1996 Infiniti Q45- Frustration gradually Setting In - Please Assist

[ekuretawo]

From a leaking Brake Master cylinder replacement and bleeding of brakes, my once very functional and reliable Q is sending me crazy.Besides the shifter not going into other gears except when the Shift button is depressed, the ignition key has refused to come out. I have checked both switches underneath the brake pedal and all seem fine.The nightmare now got compounded when I took the car for emission. It failed with the following On-Board Diagnostic CodesP0340- Camshaft Position Sensor A Circuit Malfunction (Bank 1 or Single S)P0325-Knock Sensor 1 Circuit Malfunction (Bank 1 or Single SensorP1400-Manufacturer Controlled Auxiliary Emission Controls I have no clue where these sensors are even located neither can I identify them. I am at across road now, even though the car still drives great, i am not at peace with myself. Any suggestions? Thanks in anticipation.

[heywier427]

the stuck key has been discused before, and will probably be answered in more detail. from what ive heard there is a red button on the ignition than can be depresed to release the key. i think the removal of the steering column cover is requierd to access the button. if you do a search there is a pic somewhere.

[Q45tech]

You haven't brought it by T3 for a full quote yet...........from what you have described I'll bet [not a promise just an educated guess] we can fix the [your] listed problems for under $2,000 [ks +plenum hoses], CAS connector, emissions, key stuck.

These cars are not cheap to own [maintain] after 10 years of use........but you could have bought a same year 1996 LS400 for $4,000 more and spent more on repairs and maintenance.

We have 5 newish [94-96Q] in for repairs everyone needs $2,000 plus and some $4,000. Just goes with territory. "Own one and you'll understand" is an old Infiniti marketing slogan........little did they know.

[Jesda]

Fortunately, with NICO, some DIY, and a few used parts (when its practical) you can get away with lower maintenance costs. I feel bad for the last owner of my Q, who spent something like $15k since 1998 -- he always took it to the dealer. On the plus side, I have absolutely nothing to fix or replace.
Modified by Jesda at 7:37 PM 3/9/2006

[Q451990]

On the plus side, I have absolutely nothing to fix or replace.

Find some wood and knock on it... quick!

[Q45tech]

feel bad for the last owner of my Q, who spent something like $15k since 1998 -- he always took it to the dealer.

Heck, I've spent $23,000 since 1998 but I drove it 180,000 miles in 7 years.

Whenever I spend an hour on it I charge $40.

We have a 90 LS400 that has had a documented $39,000 spent on it {$34k at dealer} in a similiar 300,000 miles............13 cents per mile.

[Jeff Williams]

The previous owner spent a bundle keeping her running, and I have spent a bundle, in hopes of getting a lot of mileage out of her. Here is a synopsis of the service on Lola:

Original Owner:$46,000.00 Purchase$3,500 Re-paint & body work$1,500 estimated maintenance over 3 years

Previous owner:$32,330.34 Purchase$65.90 Oil Change$1,400.54 60K Service (oil, plugs, oil pan gasket, fuel filter, fan, oil pressure switch, brake pads, belts, alignment$47.26 Added ground wire to MAF, oil change$94.25 1 new tire$282.72 3 new tires$215.11 Oil change, Antenna mast$759.13 Master Cylinder, oil change, brake flush, fuel service$505.95 3,750 service, antenna mast, O2 check$2,223.53 8 Injectors$91.49 3,750 service$846.15 MAF, checked fuel pump$464.57 Oil & transmission service (flush & replaced with Amsoil synthetic)$341.55 Knock sensor code - diagnostic service only - no replacement. Reset code$672.28 Oil change passenger window regulator$1,874.94 replace fuel pump, relay, & controller, reset knock sensor code$1,300.67 replace plugs, fuel pressure regulator$3,880.70 valve cover gaskets, brakes, water pump, hoses, battery, alignment$166.60 oil change, 7,500 mile service$350.00 Tokiko Blues

Me:$4,500.00 Purchase$14.00 left front tire$305.05 other 3 tires$178.10 sway bar bushings, strut boots$282.96 power steering line$286.72 upper links, steering boot, passenger window regulator$22.90 steering boot$180.00 Amsoil & filters$890.00 Knock Sensors & Harness, tune-up$800.00 18" ASA Revolution & Sumitomo HTR+ 245/40/18$209.95 install steering boots & alignment$315.00 Continental Sprot Contact 245/45/18$105.00 Mount & Balance tires, 4-wheel alignment$200.00 Lower Control Arm$150.00 2 New Wider Rear wheels$69.00 Subframe bushings$220.00 Drilled & Slotted rotors$100.00 Adjustable rear upper control arms$125.00 Front camber adjustment$225.00 Cali Custom Springs$125.00 NICO ECU$65.00 93 ECU$25.00 New Radio$50.00 Body Control Module$25.00 Local Control Module & control panel for driver's door$500.00 Z23 brake calipers$9,968.68 Total

[Q45CALIBER]

Man Jeff you just really made me think about how much I have spend on my car to maintain the quality drive and appearance. WOW.

ooh never said thanks for the valve cover email. I ended up getting the driver side done at my mechanic.

These were 40,000 plus dollar sedans when they came out. It does cost to keep them looking and working good. But there is a wealth of info on this site so you have a good foundation. Make sure you use the Search Button... Hey I finally get to say it.

[heywier427]

holy crap!!! ive had mine since 98. chain guides all injectors hose kit springs and shocks is all ive done that i had too. i got it wilth 60 and its got 130 on it now. what the hell are you guys doing??? if i were to add up the custom fab crap i did myself it would prob total 10 grand but geeze!!! wait and tires cant forget tires. and i beat the living piss out of it!!! the motor and trans anyway

[heywier427]

holy crap!!! ive had mine since 98. chain guides all injectors hose kit springs and shocks is all ive done that i had too. i got it wilth 60 and its got 130 on it now. what the hell are you guys doing??? if i were to add up the custom fab crap i did myself it would prob total 10 grand but geeze!!! wait and tires cant forget tires. and i beat the living piss out of it!!! the motor and trans anyway

and im knocking on wood right now!!

[Q45tech]

People's standards of near newness vary........buying one even at 60k gives you no idea of how the car was brand new when everything was fresh [rubber/shocks/tires/brakes].

People come in bragging about how great their Q is and after a 10 minute drive around our test loop...........I'm glad to escape with my life.

Some of the techs come back white as a ghost and shaking.

Many times they come in so bad the techs refuse to do a test drive....4 different tires and sometimes mixed sizes, worthless shocks/brakes, bent wheels, bad racks that won't return to center, you name the danger and we have seen it.

People who buy a well maintained Q are really lucky!

[maxnix]

People who buy a well maintained Q are really lucky!

The most important consdieration for any used car purchase! I over paid for mine, but I am glad I got low mileage, well maintained. Still had to replace aged items, but non-abuse minimized wear.