98 Q45 hesitates. Please help!

[pirenuri]

I just purchased 98 45 from a Dealer (without any warranty).Unfortunatelly the Dealer didn't have any knowledge about the history of the car.

I have two major issues. 1- Transmission switches very quickly to 1st and 2nd gear.Lee Myles technician test drove the car. He thinks there is nothing wrong with the transmission but the computer is making the switch too quickly.

2- Often the car hesitates. As I try to accelerate the car first hesitates but slowly catches up. It is very sluggish compare to other Q45s I have test test driven. I would really appreciate any suggestions you might have.

Thanks

[maxnix]

I have two major issues. 1- Transmission switches very quickly to 1st and 2nd gear.Lee Myles technician test drove the car. He thinks there is nothing wrong with the transmission but the computer is making the switch too quickly.

2- Often the car hesitates. As I try to accelerate the car first hesitates but slowly catches up. It is very sluggish compare to other Q45s I have test test driven.

3.) I just purchased 98 45 from a Dealer (without any warranty). Unfortunatelly the Dealer didn't have any knowledge about the history of the car.

1.) Lee Myles knows nothing about the RE4. Don't go there!

2.) Why did you buy it then? No miss?

3.) The dealer can print out the Infiniti dealer performed service history for you. Go back and demand it, nicely but firmly. If it reveals something and you have written proof of your previous request, then you have them over that barrel with their pants down.

[BadQ45t]

Drop in some additional information like how many miles on the car, what services you know where performed.

First thing as mentioned, Lee Myles ain't the place to take this car. Find someone that knows these cars and if you cannot find a history of solid fluid changes you need to dump all fluids immeidately. I'd get a place that do a transmission flush, that means 15 quarts of transmission fluid out and 15 quarts in. I have a 97' and run redline synth. You also should flush the radiator, brakes and power steering. If you are over 60k and cannot see that the spark plugs were replaced I'd do that while i'm in there, along with air filter, fuel filter, interior air filter etc.

You need to drop 1k minimum into this car ASAP unless you have a written history that shows someone did these. I have had my Q for 8 years and went from 40k from the original owner to 90 without one repair, but i have flushed everything twice going on three times, which is way more than you need, but way better than replacing the big parts they lubicate.

also while your at it switch over to at minimum Mobile 1 syth or Redline or Amsoil if you want to do it A1.

Post more and we'll guide you, but these cars are reliable if regularly serviced only.

[Window45]

when you say sluggish do you mean when your taking off at a light? or from a dead stop?

[maxnix]

...do you mean when your taking off at a light? or from a dead stop?

There really shouldn't be any difference, should there?

[Q45tech]

Without a PAID prebuy expert inspection [3 hours] and test of every system you leave yourself wide open to the $3,000 to $10,000 [rare on only 10 year olds] V8 lux -o- sporty cars from abusive prior owners lack of routine mainteances and repairs.

Simple as that the more electronics and fanciness the more it costs to maintain as new performance over and above the simple typical mechanical systems.

[Window45]

well the car when it takes off in the older models starts off in 2nd gear. compared to a new one.. that's why i asked if it was froma stop or not.. but then too i could be wrong

[maxnix]

...do you mean when your taking off at a light? or from a dead stop?

well the car when it takes off in the older models starts off in 2nd gear. ...why i asked if it was froma stop or not..

I don't see any distinction. Do you?

First gear start has been standard for 15 years, and there is a 1st gear start on the older ones when overridden manually or at WOT.


Modified by maxnix at 3:30 PM 10/9/2008

[pirenuri]

Thank you all for quick reply.

The car has 140K miles. As I mentioned before I have no prior knowledge of any repair or maintenance.

It is usually sluggish when I try to accelerate (not from dead stop). While I travel at highway speed (65mph), If I slow-down and try to accelerate again it hesitates for 5-6 second.

One more thing; transmission issue I describe seems like worst in hot days. Since the weather is getting cooler, it seems like less noticeable.BTW, transmission fluid seems clear. No bad smell or change in color.

Can typical repair shop figure out these kinds of issues? Just like everyone else I am just trying to avoid high dealer fees.

[maxnix]

As I mentioned before I have no prior knowledge of any repair or maintenance.

3.) The dealer can print out the Infiniti dealer performed service history for you. Go back and demand it, nicely but firmly. If it reveals something and you have written proof of your previous request, then you have them over that barrel with their pants down.

Capiche?

Can typical repair shop figure out these kinds of issues? Just like everyone else I am just trying to avoid high dealer fees.

Let me ask you this, is the Q45 a "typical" car?

By reading the previous posts here you will understand into what you have bought (a $48K [1998 US$] imported luxury V8), there are no further discounts for parts or labor because of its age. Treat it right with competent service or it will fail you in a very expensive and abrupt manner after you have worn everything out.

[pirenuri]

To be honest with you "I don't know". Perhaps I made a mistake buying this car. At this moment all I am just tring to do is figure out where to spend my money.

[maxnix]

OK, then can you take it to NJ? Go see

Keith Vanmeter Auto Repair(856) 415-2022395 Wenonah AveMantua, NJ 08051

He is an ex Infiniti Senior Technician and will be able to triage a maintenance program for you.

Parts are best obtained from

http://www.infinitipartsusa.com

Please schedule an appointment and report back and we can help you better. Especially if you obtain your Infiniti Dealer performed service history!

[BadQ45t]

Sounds like good advise, I thinks you gotta do 1500 bucks to get the ball rolling but trusted mechanic is your first place to go. your probably going to have to replace knock sensors and a few other things given the miles, but fluid flush and replace are required regardless.