2001 QX4 Electrical Issue - Dash lights up like xmas tree! Please help!

[dougdude]

Ok, I had an issue with my 2001 Infiniti QX4 (45,000 miles) where the ABS, battery, oil/temp, and I believe the brake light would come on while driving. When the lights would come on, the stereo speakers in the front would cut out and only the ones in the back of the qx4 would work. As soon as the lights would go off, the speakers in the front would come back on, so I know the prob with the stereo is directly related to the issue with all the dashboard lights coming on. Sometimes these lights would come on while just cruising at 35mph, but most of the time they would come on during moderate to hard acceleration or when turning a corner. This made me think there was some type of electrical short. Also I want to mention the ABS light would normally come on first for about 1-2 seconds then the others would follow. Sometimes they would stay on for several minutes and other times they would only stay on for several seconds and sometimes cutting in and out.

I took it to an Infiniti dealer a few days ago and they are almost certain it was due to a power steering fluid leak that was leaking directly onto the alternator causing sometype of mess with the voltage flow. They fixed the leak and I picked the car up yesterday. While driving home, the lights didn't come on, but the stereo speakers in the front cut out twice, but only for a second each time. This morning I drove it pretty hard into work and no problems with the lights or the stereo.

My question is that is it possible there was still some power steering fluid in or around the alternator after I picked it up causing those speakers to cut out for a second due to voltage probs? Also, does it make sense that the power steering fluid leaking on the alternator caused this in the first place? I just want to make sure this issue is fixed as I'm getting ready to replace the stereo and don't want to blow up a new stereo with an electrical issue.

***Update***I just drove it during my lunch hour and I have the same problem. ABS light flickers in and out and the front speakers cut out. About 5 seconds later, the other 3 lights come on... oil/temp, battery, and brake. They stayed on for about 1 minute then went back out and the speakers came back on in the front. Sometimes just the speakers would go out and none of the lights would come on.

Took to autozone tonight and they said the alternator and battery checkout ok.

Any suggestios, comments, things to check, etc. would be appreciated!

Is the alternator having intermmitent issues? I would hate to spend the money for a new one and I still have the same issue. How can I have Infiniti check the entire electrical system? Could it be the computer malfunctioning. I'm at a loss as are all the places I've taken it.

2001 Infiniti QX445,000 milesKansas City, MO

Thanks,Doug Dudenhoeffer

[Chedman13]

No promises, but:

Go out to your Autozone or whatever and buy "STP Wire Dryer." Should be like 4 dollars.

Open your hood, and spray like crazy on all your electrical components under your hood. The only thing you should avoid is the MAF sensor on top of the air intake tube. That is the sensor right after the intake box that stick straight up. Don't want any liquids going down that thing....

Spray your battery posts, wires, whatever looks like it's exposed.

I cleaned my engine bay a month ago, and basically just power washed the entire thing (I don't suggest you do this at all). I bought the STP Wire Dryer and it dried and created a nice protective layer (well.. the can said it would) on my electrical components. I noticed that it is easier to start my car, so I'm sold. It is suppose to prevent from rust also.

I'm guessing WD-40 would do the job as well, but I stuck with the Wire Dryer because that's what it's made specifically for. Whether it's the same thing, I have no idea.

Try that out and see if that does anything.

[jkroofer]

I have a 98' infinity QX4 and I have all of the exact same problems you described. If you've found out what it was, please let me know

[Towncivilian]

Try loosening and retightening ground screws.

[Thelastmj]

Did anyone ever find out what the problem was???? Having the same issue now. Please help

[Rockwood]

Can you tell us just waht your Qx4 is doing? Do the dash lights act strange when you turn the key to on position before you start the car? Oh, and what year?

[Tonypr77]

I recently noticed that my 2002 QX4, door light comes on when I locked while im driving, Im suspecting that the same issue is activating my alarm while is parked. Any insights on this issue?