check engine light

[cpoage]

whats the most common reason for check engine light on? (i`m an ubernoob)

[Rex]

Welcome to NICO, you should be able to find nearly anything you ever wanted to know about a Q45 here.Speaking of which please read up on the "chain guide issue" for 90-93 Q45's.zerothread/213450

You'll have to "pull the code(s)" to see what's uphttp://www.nicoclub.com/articles.php?id=60332

Then try the Infiniti Online Mechanic sub forum

[maxnix]

And when you come back with the codes, please include a little maintenance history.

Tasks left undone can tell us much.

[cpoage]

thank you so much for helping me. where is the plug at to pull codes? =D

[maxnix]

Down by the fuses to the left of the steering column. But you will need a Consult, or do it the old fashioned way by pulling the ECM.

[cpoage]

thank you Brian! you so sweet to take the time to reply

[maxnix]

Get an FSM from http://www.phatg20.net and look at how to pill the codes.

It will be a 1994 FSM, but that section still applies.

[goody90q45]

Down by the fuses to the left of the steering column. But you will need a Consult, or do it the old fashioned way by pulling the ECM.

Like Brian said, we're all asuming you have an OBD1 code reader and will be able to use the OBD plug inside the fuse box.

If you don't have a code reader then you will have to pull the ECU which is behind the passenger side footwell. Not a hard job (if you're a contortionist) and once you've done it the second time around will be much easier. The only tools you need are a phillips screwdrider and a 12mm (or is it 10mm) socket and ratchet.

zerothread?id=60332

While you're in the DIY mood can I suggest that you also ohm your fuel injectors and knock sensors. Another simple job and the only tool you will need is a digital volt meter set to the ohms resistance setting. A five 5 minute job that will tell you a lot.

http://www.q45.org/ohminjectors.html

Let us know what codes you pull from the ECU and your FI/KS ohm readings. And by the way- welcome to NICO. You're on your way to getting your Q in tip top running condition. Good Luck

[goody90q45]

thank you Brian! you so sweet to take the time to reply

Oh yeah. I forgot to mention that Brian is the official NICO new member greeter.

[maxnix]

Oh yeah. I forgot to mention that Brian is the official NICO new member greeter.

Nahhh, Rex is.

[cpoage]

all of you are so nice. i`ll be back soon with the codes

[cpoage]

ok my buddy at repair shop doesnt have the right stuff to read the codes and dealership wants $1,200.00 to tune up the car. so i`m gonna jump on my quad and go to the beach instead for now lol. thx all of you for being so nice! muahz

[Rex]

The 2nd link I posted did all but tell you to use a 10mm socket to remove the ECU from the passenger side footwell/kick panel.

You can pull it and them pull them your self. It's pretty easy.

[cpoage]

is my car worth putting $1,500.00 into? its a 91 Q45 black stock i think its called. body is almost perfect 120,000 miles and runs great (except for engine light lol)

[maxnix]

That's a personal choice, but I would budget more like $6K over the next year, unless you just want a beater. Running these cars as beaters sesn[t work too well because when aprts or systems break, the replacement parts a very expensive.

Remember, your car was a $45K car in 1991, about $60K now. There is no further discounts for parts nor labor beyond the reduced price you paid for maintenance not done.

One question you might ask yourself is what kind of car would you have for $6K, problems unknown? Probably nothing like a Q45 restored.

[cpoage]

thank you brian, I am going to keep the car and put the money into it. I love it and it just feels right. i`ll bring it to the guy in tacoma like u all suggested. you all have been so nice, i`m glad I own an Infiniti.

[maxnix]

Charlie is just the service manager in Tacoma. Nice guy, believes in aggressive maintenance including envirolution crankcase flushes.

Here is what I would suggest.

Spend a month or so reading the posts here, especially by Q45tech. Then study the FSM. You will have the knowledge of what you must do, and what you should do. And you will be knowledgeable enough to fend off any "you're just a woman" attitudes by service writers and other male service providers you may enounter.

For an Inifinti Senior Technician, I still recommend Eric at Beaverton Infiniti. There is no sales tax and the rates are less than WA state dealers. And he has maintained a 1994 since new for his dad. After you read the posts, you will be able to converse intelligently about your car, an invaluable but necessarily brief opprtunity. Prepare well to make the most of it.

And don't start your car until you are ready to drive it to where ever you choose with the parts you need from Joe. Put it on a trickle charger until then.

If you encounter questions for which you can't find the answers, post back here.