2003 FX45 Engine just blew at 45,500 miles (01/2006).

A forum for lovers of Infiniti's hot-rod crossover, the FX! In 2014, all FX models will be named Infiniti QX70, in line with Infiniti's new naming structure.
rafaelbish
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Joined: Thu Jan 12, 2006 11:05 pm

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Internal failure of some sort, only know that they found metal debris in the oil filter and oil at this point.

Engine noise got progressively worse on I-95 on a 150-mile trip from PA to VA. Nursed it to a parking lot, then had it towed to the nearest dealer.

Since I did not use Infiniti dealer to do oil changes (nearest dealer 50 miles away from my residence), they want all records of oil changes before they do any work.

...If I only had kept all that stuff! Hopefully I can get records from the place(s) I had the oil changed.


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elwesso
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If it is still under warranty they should still cover it...

How often did you change the oil? this is the first time ive heard of an internal failure on the VK45!

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AZhitman
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Definitely keep us updated on the outcome!

More details would be great as well - Dealer name, type of failure, etc.

Hope it works out for you!

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szh
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Unfortunately, no longer a Nissan or Infiniti, but continuing here at NICO!
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Any more info on this yet?

Z

rafaelbish
Posts: 3
Joined: Thu Jan 12, 2006 11:05 pm

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OK, here's the deal I"ll try to keep a long story short):

On the day of the event, my FX45 was towed to Infiniti of Tyson's Corner in VA (Rosenthal Inifiniti). It took 2 weeks and several calls to Infiniti's consumer affairs # for them to finally come to a decision to DENY my warranty claim, citing "Lack of Maintenance".

I had provided them documentation for all but 2 oil changes (these are the two I did myself...no receipts for oil. This is what they based their denial on. My OCI's were every 5,000-8,000 miles. Much highway/turnpike/interstate driving.

I had the car towed to my dealership in PA (Infiniti of Ardmore) at MY expense. They fought for me, and 2 months later, after bickering, opening a case with the BBB/Autoline, having the service manager IN MY GARAGE to take pictures of the old collected oil, the jack, jack stand, oil collector pan, and socket wrenches I used to change the oil, Infiniti finally agreed to replace the engine under warranty.

Root Cause of engine Failure: Defective connecting rod bearing in #1 cylinder.

Thank you to the service management team and ownership of Infiniti of Ardmore for duking this out with Infiniti. I would have been screwed without their passion for customer service.

Q45tech
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Posts: 14365
Joined: Tue Apr 30, 2002 3:19 am
Car: 1990 Q45 342,400 miles 22 years ownership with original engine
1995 G20t 5 speed 334,000 miles 16" 2002 wheels - 205/50/16 Sr20ve vvl

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YOU ARE LUCKY!

I doubt the bearing was defective they just decided to shut you up because Pennsylvania did away with Public Stocks on the square years ago.

The warranty document requires that you change the oil every 6 months or 7500 miles NOT 7,501 miles and surely not 8,000 miles as you documented!

Also you are required to maintain the oil level regardless of what causes low oil level.............if the engine uses evaporates oil, you are required to constantly check to make sure it is full. Or strart proceeding to test for excessive consumption.

The owner documents NOTE that for MAXIMUM engine life oil should be changed every 90 days or 3,750 miles!

You obviously did not meet or have proof you met the simple uncomplicated terms of the warranty.

People who change their own oil or use generic rapido lubey should buy 12 oem oil filter [6 years worth] from a dealer and keep paper work. Bring in the garbage bag full of old oil filters..........just kinding save them to send to Nissan.

Q45tech
Moderator
Posts: 14365
Joined: Tue Apr 30, 2002 3:19 am
Car: 1990 Q45 342,400 miles 22 years ownership with original engine
1995 G20t 5 speed 334,000 miles 16" 2002 wheels - 205/50/16 Sr20ve vvl

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I didn't mean to sound harsh but the number of owners who do not change their oil per specification is HIGH and so are the number who have problems just before the warranty runs out and try to fool NIssan and dealers.

Really serious among leaser.........they do untold damage and the the 2nd owner gets the problems.

So many people just can't be bother to do something so simple as an oil change every 90 days or even 6 months.

Q45tech
Moderator
Posts: 14365
Joined: Tue Apr 30, 2002 3:19 am
Car: 1990 Q45 342,400 miles 22 years ownership with original engine
1995 G20t 5 speed 334,000 miles 16" 2002 wheels - 205/50/16 Sr20ve vvl

Post

I didn't mean to sound harsh but the number of owners who do not change their oil per specification is HIGH and so are the number who have problems just before the warranty runs out and try to fool NIssan and dealers.

Really serious among leaser.........they do untold damage and the the 2nd owner gets the problems.

So many people just can't be bother to do something so simple as an oil change every 90 days or even 6 months.

Almost every metro area has a service that will do it in your work parking lot.


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