2010 EX35 Engine Mulfuntion Light Problem

[OldOilGuy]

Bought a new 2010 EX35 last month. It has only 700 km. The "Service Engine Soon" light came on yesterday. Took it to the dealer in Calgary this morning. I was told that it was "P1421 Cold Start Control Code" problem. They could only turn it off. It is very likely that the light will come on again and again. There is no solution for it. Called up Infiniti Canada and was told to live with it. It is my problem now.

Does anybody have this problem and find a solution? Many thanks for recommendations!!


Modified by OldOilGuy at 9:26 AM 1/2/2010

[Assyrian]

This is complete BS, try to get to the higher management through emails, phone calls. Sounds like some guys don't want to work little harder and smarter.

[EXceptional]

Unfortunately for us in Alberta, each City only has one Infiniti Dealership.

I was told that I could take my Infiniti to one of the many plentiful NISSAN Dealerships in town and get serviced too, if I want.

If you don't get satisfaction from your Home Dealership, then take it to NISSAN and have them give you an explanation of the problem.

They may offer you a different perspective. For me, going to a Edmonton-area NISSAN Dealership would be my last resort. So far, Infiniti in Edmonton hasn't pissed me off. They've actually been quite good to us, to date.

[sg77]

As far as I know, at least in the USA, you can't get warranty service on an Infiniti at a Nissan dealer.

[OldOilGuy]

Many thanks for your comments and recommendations, guys!

I am regretful for buying an Infiniti EX. EX35 is not a new model (since 2008). Problems should be found and resolved by now (that was the reason I bought my EX). The malfunctioning "Service Engine Soon" is an obvious defect. Asking the car owner to live with the defects is not customer services. What is wrong with Infiniti???

I will write to Infiniti HQ in Japan today. I will also talk to Transport Canada to find out whom I should get in touch with to find a solution next week. I will check with Infiniti Edmonton for service as well.

Bottomline: I will NEVER buy another Infiniti ever.


Modified by OldOilGuy at 8:51 AM 12/12/2009

[OldOilGuy]

Sure thing, the "Engine Service Soon" light came on again this morning. It is getting very frustrating. EX35 is supposed to be a good car. I have to drive the car to Calgary Infiniti dealer again!

a
Modified by OldOilGuy at 9:27 AM 1/2/2010

[OldOilGuy]

I sent out (by fax) letters to Infiniti/Nissan HQ in Tokyo, Infiniti Canada, Transport Canada, Infiniti Calgary, etc. on Dec. 29, 2009 (if you are interested in seeing it, I will post it). Finally, I received a phone call from Ms. Patricia of Infiniti Canada last week. She told me that there may be a solution for the malfunctioned engine service light in next 6 weeks.

Sigh! It is not easy to ask a luxury car maker fixing a defect nowadays. Fingers are crossed.

[OldOilGuy]

Thought about it. Here is the letter I sent to Nissan/Infiniti HQ:======================

December 29, 2009

Mr. Carlos Ghosn, CEONissan Motor Co., Ltd. - Global Headquarters1-1, Takashima 1-chome, Nishi-ku, Yokohama-shi, Kanagawa 220-8686, Japan

Re: 2010 Infiniti EX35 Engine Malfunction Light Problem

Dear Mr. Ghosn:

We are writing to you looking for a solution for electrical/software problem occurring in our 2010 Infiniti EX35.

We purchased a new 2010 Infiniti EX35 AWD from Calgary Hyatt Infiniti on November 5, 2009. The Vehicle Identification Number is JN1AXXXXXXXXX.

On December 10, 2009, after driving approximately 700 km, the "Service Engine Soon" light came on and could not be turned off. We took the vehicle to the Service Department of Hyatt Infiniti for a checkup and repair on December 11, 2009, and were told that that there was a "P1421 Cold Start Control Code" problem (please see attached invoice). The Service Department was able to turn the light off, however, they were unable to fix the problem. The Service Advisor, Mr. Jason Elton, told us that it was a "Software" issue and that the "Service Engine Soon" light would come on again. He has sent out a request to Infiniti Canada for a solution.

On December 11, 2009, we contacted Infiniti/Nissan Canada looking for when a solution would be issued for this defect (File No. 272XXXX). We were told by Ms. Amanda that there is currently no date for a solution available. We then asked to talk to the Infiniti Technical Manager or a technical staff member. We were informed that there is no technical staff at Infiniti/Nissan Canada. Since the car was drivable, they could not help us and we were told that we "should live" with the problem.

On December 23, 2009 the "Service Engine Soon" light came on again, and again it could not be turned off. We called Hyatt Infiniti on December 23 and December 28, 2009, and discussed the issue with the Service Manager, Mr. Ken Day. We were told that they were still waiting for a fix.

The Infiniti EX35 has been produced and marketed since 2008. We purchased the EX35 with the expectation that any defects would have been resolved by now. Since there is no technical staff in Canada, we are writing to you and hope that you can find a solution for us.

Please contact me at 1-403-XXX-XXXX or [email protected]. Your prompt attention is much appreciated. Sincerely,

Attach.: Infiniti Service Invoice issued by Hyatt Infiniti dated December 11, 2009

c.c. Infiniti/Nissan Canada Hyatt Infiniti, Calgary Transport Canada Consumer Reports

========================

[TrippiN]

I have the exact issue on my '09 EX. This first appeared for me near the end of January.I was also told by the same dealership (yes, the ONLY one in town ) that this is effecting all G, FX and M models...

It was reset and was told it will likely come back on (it did). They informed me they have NO knowledge on WHY it is happening, yet stated it is perfectly safe to continue to drive . I was assured a fix for the ECU is currently being developed. I was also told by the service manager that he has a stack of files "an inch high" from vehicles with the same issue.

I do find the entire situation a little suspicous given that so many vehicles are effected and no information is available. I plan on contacting the monopoly...err, the dealership next week to find out the progress.

OldOilGuy, please keep us updated with your progress and best of luck!
Modified by TrippiN at 9:07 AM 2/13/2010

[pwlorraine]

Does the light clear on its own later on or does it need to be reset by the dealer? My Audi used to do this on very cold mornings occasionally but would clear automatically on the next start. More serious codes would keep the yellow warning light on or even light a red serious problem light. If the light stays on then I'd view this more seriously as it will mask other problems. If it is intermittent and clears then while a nuisance, it can be lived with.

How cold are we talking about?

Peter

[TrippiN]

Does the light clear on its own later on or does it need to be reset by the dealer? My Audi used to do this on very cold mornings occasionally but would clear automatically on the next start. More serious codes would keep the yellow warning light on or even light a red serious problem light. If the light stays on then I'd view this more seriously as it will mask other problems. If it is intermittent and clears then while a nuisance, it can be lived with.

How cold are we talking about?

Peter

For me the light stays on until cleared by the dealer. According to the dealer, problems started while the temperatures dropped close to the -20F's.....So COLD Canadian Winters

[OldOilGuy]

The problem seems to happen when the temperature drops below -20C. I suspect the cold weather might have something to do with the malfunctioned engine service light. I'll wait and see until the next cold front hits Calgary to figure it out.

It is a possibility that EX is not designed for the cold climate??????

[ramprun]

i had my car in -10 F and never had any problem with engine light coming on. and my car is 08 model.

[cyberdeath]

We've had -30 in Edmonton and no problems

[TrippiN]

So, a bit warmer day today...around +3C.

The "Service Engine Soon" light has went off. It appears the issue is indeed caused by cold weather. I wish there was an explanation from Infiniti on this...

[EXceptional]

Maybe the Light going out means... Dude, it's warm, starting driving.

When the Light Comes on, it means... Dude, park it, it's too Cold my man.

[ramprun]

well, good thing is that my car feels warm all the time and has not complained yet

[TrippiN]

Light came back on yesterday, and the coldest it got was -2C....Still no word from Infiniti on why this is happening. Anyone have any guesses/comments?

[ramprun]

zerothread?id=462006check that thread out. it has some suggestion of possible causes for the engine light.

[OldOilGuy]

So, the temperature is not the cause...

I haven't heard anything from Infiniti yet. Since Ms. Patricia promised me 6 weeks for a solution, I will wait for 6 weeks before asking again. I will keep you posted.

[newbieEX]

Hi There, any news on the P1421 engine code problem?

My EX threw this error code today, first time since the car was bought last summer.

The temperature is +7C (car temp) / +3C (weather channel) today in Edmonton ...

[OldOilGuy]

Sorry, not yet. Still waiting!

I will call Ms. Patricia of Infiniti Canada next week. Or, you can give her a call as well.

[TrippiN]

I just asked the dealer in Calgary the other day and was told they don't know anything and they will ask "Infiniti" for an update?

The lack of response is disappointing. Makes me wonder if "Infiniti" is dragging their heels or maybe if the two dealerships in Alberta had competition things would be different.

[OldOilGuy]

I suggest that we all call Ms Patricia of Infiniti Canada and Transport Canada next week. They need to be told that this is not an isolated case.

Bottom Line: This 2010 EX35 is my last Infiniti (or Nissan).

[newbieEX]

Our car just got out the dealership today, nothing new... no fix to the problem and just a reset to the engine light.

Mechanic said there was probably a misfire between cylinders during a cold start, which made the computer threw the error code.

Funny my wife said she was sitting there for 2+ hours for a morning appointment, asked the desk how much longer it would take and turned around to find her car at the exact same spot & position the way she parked it.

Then someone drove it into the shop and it was done within 5 minutes :p

[TrippiN]

Hey Guys,

Any word on this? I haven't heard anything back.Obviously the malfunction light has turned off with the warm(er) weather, but it's still a bit a nuisance to know there is something not functioning properly when the weather gets cold.

[OldOilGuy]

I have no news as well... I think, since nobody has crashed an EX35 into a tree because of this defect yet (unlike Toyota), Infiniti/Nissan is not concerned.

The weather is getting better. This defect may not show up until next winter.

[newbieEX]

It's +13C over here in Edmonton today, and the engine light just showed up again today. I haven't got a chance to do a read on the code yet, but I'm pretty sure it is going to be 1421 ....

Just called their 1-800 number; all they told me to do is bring it back to the dealer AGAIN and have that checked out. If still no solution, call them back. The guy on the other side sounded like he's half asleep :p
Modified by newbieEX at 3:05 PM 3/29/2010

[EXceptional]

Man, I'm so glad my EX doesn't have these stupid blinking Idiot Lights.

[infintech2]

Hello to everyone. I am the other side of the story. I am a technician for Infiniti. I know your problems. When a tech says he cannot fix this problem at this time, it is not because of the dealership or the employees there. We do not get paid if we dont fix the car. Therefore we complain to Infiniti Canada all the time about problems hoping for a solution when it comes to software problems. And thats exactly what this is. When they released the FX50, it had the same problem, Cold start control code. There is an ECU update for that vehicle. There has to be a reason why they are taking awhile to update the other models. Hell they have had recalls for way smaller issues such as key fobs on '07's. As a mechanic for the past 10 yrs, I must say that the Infiniti line up is one of the most dependable products on the roads today. This is a glitch and im sorry your SES light turns on. But at least your car starts in the morning, *cough* BMW *cough*