2010 M45X HELP: What is this sound???? Video clip

[njjuliano]

Started hearing this sound in the engine bay, driver side about a couple of weeks ago. First was audible on cold startup, now pretty much there the whole time when driving.

https://njjuliano.smugmug.com/FM/Spoiler/i-BKs7n6J/A

It doesnt seem to change in rhythm with acceleration, load. Just sounds like something is trying to start up, but not successful, so keeps on trying. In the video, I tried to move the mic (on bottom of phone) so that you can hear the mystery sound better, so there are times the video is pointed towards the driver seat. I pointed to it early on to show where it seems to be originating.

Any ideas? I have Elite Warranty till 2017 and I'm at 55k miles, only owner. Want to be informed before I head to the dealer.

Thanks for any help.

[Ilya]

Not sure was I was listening to...lots of sounds going on. Is it a hiss? I couldn't make anything abnormal out...

[njjuliano]

It sounds like a constant restarting of a whine... or when Curly from 3 stoogies is getting ready to go crazy.

Trying to find other words to describe.....

[njjuliano]

What is in the driver side engine bay anyway?

[pedsemdoc]

just a guess...

Are your headlights on? it sounds like the Adaptive Front lighting System motors to the headlights,
according to the 2006 M35/45 owner's manual pg. 2-30:

"When the engine is started, the headlights will vibrate to check the system condition. This is not a malfunction."

I sometimes hear the headlight motors at night, when I start my car up,
some times it seems more obvious and loud compared to other times.

may also be that your headlight motors are starting to fail too, lots of guys have turned off the system because out of warranty and too costly to fix.

Craig

[njjuliano]

Good call there, doc.... When I was putting air in the tires today, I noticed the beams against the wall going up and down with the noise.

But, it was only the driver side headlight. Right side stayed still. Left stayed searching from startup till I got to my destinations. I tried turning lights off, auto, afs on and off and other combinations, still kept motoring on.

Is there a sensor for either side that is possibly malfunctioning, or dirty?

Either way, thanks for the help!

[pedsemdoc]

Is there a sensor for either side that is possibly malfunctioning, or dirty?

Either way, thanks for the help!

you're welcome!, I've learned lots from some really knowledgeable members on this forum, so it onlyl seems right to pay it forward...

So I have attaced a pic from the 06-07 M service manual


Seems like if the AFS Control Unit was bad, both lights would have an issue.
Might be the driver side swivel actuator (this has the swivel motor and swivel position sensor combined) has the problem.
Seems to be integrated into the headlight - so you (really, Infiniti - good thing you've got the Elite warranty) might have to replace the whole kit and kabizzle

Let us know what the fix and estimated cost is to replace the light if that's what you end up doing (just curious since - I have had a crack in my driver side headlight housing and bought a used one off Fleabay, just haven't had the time/energy/balls/good weather to take off the bumper, wheels, etc. to do the swap)

Craig

[njjuliano]

will do.

its definitely on the fritz. it was only left, then both, then i hear just whirring noise on the right side, passenger. its more now for sure, and both sides, though now the passenger is not even adjusting at all now. friday is the appt and will report back after.

[njjuliano]

Updating.

After staying the weekend over the dealer's, I was able to spend a brief time with the mechanic on Monday since they werent able to find the issue on Friday. He was able to confirm that both sides are attempting to make adjustments and failing. The job was to figure if its a sensor, the headlight, or any connections. In the end, they opted for replacing both headlight units.

Had other things looked at as well, Navi/Dvd not going full brightness after 3/4, oil consumption test, rattle on probably the heat shield. Incidentally, it was mentioned that the heat shield was not included in the Elite Warranty, but in the exhaust section, it states that the heat shroud is included. I'm hoping that the shroud and shield is one and the same, as I'm not aware of any shrouding.

Its been a fairly painless process, after going through initial bumps. Elite warranty has proven itself a good purchase thus far. The dealer has been performing as expected, as a luxury brand. No complaints thus far.

Side note, often they give a G, now a Q50 as a loaner. It always, always causes major pain. There is something about the bolstering, the makeup of the G/Q50 seats that makes driving it, and after it, unbearable. I replaced my G for an M for that very reason, and unless something in the configurations change, its not going to be in my stable. Too bad, as its a great vehicle otherwise, aside from the torture. And another plus for the dealer, when the repair is going to be more than a couple of days, I often ask for a different vehicle, and they are willing to help out a rickety man.

[pedsemdoc]

There is something about the bolstering, the makeup of the G/Q50 seats that makes driving it, and after it, unbearable.

I know exactly what you mean...I test drove a "real nice G37" before I bought my M and it seemed waaay cramped once I took an M for a spin. It definitely has the pickup and speed since it's light, but everything seemed too small and too close together. I guess I need my space/room in my older age...

[pedsemdoc]

Sometimes, my lights act up and I hear the headlight motor sound more clearly, I think that the AFS is going to fail and then they start to work again...lucky. I am long past my extended warranty, so I dread their ultimate failure 'cause it'll be ALL out of pocket expenses to replace them.

[zags]

I remember in my 06 M35 I recall hearing like a "slurping/gushing" type sound from that area of the car. But I can't recall ever hearing it in my '09, could this be a way to describe the sound?

[pedsemdoc]

It's more of a high pitched "whirring" sound. Imagine a tiny electric motor moving a gear (which I think is exactly happening when the AFS is kicking in to move the headlight) or a more subdued Curly starting to wind up.

[njjuliano]

There is something about the bolstering, the makeup of the G/Q50 seats that makes driving it, and after it, unbearable.

I know exactly what you mean...I test drove a "real nice G37" before I bought my M and it seemed waaay cramped once I took an M for a spin. It definitely has the pickup and speed since it's light, but everything seemed too small and too close together. I guess I need my space/room in my older age...

it is just too bad as it really offers alot for fun factor. i would still own my 04 g35 6mt sport premium sedan if it wasnt for that.

[njjuliano]

It's more of a high pitched "whirring" sound. Imagine a tiny electric motor moving a gear (which I think is exactly happening when the AFS is kicking in to move the headlight) or a more subdued Curly starting to wind up.

yea with the curly reference.

when the tech was checking, he said he felt specifically for the motor, so that is also correct.

[cruzad3r]

moral of the story - buy the damn ELITE Warranty every time you buy a used Infiniti and get rid of it before the warranty expire. too bad these cars are so finicky these days.

our old I30 and QX4 have been fairly painless with an exception of crappy metal and rust all over.

[Ilya]

I had an 07 and now have an 11 and neither is finnicky. Only issues I've had on both cars were caused by me or my style of driving (lead foot - took my 07 off a jump basically and blew out a wheel bearing lol).

I've had 4 Nissan's (Infiniti's are basically high-end Nissan's) and all four have been ultra rock solid...hence why I keep buying them.

[cruzad3r]

you just proved my point - you got rid of the 07 to get a newer model. of course if you stick with your 07 like many of us, there will be hell to pay. then again, any old car will have issues. back to what i said from prior post - get rid of it before it gets to ya

[Ilya]

My 07 had 140kmi on it. Not like I got rid of it with 60. I'm at 70kmi on my 2011 and so far nada, not a single issue other than what I caused (shorted the BCM and a dash harness somehow trying to install LED bulbs lol). My first Maxima (97 GXE) had like 170k on it and 2nd had 100kmi on it at the time of sale and only issue that had was an EVAP code (why I got rid of it - couldn't solve that issue).

These are GREAT cars. Better than people give em credit for.

That being said, if something *does* go wrong, I definitely agree on the warranty. With ALL cars (not just Infiniti's) being so tech advanced now...a simple computer in even a Kia will run you a grand easy.

[njjuliano]

Update....

Both headlights were replaced. The dealer was quick to diagnose after the second look. First driver side noise was indicative of a failing motor and sensor, but replacing the whole thing solved it. They also noticed that the left was about to do the same thing, so they went ahead and took care of that too. I had the car back for a few days, and noticed that it was adjusting fine and in unison.

My car is still there though, addressing other items. They replaced my navi/dvd screen, that was not getting brighter after past half point of the brightness, It just wouldnt get any brighter, and was stuck there. But the replacement was exhibiting similar issues, plus it also had a blemish in the bottom right of the screen.

Side note, had a Q50S for 2 days, then the QX60 after I requested a change since I will be with the loaner for more than a few days. Didnt think I would like it, but love the eco button. Suits me just fine. Tried Sport mode, was fairly peppy and hauled the car quite well. Didnt think I would look at that as an option, but now I do. Both SUVs (and the QX80) grew on me more than I think it would, where I thought only the FX is the option.

But now I'm back to the Q50, since the second screen arrived 3 weeks early, for a week. Having the Q50 for more than a couple of days is of no use to me. It just stays parked after day 2. I would rather have another rental, or my car back, for that matter, while I wait for the replacement part to arrive. All this to say, that I noticed that above the seats, the placement of the accelerator adds to the weird angles. The center wall that hits your right leg extends way past it should for me, and prohibits me from placing my leg more to the right. So I end up sitting, with my knee more left than I feel comfortable, and my foot reaching over to the right to reach the pedal. Too twisted.