1994 Q45 will not start...sometimes

[capncash]

After running for a while my Q45 doesnt want to start. It starts fine after sitting for a while. Have a new battery and new fuel pump (i can hear it coming on). It does absolutely nothing when it wont start. Then later it will start right up. LIghts come on and are bright. I can see an arc of electricity by the passenger firewall when I am trying to start.

Any ideas?

[goody90q45]

Start with the simple stuff- check your battery clamps. They should be corrosion free. Also, the OEM clamps wear out with repeated removals and don't tighten properly. After tightening, if you can turn either clamp by hand it's time for replacement. On the positive clamp, if either of the 2 cables connected to the clamp is not completely tight then replace the clamp. While you're at it, also check the connections to ground from the battery to the starter and make sure they are corrosion free.

[elwesso]

so the starter wont even come on? I might suspect something like the starter relay (on the passenger side). Theyre known to be iffy on Q so its a cheap n easy part to change for $20.

[capncash]

Thanks I will try starter relay. Connections are pretty nasty too. Thanks guys.

[capncash]

After replacing starter relay car started right up. Then a couple minutes later it wouldnt start again. Cleaned battery connectors etc. Now what?

[capncash]

Figured it out. If i hold the red splitter thing onto the post of the positive battery cable it starts right up. I believe it is the red splitter is not making good contact. Thanks for the help.

[draivar]

pls explain what red splitter you are talking about? Is it the little fuse thing on the positive battery clamp?

[maxnix]

I can see an arc of electricity by the passenger firewall when I am trying to start.

Presumably in the engine bay? Sounds like new positive side power cable required.

[capncash]

ugh...how much is the shop gonna hit me for on that? After doing the valve covers, fuel pump, etc I have come to realize this is not a car I enjoy working on!!

[maxnix]

Shouldn't be too hard to DIY. Isn't it a short run off the battery? Also a specialized professional automotive electrical shop should suffice.

[capncash]

well the positive battery cable is really a $250 wiring harness from the infiniti store online. has anyone ever replaced this harness?

[goody90q45]

Figured it out. If i hold the red splitter thing onto the post of the positive battery cable it starts right up. I believe it is the red splitter is not making good contact. Thanks for the help.

I was having the same issues and had to replace the positive clamp. I got this at Napa AP for under $10. It's not OEM but you might see if it will work for you before replacing the entire $250 harness.

[capncash]

Thanks goody i will try that.

[capncash]

I wonder if I can bypass that red splitter and plug the 2 black connections straight into the battery terminal. They fit on there. Has anyone tried this?

NAPA said they were out of the connector i was looking for.

[capncash]

Had to get a new starter

[maxnix]

Really? Did you check the starter relay? Starter almost never go out unless the are immersed in a salt bath.

[capncash]

Yeah replaced the starter relay. Took it to the shop. $350 for new starter.

[maxnix]

OEM, you hope!

Let us know how it goes.