1994 q45 windows

[brayban]

Hi all,First time poster, so be gentle.

Issue 1

I own a 1994 Q45 approx 145,000 miles. No major problems until recently. within minutes of starting (3-5), semi-hard acceleration causes vehicle to sputter upon slowing or attempting to idle. Sometimes it will shut down completely. Also, it will run if you feather gas along with braking. Sounds (mechanically uneducated) like it is struggling for gas or running on less cylinders than normal. Also, slight high pitch wine from rear deck area (gas pump)?

Issue 2

I have just started having window problems (have a friend who has similiar prob on J30 and was quoted $1800.00 by dealer: Crown Mercedes/Infinity in Birmingham, Al). My driver's side window and driver's side passenger window will not roll up. Rear started first. The motor is still working as both windows will roll down (some), but neither will roll up unless you manually (physically) pull the windows up. Doesn't appear to be a switch problem. The rear window will not stay up at all, slides down.

This seems to be a common problem with Infinity and in Birmingham, no one will work on the windows but the dealer.

I have read about T3 and may use them if I cant fix myself.

Thanks,Brett in Birmingham

[Rex]

Issue 1 - Fuel Pump, do a search in the Infiniti Online Mechanic for Fuel AND Pump. Should be addressed soon, or it may fry the control module another $300-$400 bucks. Joe from http://www.infinitipartsusa.com gives us (NICO) a smoking deal on the pumps, and this is a DIY'er.

Issue 2 - I have no 1st hand experience, but this sounds familar, try a search for windows in the Infiniti Genral forum.

Good Luck and Welcome to NICO, you'll find it to be a great resource.

[90Q45blue]

Hi Brett and welcome to NICO,

Issue 1:

The high-pitched whining noise I'm pretty sure is the sound of your fuel pump going out. It is important that you get this fixed right away. The reason why is that the fuel pump only costs $200-300 but, if not replaced soon, it could ruin the fuel pump control module also (a $500 repair). I would recommend taking your car to T3, but if that is not possible and you need to use local guys...order your parts from any one of our 3 Infiniti dealers that advertise with us. (Grubbs Infiniti, Pinnacle Nissan and Infiniti, and Infiniti of Scottsdale) They will all give you great discounts on prices. Be sure to tell them you're a NICO member.

Issue 2:

It seems like the glass has slid off track so to speak. I don't think I can give you a good suggestion so I'll leave it up to our more-knowledgeable members. Again, parts from the Big 3 will help lower cost. T3 is a must if the dealer is gonna charge you that much money.

P.S:

Tell us more about your car. And enjoy your stay here, glad to have you!

Nick

[90Q45blue]

Rex = quickdraw

Nick

[Rex]

Rex = quickdraw

Nick

First day back to work and doesn't really want to be here

[90Q45blue]

Third day back and am too tired to type fast.

Nick

P.S. Don't mean to hi-jack the thread. Robert or Dennis, etc. will post shortly.

[90Q45blue]

After doing some searching, it sounds like you need a new window regulator, about a $100 part and should take a T3-like tech one billable hour. About a $200 repair in all.

Nick

[brayban]

Thanks for the response. The whine is occasional but I figured it was the fuel pump, thanks for reminder about module.

The windows are a big nuisance and have not seen much about them in archives.

1994 Q45 purchased off lease (Arizona) from Crown in Birmingham in 1996 with about 40k. Crown failed to disclose $6000.00 damaged rear end from wreck in Arizona. Other than small trunk leak, has been a great car. Also CD changer never has worked.

Am reading about plenum and seems a little complicated for me but I know it hasnt been done. I'm not sure I could tackle the p. I am not sure about mfg date, will check. Have had the rear struts replaced but not the front. Has same stearing leak as I have read on forum, but have more urgent needs (gas pump and windows) right now. Also, dealer said it wasnt worth the price to fix at the time?

Just remebered it has a constant brake fluid leak (have to add every few months) but havent noticed any on basement floor. Brakes have not been a problem.

Engine has been strong until recent gas pump prob.

Trans has never been done and honestly not maintained as regulary as other forum members. No slippage yet.

Steering wheel has worn spot on leather, would like to replace eventually.

The Q45 has been driven by me wife until last year and now it has been handed down to me. Currently, it is a third car and driven only on weekends or personal errands.

Used to take it to Montgomery for service in order to avoid Crown. Hasn't had service in awhile.

Thanks for all the responses. Will look for window response.

[brayban]

Thanks Nick and others, I think I am going to call T3. It's two hours from Birmingham and may be my best option.

[brayban]

Thanks to you also REX.

[90Q45blue]

Also CD changer never has worked.

Right now wushup is selling his 10-disc CD changer for around $150. Check out the thread in Infiniti General.

Quote »Am reading about plenum and seems a little complicated for me but I know it hasnt been done. I'm not sure I could tackle the p.[/quote]You have a great resource in T3. It isn't too far from you. I would recommend you take the car down there for the plenum work if you're not mechnically inclined.

Quote »Also, dealer said it wasnt worth the price to fix at the time?[/quote]Well, some dealers will say that but...you're driving a $60,000 car for under $10k and $300 a month. Pretty good bargain I'd say.

Quote »Just remebered it has a constant brake fluid leak (have to add every few months) but havent noticed any on basement floor. Brakes have not been a problem.[/quote]Your Brake Master Cylinder is probably leaking. Either that or brake lines. The Master Cylinder is an $80-$120 part. Might as well do brake line while you're at it ($100).

Quote »Trans has never been done and honestly not maintained as regulary as other forum members. No slippage yet.[/quote]Don't wait for slippage to start. Get it flushed as soon as you can and then get it flushed probably every 4-5 months for a couple of years before you switch back to yearly flushes. Use MOBIL 1 ATF only and make sure they drop the pan and replace the filter.

Nick

[brayban]

One more question. If the fuel pump was going, would you get an occasional dose of gasoline smell along with whine?

Also, with 145k, is there anything else that is "must do", or that you recommend to get back to mechanically sound? I would like to drive the Yukon occasionally.

You guys are terrific! Thanks for what you do!

Brett

[Rex]

One more tip, if the pump is on it's way (and by the whine, I'd say so), keep the tank as full as possible, it helps.

[szh]

I am not sure if this is the problem with your window, but broken window regulators were a common flaw in the 90-91 model years - all four eventually went on my 91Q and needed replacement. Infiniti swallowed the parts cost of the last two of them (out of warranty) and local Infiniti dealer gave me free labor (of course, I had bought the car new from them, so they were very reasonable about this problem).

I thought Infiniti had fixed it by 1994, but it is possible that this may be an issue still on the 93 and 94 model years.

Z

[elwesso]

DEFINITELY get your fuel pump fixed...!!

Also, for the plenum, its not that terrible, its mainly the intimidation.....

My advice to you would be to replace the spark plugs (if they havent been done at 120k).... Do those DIY, and if you dont have too hard of a time doing it, then Id say you should be able to do the plenum....

I would also check your diagnostic codes, and that will tell you if you need new KS..... Plus a good overall idea...

Basically, what you want to do is replace ALL the fluids... Thats the best tuneup you can give it.... Change the coolant (ive written a write up on the best way to do it, with a Tstat change), change the PS fluid (easy), change rear diff oil, brake fluid.... I digress...

Most of what you will need to do can be done at home very cheaply..... The dealers will sucker you in to doing all sorts of crap!!

I would however take the car to T3 and pay them to make a grocery list, and you can post it here and we cna tell you what needs to be prioritzed.....

[brayban]

Thanks for the suggestion on the "grocery list". My Q is at T3 as we speak, my brother dropped it Thursday and I will update post on T3'd review.

Brett

[elwesso]

Woohoo... You can take comfort that its in the best hands in the country.....

When you go back meet dennis......

[brayban]

Well I heard from T3 today and got good news and bad news.

Needs a brake actuater which T3 considers to be an immediate issue. They said this was the cause of the leak and it would eventually get worse and could be a problem. Cost about $725.00 ($)used. Said a new one was $1500.00. Seems high to me but I havent check it out yet.

Good news: T3 says it does not need a fuel pump, the engine hesitation was airflow sensor/filter or something.

Windows both need regulators, I opted for new ones.

Transmission flush done with no prob.

Total bill $1400.00 OUCH

Brett

[brayban]

Also,

T3 says the fuel lines etc look fine as well as sensors.

[maxnix]

Needs a brake actuater(sic) which T3 considers to be an immediate issue.

Total bill $1400.00 OUCH

Brett

Probably refers to the ABS control unit, which will fail when the brake fluid is not changed before it turns acidic.

I would say you are lucky if there is only $1400 in immediate repairs.

[Q45tech]

SO-It was yours that had such slimey brake fluid, black dirty would be an understatement.

We have never had to change a 94,95,96 ABS unit [until yours].

We had to search for a 94 wreck and send a messenger 40 miles each way.

I was the unlucky one who walked in just in time to pump the brakes for the system bleed 50 times..........5 lines times 10 pumps each. My leg still hurts.

Intermitent MAF connector.

[911/Q45]

I'm surprised T3 doesn't have a power/vacuum bleeder to save your leg Dennis! I haven't pumped a pedal since I got mine from Griot's Garage.

[brayban]

Wow, didnt realize I was connected to T3 also. LOL, I'm glad I could provide a first for you guys at T3 on the ABS unit, NOT. I would have much prefered to do the plenum instead while it was over there. Now I'll have to wait or try it myself. I am not sure why the fluid got so bad. It was dealer serviced until the last couple of years and I suppose I should have reviewed the service manual more thoroughly.

Before I pick it up I would like to know if there are any other fluid issues I need to get reviewed. I may go ahead and get them done before I create another FIRST for you guys.

Thanks,

Brett

[Q45tech]

The 94 ABS has 5 lines and no bleeder ports like the 90-93 units...no way to speed bleed just squirt fluid all over the place [into a rag]........same with master cylinder.

30 days from now have the whole system rebled!

[cdiver]

Q45 Tech - do I understand you right about the 94Q brake system??!!! I had my 94Q brake system flushed/replace with the synthetic brake fluid - do I have to have it done again because of the brake fluid that remains in the actuator?

Thanks,

Stephen

[Q45tech]

You have to bleed the ABS lines [passages] not just the 4 wheel calipers.

Based on my Q............there are 11 bleed points and only 6 have easy valve ports.

You should bleed replace ALL the fluid at least everytime you change pads...........I do mine annually just to be sure. Annual for me is 17-20k miles.

Now that I have replaced [last Fall] all my caliper piston seals and flexible brake lines............the air ingress should be less.

But the replacement ABS unit is now 7 years old [has 180,000 miles on it].

I never fail to find a few air bubbles, that sneek in someway.

[cdiver]

Thanks Q45Tech. Your postings on this and other issues have been a big help to me - a lot better answers that I ever got at the dealership!

Stephen

[90Q45blue]

If I were the service manager at an Infiniti dealership, I would require all my technicians read all posts by Dennis on this site. There would be tests.

Nick

[brayban]

OK,

Thanks to everyone for responding and recommending T3. I had a very good experience with T3 and have recommended them to friends in BHam. Q is running terrific! Got everything done that I could afford to get done at this time.

IHave had the car back about 2-1/2 weeks , $1600.00 later (yuck) and it is running great!

1. ABS Unit replaced, new fluid.

2. Two windows needed regulators replaced.

3. 130k and 150 service, plugs, trans fluid replaced.

4. DID need a FUEL PUMP (was intermittant and was missed at first)

THANKS TO EVERYONE ON SUGGESTING FUEL PUMP! I am glad it was replaced now.

I will post a more detailed list of work done soon.(left work order at home).

Bye the way....battery was dead when I picked it up from T3 on Sunday (later found it was bad battery from NAPA). Q45Tech, the folks at the Uhaul place across the street were very kind and lent my some cables.

Brett