Car chokes and smells like a rotten egg

[pirenuri2]

I own 98 q45 with 140k. I don't have any knowledge about the history of the car.About a month ago I was having performance issues. After claning the MAF sensor the car started running much better.Two weeks ago "Check Engine" showed up. Computer showed up as faulty MAF. After replaced the MAF, the car ran much beter for two weeks. Now it is worst then ever.1- after driving for 5 minutes the car starts choking and, driving like a 78 buick.2- It also smells like a rotten egg.

I was told these could be indication of faulty cat-convertor or knock sensors.

Tomorrow I will have my mechanic check the car. Where should I spend my $$ If nothing shows up on the computer ? Also could it be a defective MAF sensor.

Thank you in advance.

e

[maxnix]

I own 98 q45 with 140k. I don't have any knowledge about the history of the car.About a month ago I was having performance issues. After claning the

Tomorrow I will have my mechanic check the car. Where should I spend my $$ If nothing shows up on the computer ? Also could it be a defective MAF sensor.

When you register your Infiniti with Infiniti Customer Service, then you can obtain the car's Infiniti dealer performed service history as a courtesy to you.

Mechanics tend to know nothing about the VH41DE.

I would doble check the integrity of your MAF connections and wiring. MAF don't need replacement nor clenaing at such a young age unless air filter change intervals are abused or non OEM "solutions" are employed.

[pirenuri2]

Thank you very much for your advise.

According to my mechanic there is no way to be sure what is causing it. If the computer doesn't report anything then it is pure guessing. He said it could be cat-converter , knock sensors, fuel pump...Unfortunately I just lost my job recently and I don't have big budgets to replace everything.

Do you have any advise to help him troubleshoot? How do you check if the MAF connectors and wires are good?

Also how do I register my car with Infiniti? Do I have to take it to a dealer or can I do it over the net?

Once again than you very much for your help.

[maxnix]

Call Infiniti Customer Service off their website. They can read it to you after they pull it from the archives, but it is so much better to have it printed out by your service writer at the dealer whom you have cultivated.

Here's a hint: Quit wasting money on paying to educate your mechanic and take it to someone who is expert on the Q45 like Keith Vanmeter in Mantua, NJ. Less time, good labor rate, and direct knowledge pays invaluable dividends.

In your current situation, I would say drive minimally until your financial situation improves. Like Q45tech warns, unknowledgeable owners and mechanics do more harm than simple wear and tear on a well maintained car. No owner can afford to go on multiple goose chases like Alexander has done. Be wise and take it to an expert when you can afford it.

[pirenuri2]

Mantua, NJ is about 130 miles from my house. Can you recommend anyone around Long Island or New York city?

thank you very much

[maxnix]

Not with that kind of competence. Is 130 miles a long way? Depends on where you live, I guess. You have to realize, very few competent Infiniti techs exist, especially independents. Atlanta, San Diego, and Qship seems to have found one in Baltimore.

There is a shade tree guy in Brooklyn somewhere. Little is known about him.

[dusred]

He said it could be cat-converter , knock sensors, fuel pump...

Fuel Pump?!?!

You've got to be kidding me!

I'm leaning more toward intake/exhaust problems and since you replaced the MAF (it was a NEW OEM one right?) I'm guessing something to do with exhaust.

[pirenuri2]

I just don't feel comfortable driving 130mile with this car. I was told that I can do some serious damage to the engine if the cat-convector is overworking.

One more question ; MAF cleaning instruction page mentions about dielectric grease (see below). would that help? if so, is it as simple as disconnecting wires and applying some grease?

Thanks

"Suggestion: Apply dielectric grease to the three contact pins on the MAF connector for a more secure electrical connection. A small can of CRC Dielectric Grease is available for about $8 at any auto parts store."

[maxnix]

Better to inspect the MAF connection very carefully than waste time cleaning the MAF wire elements and risk damaging them.

Is your catalytic converter noticeably hotter on one side than the other?

[pirenuri2]

Both converters seems equally hot.When you say "inspecting the MAF connections", do you mean visual inspection? Thanks

[pirenuri2]

According to Infiniti cust service, knock sensors were recommended to be replaced but the previous owner declined it. Do you think the Symptoms I described could be caused by knock sensors?

Thanks