4WAS Failure Statistics?

Forum for Infiniti M37, M56 M35h Hybrid and Q70 owners.
David__Allen
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Location: Chicago, IL

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Hey everyone,

New to the forum, I bought a ‘13 m37xS a few months back with 46k (now 52k). I’ve been reading and it seems to me a lot of people end up having their 4was fail and the repair bill is HUGE. I didn’t know about this prior to purchasing the car, and I’m wondering if there is any info out there on just how common this issue is. I’ve learned over the years that more often than not, reading about an issue on a forum will lead me to believe a problem is far more common than it actually is.

If there’s no solid data, can anybody chime in about their experiences? My driving habits are... Spirited, to say the least, and I want to be able to enjoy the car without being paranoid. I love the car but if I’m going to face an inevitable $8,000 repair, I may sell it sooner rather than later.


EdBwoy
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I wish I could help with your main question; I try to gather as much info as possible on failures on our cars. The 4WAS issue has indeed been reported, but it doesn't seem like it's that rampant of an issue.

***
Maybe you could just get it fixed though.
Do you know when your vehicle was actually produced and/sold for the first time?

I'd call the dealership to verify that my powertrain warranty was still valid (6 yr/70k miles) and that this issue be covered as a drivetrain/steering component.

If that works, I have a favor to ask - could you please do your best to get back whatever component they replace? I heard they just throw them away as trash and I'd like to analyze a few faulty 4WAS systems. I can send you funds to buy donuts for the techs to motivate them to see things your way.

Frog
Posts: 200
Joined: Fri Feb 21, 2014 11:59 pm
Car: 2011 M56s

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Perhaps it’s just me but I’m on my second replaced one first one at about 36,000 last one of about 78,000 I’m at 107 now

David__Allen
Posts: 28
Joined: Tue Feb 05, 2019 6:42 am
Car: 2013 Infiniti M37xS - Current
2000 BMW 328i - SOLD
2004 Infiniti G35 Coupe - SOLD
2008 Lexus IS250 - SOLD
2003 Lexus IS300 - SOLD
Location: Chicago, IL

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EdBwoy wrote:
Tue Feb 05, 2019 12:50 pm
I wish I could help with your main question; I try to gather as much info as possible on failures on our cars. The 4WAS issue has indeed been reported, but it doesn't seem like it's that rampant of an issue.

***
Maybe you could just get it fixed though.
Do you know when your vehicle was actually produced and/sold for the first time?

I'd call the dealership to verify that my powertrain warranty was still valid (6 yr/70k miles) and that this issue be covered as a drivetrain/steering component.

If that works, I have a favor to ask - could you please do your best to get back whatever component they replace? I heard they just throw them away as trash and I'd like to analyze a few faulty 4WAS systems. I can send you funds to buy donuts for the techs to motivate them to see things your way.
I wish that option were available to me. The car was purchased from an insurance auction and has a rebuilt title due to being stolen and recovered. I have all service records, no accidents, I’m the third owner, but because regulation requires it to have a rebuilt title, the warranty is void.

Guess that’s the price to pay for cheap cars.

EdBwoy
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David__Allen wrote:
Tue Feb 05, 2019 2:32 pm
...
but because regulation requires it to have a rebuilt title, the warranty is void.

Guess that’s the price to pay for cheap cars.
Damn! I hope you got it for one heck of a price! Sorry to hear that.
I'll try do pop in to see what updates this thread gets.

Where are you located btw?

David__Allen
Posts: 28
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Car: 2013 Infiniti M37xS - Current
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2004 Infiniti G35 Coupe - SOLD
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2003 Lexus IS300 - SOLD
Location: Chicago, IL

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EdBwoy wrote:
Tue Feb 05, 2019 9:46 pm
David__Allen wrote:
Tue Feb 05, 2019 2:32 pm
...
but because regulation requires it to have a rebuilt title, the warranty is void.

Guess that’s the price to pay for cheap cars.
Damn! I hope you got it for one heck of a price! Sorry to hear that.
I'll try do pop in to see what updates this thread gets.

Where are you located btw?
I should clarify - not regulation, but in the warranty booklet it specifically addresses rebuilt titles.

I got an incredible deal on the car :gapteeth:

I’m located just outside Chicago.

Malbec 56 Beast
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4was is NOT available on the AWD cars. I thought I had it but did some research online and found out that is only available on the 2WD sport model.

I wanted it but glad I don't have it after seeing how many issues are with this system.

Andy

David__Allen
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Malbec 56 Beast wrote:
Sat Feb 09, 2019 11:28 am
4was is NOT available on the AWD cars. I thought I had it but did some research online and found out that is only available on the 2WD sport model.

I wanted it but glad I don't have it after seeing how many issues are with this system.

Andy
I thought that I read somewhere online (this forum, probably) that the M56x was the only sport model without 4WAS. I would be very happy if that was wrong, because I’d really rather not have that feature.

EdBwoy
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I had missed that info in your original post. It is indeed correct that no AWD model came with 4WAS from the factory, regardless of engine.

Do you know if anything was replaced as a result of the theft recovery - perhaps using a used ECM or BCM or instrument cluster?
Also, might you have looked under your car to see if you have a rear steering rack or even front transfer case?
You know, to confirm your drivetrain. Maybe someone bought the fanciest badges they could find and slapped them on the trunk yet the car isn't really an AWD.

Do you have pictures of your car handy? Exterior & interior.

David__Allen
Posts: 28
Joined: Tue Feb 05, 2019 6:42 am
Car: 2013 Infiniti M37xS - Current
2000 BMW 328i - SOLD
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2003 Lexus IS300 - SOLD
Location: Chicago, IL

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Mine hasn’t failed - But after reading online I was concerned that it was inevitable.

Glad to know I don’t have to worry about it! I’ve recreated the window sticker using MonroneyLabels, the car definitely has all of the packages I believed it did.

EdBwoy
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David__Allen wrote:
Tue Feb 19, 2019 4:52 am
Mine hasn’t failed - But after reading online I was concerned that it was inevitable.
...
Hahahaha. And here I was coming out all gung ho.
Somewhere along the way, this all translated as you have your 4WAS light on and want to fix it, hence my warranty proposition.

Well, I'm glad it's a problem you don't have to worry about.

David__Allen
Posts: 28
Joined: Tue Feb 05, 2019 6:42 am
Car: 2013 Infiniti M37xS - Current
2000 BMW 328i - SOLD
2004 Infiniti G35 Coupe - SOLD
2008 Lexus IS250 - SOLD
2003 Lexus IS300 - SOLD
Location: Chicago, IL

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EdBwoy wrote:
Tue Feb 19, 2019 5:30 am
David__Allen wrote:
Tue Feb 19, 2019 4:52 am
Mine hasn’t failed - But after reading online I was concerned that it was inevitable.
...
Hahahaha. And here I was coming out all gung ho.
Somewhere along the way, this all translated as you have your 4WAS light on and want to fix it, hence my warranty proposition.

Well, I'm glad it's a problem you don't have to worry about.
Regardless, the help and advice is much appreciated!

M37sphoton
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Frog wrote:
Tue Feb 05, 2019 1:53 pm
Perhaps it’s just me but I’m on my second replaced one first one at about 36,000 last one of about 78,000 I’m at 107 now
guessing your first was under warranty, but if you didnt have an extended, did you pay out of pocket for the 78k mile issue? but either way, what was changed and what was cost if you know? much appreciated...

Frog
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Car: 2011 M56s

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A
Last edited by Frog on Fri Apr 19, 2019 8:02 am, edited 1 time in total.

Frog
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Yes the 2nd one was under an extended plan. But I recall it was something like 3500$ However that being said. U don’t need to fix it. It’s not a huge difference, I actually couldn’t tell. It only moves something like 3 degrees. So if mine dies again it’s not getting fixed.

M37sphoton
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Really?? So excluding the 3 degrees, then driveability is there and the annoyance factor I guess? Well that is somewhat good news, at leasr to an extent....but hope yours stays in good shape....

Frog
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The only Thing I noticed was the light on the dash that was it

M37sphoton
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Really?? So excluding the 3 degrees, then driveability is there and the possible annoyance factor I guess? Well that is somewhat good news, at leasr to an extent....but hope yours stays in good shape....

M37sphoton
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Frog wrote:
Fri Apr 19, 2019 9:45 am
The only Thing I noticed was the light on the dash that was it
on phone and double posting :gotme ....anyway, that is worth noting, if and when mine acts up...well still thinking on an extended warranty if the price is right, but im at 71k so not sure if it will be so pricey that keeping the cash etc...though i read some posts where other electronics can go and add up, so will consider..who did you get yours from btw and price if you dont mind posting ballpark...thanks

Frog
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I got my warranty at 10k and it was 1400$ I think. I tried to get one at 80k and I think it was 4K so I passed not
Much was covered

M37sphoton
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ok, yeah, I am getting some high quotes as well , and guessing the mileage/year etc...so most likely thinking on passing as well , but trying a few other places that I have read on here and if they are still up there...stashing the cash for a rainy day and if nothing happens...vegas ...lol or fiji whichever, but seriously, thanks for the info, much appreciated

vilinda
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Hey! I have the Infiniti M37S. I was involved in an accident on 12/6/18. I was hit on the passenger side near the back door & rim was damaged bad. When I got my car back from the shop I let them knew my car was not driving right. It had like a wandering rear end. I took it back to them several times and all they were doing was getting alignments and that wasn't helping. Finally, I took it to the dealer I bought it from & they are saying it's the rear steering with play in it that's why it's wandering like that. My insurance company don't want to fix it because the rear steering damage is on the left side. My car was not doing this before the accident and the dealer says the part is $5400 and to put it on total will be like $6200. Please help me with this, let me know is there another route I can take if I want to keep my car.

Frog
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Sounds like u have a cheap insurance company. Who is it. And get a lawyer that’s ridiculous that it wouldn’t be covered the entire rear end is probably messed up

vilinda
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I'm with State Farms. That's what I thought about doing but they all work and stick together. I hope it's not.

Frog
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State Farm. Wow. That’s not good. Keep us posted.

vilinda
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Okay!

M37SJoe
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2011 M37S with Sport Technology Option. 150K Miles. Drove slowly over a wavy road and the 4WAS Light illuminated. Drove it home without 4WAS, Cruise Control, ABS, Traction Control. They all enter Failsafe Mode when there is an error as they share signals. Took it to my local Infiniti Dealer. They told me it was the ABS Actuator. $1500.00 to fix. I said the code indicates a 4WAS issue. They consulted with Infiniti Tech Services and they want to replace the entire KYB Rear Steering Rack for $6200.00. They offered $500.00 off the part. I declined and brought the car home. Pulled the Motor off the Rear Steering Rack. (2 Bolts and one Electrical Connector) Tested good with 12 vdc. Reversed leads and the Motor ran the other direction. Took off the Rear Steering Sensor. (4 Bolts and one Electrical Connector) Tested and retested it according to the Infiniti Shop Manuals (PDF's you can download free). Sensor tests "no continuity" or "open" on all 4 pins. My $99.00 Blue Driver Code Reader reads all Infiniti Codes and allows me to Reset groups of Codes. I have purchased a 2006 - 2010 G35 Rear Steering Rack that has the same Motor and Sensor as my M37 for $172.00 delivered. I will keep the Motor and Sensor if they test good. I don't the need the G35 Rack as it is different. If they do not test good, 30 day returns are allowed. Honestly, I suspect a wiring issue more than a failed Rear Rack Angle Sensor but the Code (1918) and the bad Sensor are compelling evidence to change out the Sensor. Google "Infiniti 55705" and you will see there are many used Rear Steering Racks available. Don't worry about the "-" and second part of the Part Number. I suspect it is for the Mechanical Rack. Part is scheduled to arrive on Friday October 11th. Today is Monday October 7th. We will know on Saturday October 12th if this is the problem, not the problem, or one of many problems. My Rear Steering Rack looks to be in good shape with no rust, damage, or leaking fluid. If this fixes the problem I think I will need a Rear Steering Sensor Calibration (Code) that has to be done with the Consult III or IV System at the Dealer. Stay tuned for an update. This is now a challenge for me to figure out and fix. I have other cars to drive so there is no big urgency to fix the M37.

EdBwoy
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M37SJoe wrote:
Mon Oct 07, 2019 5:45 pm
2011 M37S with Sport Technology Option. 150K Miles. Drove slowly over a wavy road and the 4WAS Light illuminated. ... Today is Monday October 7th. We will know on Saturday October 12th if this is the problem, not the problem, or one of many problems. ... This is now a challenge for me to figure out and fix. I have other cars to drive so there is no big urgency to fix the M37.
This might help you or save you some time:
4was-traction-control-light-fixed-motor-t624184.html

M37SJoe
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Car: 2011 Infiniti M37 S

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Thanks. I had already read that thread. That is why I tested the Motor first. No load condition it worked fine. If the Angle Sensor doesn't fix the issue, I will try to move the entire Rack with my 12 vdc power supply jumpered to the motor. I found the Motor Relay for around $12.00 so if it looks suspect and doesn't test perfect, it will get replaced. I have an electrical background so this isn't a
mystery for me. Just time...

M37SJoe
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Car: 2011 Infiniti M37 S

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Update on my 2011 M37S 4WAS issue.

(1) Motor tested fine when removed from car.
(2) RR Angle Sensor does not show a resistance between pins per the Infiniti shop Manual. Applied 4.5 vdc (3 AA Batteries) to the +/- Pins and measured approximately 3 vdc when moving the Angle Sensor. This test proves it is good.
(3) Reinstalled Motor and Angle Sensor. Plugged in Angle Sensor but made a test cable with a momentary Push Button for the Motor. Applied 12 vdc to the test cable and the Rear Steering Rack moved. Reversed the power leads and moved the Rack in the opposite direction. This test proves the Motor and Mechanical Rack are working. Infiniti wanted to replace the Rack for a cool $6200.00.
(4) The Infiniti Shop Manual cannot be trusted to be correct.
(5) Tomorrow I will move to the Trunk and test the Wiring Harness from the Main Steering Computer to the Rear Steering Rack.

Inch by Inch... it's a cinch. I WILL find the real problem.


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