal, but within a few seconds, the tachometer will drop down to zero, and the engine will shut off. The Check Engine, Oil, and HICAS lights come on for some reason. Sometimes after this happens though, the needle on the tachometer will rise again, and sit at just below one, where it would normally sit, other times, the car just dies completely. Sometimes it takes 3 turns of the key to get the car running. Also, it has done this once while sitting at a red light too. The car puts out a smell of gasoline also when this happens.

I recently had both the MAF sensor and the Fuel Pump replaced by Infiniti of Tucson. The car also has full levels of all fluids such as oil, ATF fluid, power steering fluid, etc. The car runs fine when moving. Like I said this only happens at startup and very rarely if I am sitting at a red light. Could this possibly be either an idle problem or a bad fuel injector, or something much more serious? Or maybe even the Arizona heat has finally took it's toll on my Q. I am thinking I would probably need to have a diagnostic test performed, but I was just wondering if anyone else has had this kind of problem? Please, I appreciate any advice, I can't really afford another vehicle right now, so this needs to last for the time being. Thanks.

[elwesso]

I would assume that since the MAF and fuel pump (what about the controller?) were replaced at the infiniti dealer and you paid big bucks for new parts...

I would check the connector on the MAF.. get the car idling and wiggle the connector, if it dies then thats your problem...

[rml85]

Well, took it to the Infiniti dealer. Had a diagnostic test performed. Turns out the car has a corroaded Air Flow Sensor Connector. Also, apparently it needs several new electrical cables that connect the idle control to the engine and computer. Also it needs a new engine harness. In total, Infiniti quoted me just over $4,000.00 for all the repairs. It's a great car, but for a 16 year old vehicle that's not even worth half of $4,000.00 anymore, I really can't justify paying out that kind of money, especially when the Infiniti technician told me they cannot guarantee that this will even fix the problem. I am just going to hope someone will buy the car privately, or I'll have to sell it to Carmax or possibly donate it to a charity. Such a shame....

[Q45tech]

What happens when you don't KEEP UP with annual expenses and preventative mainteances and parts changes.
Over the past 20+ years I've spent $45,000 on my Q averaging $2250 per year since day 1..........obviously the first 7 were less expensive so ~ $3,000 per year now.
After 10 years it never made economic sense to even spend $7,000 in a year but I did it.
16 year old cars are a tough choice unless you LOVE them.

[Infinitiguy19]

Well, took it to the Infiniti dealer. Had a diagnostic test performed. Turns out the car has a corroaded Air Flow Sensor Connector. Also, apparently it needs several new electrical cables that connect the idle control to the engine and computer. Also it needs a new engine harness. In total, Infiniti quoted me just over $4,000.00 for all the repairs. It's a great car, but for a 16 year old vehicle that's not even worth half of $4,000.00 anymore, I really can't justify paying out that kind of money, especially when the Infiniti technician told me they cannot guarantee that this will even fix the problem. I am just going to hope someone will buy the car privately, or I'll have to sell it to Carmax or possibly donate it to a charity. Such a shame....

Why would you need a new engine harness?

If the answer is because of some broken or corded connectors then replace just them. if its a shorted wire then but-solder it together. Nothing is easy on the Q but a new engine harness is not needed unless its really really bad. And as we all know the dealer wants money and tons of it. So do it yourself and save or find someone qualified enough to fix it for you.

[rml85]

OK Q45 Tech, I'm sorry not all of us are a specialist in Q45's like you and can afford to dump that kind of money into it every year like you do. First of all, I have had this car for only 6 months. I bought it off of a person on Craigslist (yes I know, big mistake there). Anyway, in the past 6 months, I have paid out over $3000 in repairs for this car for various things. I HAVE taken care of it, I have tried my best to keep it running, with regular maintenance. The gentleman who owned it before me for starters never put Premium Unleaded in this car, so that is probably something to do with the problems this car is having for starters. I have put nothing but Premium in it. The previous owner is the one who never took care of it. I have taken care of it. So my apologies if not all of us can be "experts" on these cars like you.

What happens when you don't KEEP UP with annual expenses and preventative mainteances and parts changes.
Over the past 20+ years I've spent $45,000 on my Q averaging $2250 per year since day 1..........obviously the first 7 were less expensive so ~ $3,000 per year now.
After 10 years it never made economic sense to even spend $7,000 in a year but I did it.
16 year old cars are a tough choice unless you LOVE them.

[Infinitiguy19]

I know you think it wasn't the most helpful post but he was just trying to tell you the cost to own a G50 Q45. Q45Tech is a very dedicated man and I can't blame him for spending as much as he does. I don't drive a restored Q But I want to "Slowly but surely".

Plus there is the whole "Asked for help for free" thing...

Can you get the service history* and any receipts from the half a** previous owner?

*(you can get that yourself now from any dealer the car has been too (Car Fax))

And if you want go back to the dealer who gave you the quote and ask them to show you why it needs a new engine harness, You got nothing to lose.

And if you want to do a little learning on your own:
http://docs.google.com/leaf?id=0B5VDQiR ... N2I3&hl=en
http://www.nicoclub.com/FSM

[rml85]

Yes, I will most definitely do that and try to contact the previous owner, as well as most likely take it back to the dealer and have them show me. Thank you for the link, it is very helpful.

[Q451990]

Keep in mind that the dealership does not have many options when it comes to replacing individual electrical connectors. You need someone who can go through it piece by piece and make it work. Tightening pins, holding connectors together with cable ties, etc.

Heath