Doesn't even spin the engine........

[damromeo]

I bought a Q45 from a guy here in town because my wife fell in love with the car. he said that some kids had broke into it to steal the Bose system out of it and ripped apart the wiring harness under the dash. he taped them back together (supposedly)......and the car ran just fine..so he says. he took it down to put gas in the car and upon returning to his vehicle he found that the car wouldnt start......no lights, no clicking, no nothing. so he parked it until I bought it. Well I took the dash panels off and I didn't find any taped or spliced wiring to the radio. but I did find the bundle of wires that went to the aftermarket remote start kit hidden under the dash. I cut out all of the extra wiring that went to the remote start, and still nothing. now I have been doing mechanic work for a few years so I know when wiring doesnt belong in a certain area under a dash. so I know i didnt cut any factory wiring to the car. but i have no idea where to look next. I can hear the ignition relays click when I try to start the car but it goes no further than that. there are no blown fuses or melted wires that I could find. the hud on my dash says my battery has a low charge even when I put my 1000 CA battery out of my 4x4 pickup in it, it also says there is a transmission malfunction. when I remove the key from the ignition the hud stays lit up but says nothing, and my brake indicator stays lit but very, very dim. the security light works like I would expect one to. but there is an odd clicking/clunking noise coming from the inside of the dash on the passenger side (like a roomba robot vacuum that keeps bumping into the same object over and over again). I havent removed the instrument cluster yet to look behind it, but I dound nothing odd behind the radio. so this guy was either lying to me about the vandalism, or the vandals are the biggest morons on the planet. cuz there is nothing wrong with the wiring behind the radio. although when I turn the radio on there is this ear piercing constant beep almost like a car alarm until the radio is turned off. I just dont know what is wrong with this car and I need some help. cuz if I'm out the money I spent on this car and its shot.................I'm gonna be really, really, pissed off.

[Trumpkin]

Then I guess I won't say anything about chain guides. Because you may just blow your cork. Listen, wire harness issues can be very complicated.First off-do you have power to the starter? Answering wiring problems on the net is a crap shoot.

[goody90q45]

.....I can hear the ignition relays click when I try to start the car but it goes no further than that.

Are the battery cable clamps making a good tight connection? Any trouble getting them to tighten when you installed the battery? If it was this symptom alone I'd say check the the clamps and clean up the ground or, your starter has gone bad.

.......the hud on my dash says my battery has a low charge even when I put my 1000 CA battery out of my 4x4 pickup in it, it also says there is a transmission malfunction.....

If the odometer display says LOW BATTERY CHARGE and the brake light is dim it normally means the alternator is not charging properly. This is with the engine running of course.

Don't worry about the TRANSMISSION MALFUNCTION warning for know until you get the engine running. It's a seperate issue that shouldn't affect driveability.

........but there is an odd clicking/clunking noise coming from the inside of the dash on the passenger side (like a roomba robot vacuum that keeps bumping into the same object over and over again).....

Could it be the heater mixer door shorting out? Different sound but you may be hearing the starter relay mounted behind the ABS unit and below the wiper motor. Have someone turn the key while you listen from the engine compartment.

.......when I remove the key from the ignition the hud stays lit up but says nothing, and my brake indicator stays lit but very, very dim. the security light works like I would expect one to......

Sorry, but you've got wiring problems. The only bulb that should stay lit with the key removed is the security light in the instrument cluster which will start flashing slowly a minute or two after the doors are locked.

.....although when I turn the radio on there is this ear piercing constant beep almost like a car alarm until the radio is turned off......

One or more of your speaker mounted amplifiers is shot. The speaker should work fine once the amp is replaced. Until you can afford replacement amps remove the door panel to unplug the offender if it's in the front. If it's a rear speaker it can be unplugged by removing just a couple of the plastic screws in the trunk trim and reaching in.

[Q45tech]

Just remember every used out of warranty V8 car for sale in US needs $3,000 worth of work to start with..........why it is being offered for sale!The worst early [90-93] Q45 driven in for a prebuy inspection needed $10,600* worth of work to restore all systems to near new functioning.

* That was in 2002 so inflation would add 20%

Start by reading the FSM and circuit diagrams. Jump the battery directly to starter solenoid.

As House says everyone lies especially people selling cars.

We have 10 technicans everyone has a wife or girlfriend for whom they buy used cars to fix up for them. Everyone of them gives away their labor and uses lifts, etc on weekend and nights [job benefit]. They all use $2,000+ in wholesale parts at least and most are not Infiniti or Lexus.

[damromeo]

Are the battery cable clamps making a good tight connection? Any trouble getting them to tighten when you installed the battery? If it was this symptom alone I'd say check the the clamps and clean up the ground or, your starter has gone bad.

If the odometer display says LOW BATTERY CHARGE and the brake light is dim it normally means the alternator is not charging properly. This is with the engine running of course.

Don't worry about the TRANSMISSION MALFUNCTION warning for know until you get the engine running. It's a seperate issue that shouldn't affect driveability.

Could it be the heater mixer door shorting out? Different sound but you may be hearing the starter relay mounted behind the ABS unit and below the wiper motor. Have someone turn the key while you listen from the engine compartment.

Sorry, but you've got wiring problems. The only bulb that should stay lit with the key removed is the security light in the instrument cluster which will start flashing slowly a minute or two after the doors are locked.

One or more of your speaker mounted amplifiers is shot. The speaker should work fine once the amp is replaced. Until you can afford replacement amps remove the door panel to unplug the offender if it's in the front. If it's a rear speaker it can be unplugged by removing just a couple of the plastic screws in the trunk trim and reaching in.

haven't tested the starter yet....got the car 2 days ago, and in believing the previous owner i tore into the dash. but I did speak to my father (mechanic for over 35 years) about the clicking and not starting and he said to test the starteras well.

[Infinitiguy19]

I am sorry but i think you should return the car and get a refund or at least literary crap on his car.

But you in way over your head, because when ever I hear about people buying cars with chopped up harnesses (Aftermarket alarms, radios...) I think about how hard it would be to diagnose because its hard enough trying to diagnose 14+ year old wiring.

But I would try hitting the starter with a hammer and see what that does.

[damromeo]

Are the battery cable clamps making a good tight connection? Any trouble getting them to tighten when you installed the battery? If it was this symptom alone I'd say check the the clamps and clean up the ground or, your starter has gone bad.

If the odometer display says LOW BATTERY CHARGE and the brake light is dim it normally means the alternator is not charging properly. This is with the engine running of course.

Don't worry about the TRANSMISSION MALFUNCTION warning for know until you get the engine running. It's a seperate issue that shouldn't affect driveability.

Could it be the heater mixer door shorting out? Different sound but you may be hearing the starter relay mounted behind the ABS unit and below the wiper motor. Have someone turn the key while you listen from the engine compartment.

Sorry, but you've got wiring problems. The only bulb that should stay lit with the key removed is the security light in the instrument cluster which will start flashing slowly a minute or two after the doors are locked.

One or more of your speaker mounted amplifiers is shot. The speaker should work fine once the amp is replaced. Until you can afford replacement amps remove the door panel to unplug the offender if it's in the front. If it's a rear speaker it can be unplugged by removing just a couple of the plastic screws in the trunk trim and reaching in.

the negative clamp is cracked, and the positive is corroded.......bought newer style aftermarket clamps that I have used on other cars to replace them. As for the idiot lights staying on.....my wife had a 2001 Sunfire that had the starter going out in it and if she cranked it until the battery was low.....or seemed low, the idiot lights on the instrument cluster would stay lit after removing the key from the ignition...I'm hoping that this is the case with those. The starter is my next victim...gonna check it out tomorrow. having found all the wiring he tapped into, and the remote start brain box (it was on the floorboards in the back) with no relays whatsoever wired to the remote start harness I believe it might have kept the starter engaged and fried it out. I think the constant clunking sound is the automast antenna in the rear quarter panel area. It doesn't come up when the ignition is turned on.

Is the starter relay a blue colored plastic with 2 connectors plugged into it???

and as far as the brake light being lit up and dim......its not the "brake light"........it is the "brake" light incicator on the dash withe the e-brake disengaged. Sorry I didnt clarify.

[damromeo]

I am sorry but i think you should return the car and get a refund or at least literary crap on his car.

But you in way over your head, because when ever I hear about people buying cars with chopped up harnesses (Aftermarket alarms, radios...) I think about how hard it would be to diagnose because its hard enough trying to diagnose 14+ year old wiring.

But I would try hitting the starter with a hammer and see what that does.

seriously I dont think I'm in over my head...I'm a pretty smart guy (It helps to solve the problem when you have all the facts........I obviously wasn't supplied with the correct information when the buyer decided to blow smoke up my @$$). I dont think he wanted to admit that he screwed it up himself by trying to put in the remote start himself. because I still havent found any ripped apart wiring. I found where the remote start wiring harness was tapped into the dash wiring on the car but that is all. so he was trying to save face. probably didnt want his woman to find out that he screwed up the car that they had JUST bought. I found the dealer pink slip in the car they bought it 9-08-2008, and sold it 2-06-2009. needless to say I believe this guy would be best asking me if I want fries with that. not to harp on him but definately not the most mechanically inclined person I have ever met.

But, I'm stubborn, and if it takes me 3 days or 3 years I WILL fix that car. I have yet to meet a car that could beat my patient disposition.

[Infinitiguy19]

Why not go back to the person you bought the car from and explain to him about the lemon law?

There are plenty of Q45's out there that may be in better shape than the one you have.

When buying a Q45 look at the above sticky in this forum, get a Carfax from the owner and look at any receipts and service history he has. If he does'nt have the Infiniti Service history then ask him to get it. if the owner is inclined to sell it he will do this, Because this isn't "going the extra mile" this is doing what you have to to prove your not lying to make a sale.

if you really really want to fix it i would start by reading the service manual: http://Nicoclub.com/FSM/Q45/1994_Q45, then search for what your problems are.

The starter relay is near the wiper motor. so yes.

[Q45tech]

Lemon Laws only apply when a car is 12-24 months old and has less than 12,000-20,000 miles all depending on STATE.

Private sales are always as is buyer beware unless seller puts some claim or promise in writing and witnessed.

WE see this all the time where some one buys a Q or Lexus keeps it 1-6 months and resells it when they get repair estimates.

WHY I SAY every used car needs at least $3,000 in repair work on the day the sale takes place if properly analysed and examined.

I just cannot understand why people don't believe a pristine beautiful paint and interior car can still need $5-10,000 in repairs to function near brand new.

[damromeo]

Well i'm a bit happier now.........the engine was rebuilt 15000 miles ago. I spoke to the shop that did the rebuild....and they said it was a huge mess when they took the engine apart. but the "genuises" didn't hook up the grounding wire to the engine. I just took it for a drive and the transmission won't shift out of low. hoping the transmission is just low on fluid.....gonna put it up on ramps tomorrow and check it out. It is now snowing outside and cold as hell. thanks for the trouble shooting guys.

But now I need to pick your brains about the transmission shift issue.

[NightRiderQ45]

Well i'm a bit happier now.........the engine was rebuilt 15000 miles ago. I spoke to the shop that did the rebuild....and they said it was a huge mess when they took the engine apart. but the "genuises" didn't hook up the grounding wire to the engine. I just took it for a drive and the transmission won't shift out of low. hoping the transmission is just low on fluid.....gonna put it up on ramps tomorrow and check it out. It is now snowing outside and cold as hell. thanks for the trouble shooting guys.

But now I need to pick your brains about the transmission shift issue.

Man, this is the 1st time that I've heard a Q's motor being rebuilt. I wonder if the chain guides were replaced during the rebuild? In your case, I truly hope so because the previous owner didn't take care of the car at all. Now you have transmission issues??? I don't know much about the 1 gen trannys, but I think the first thing would be to check the transmission fluid. If the motor has been rebuilt, I guarantee that he probably NEVER changed the fluid in that car. Didn't the 1 gen trannys have issues with heat?

[qship96]

Well i'm a bit happier now.........the engine was rebuilt 15000 miles ago. I spoke to the shop that did the rebuild....and they said it was a huge mess when they took the engine apart. but the "genuises" didn't hook up the grounding wire to the engine. I just took it for a drive and the transmission won't shift out of low. hoping the transmission is just low on fluid.....gonna put it up on ramps tomorrow and check it out. It is now snowing outside and cold as hell. thanks for the trouble shooting guys.

But now I need to pick your brains about the transmission shift issue.

"I Am HAPPIER NOW" Are you kidding yourself? HUGE, HUGE red flag there- nobody, repeat nobody, spends the coin to rebuild a motor in an old car worth almost nothing, unless they plan to keep it.......they didnt, because it turned out to be a clusterfuk of problems, so they dumped{sold} it to a naive buyer. You inherited their nightmare. Even if you could sort out the obvious issues to get the Q rolling down the road under its own power, I would seriously question the quality and longevity of any rebuilt VH45de motor- much better luck with a carefully examined junkyard takeout.

[paranoidjack]

Well i'm a bit happier now.........the engine was rebuilt 15000 miles ago. I spoke to the shop that did the rebuild....and they said it was a huge mess when they took the engine apart. but the "genuises" didn't hook up the grounding wire to the engine. I just took it for a drive and the transmission won't shift out of low. hoping the transmission is just low on fluid.....gonna put it up on ramps tomorrow and check it out. It is now snowing outside and cold as hell. thanks for the trouble shooting guys.

But now I need to pick your brains about the transmission shift issue.

Oh, man...am I livid!!! As I read the thread, I became more and more sure, and was about to post, to check both the cabin grounds and the engine compartment grounds. I was savoring the moment of posting after Dennis and giving the correct solution...DAMN. I'll wait another 2 years I guess.

I've changed a few motors, and many many many more stereo systems, and the high pitched whine you speak of is all too familiar.

Grounds, grounds, grounds. Most of the olders cars I've owned need as much "ground" love as they do "power" love! Want an alternator to toast quickly? Put a beefy audio system in the car and do a poor job mounting your grounds. It always hurts to scrape paint, but it's the right thing to do!!!

Good luck with the car! If you can get your money back, do it. There are many many more Q's out there for similar coin with fewer issues. If not, who cares? Is it your daily driver? Do you enjoy turning wrenches on gravel in 20 degree weather? Do you constantly have bloody knuckles and enjoy it? If you're anything like me, you do, and gremlins are more fun to hunt than deer!

[damromeo]

Good luck with the car! If you can get your money back, do it. There are many many more Q's out there for similar coin with fewer issues. If not, who cares? Is it your daily driver? Do you enjoy turning wrenches on gravel in 20 degree weather? Do you constantly have bloody knuckles and enjoy it? If you're anything like me, you do, and gremlins are more fun to hunt than deer!

I like the car so I bought it........the listing for the car is here....

http://www.rumpapum.com/ebay/infiniti/infiniti.htm

Everyone here is telling me to take the car back, and saying I was nieve to buy the car. Sorry guys, I wouldn't this car back if I had to, and nieve.....don't think so. As for the car I paid 500.00 for it. I knew it wasn't running when I paid for it. I love a challenge.....probably why I'm going to Western Dakota Tech for Auto Mechanics............bring on the gremlins.

dont get me wrong I am not stupid or slow by any means........I love wrenching....and cars. I would rather be working on a car than sitting in an office working for some Lumbard @$$ any day of the week.

[Infinitiguy19]

I hope you have the money and the patience to hopefully restore it, but we have seen to many people come to NICO with stories like this so I hope your the one that goes the other way and keeps one more Q from the junkyard.

Beautiful car by the way.

Good Luck.

[damromeo]

"I Am HAPPIER NOW" Are you kidding yourself? HUGE, HUGE red flag there- nobody, repeat nobody, spends the coin to rebuild a motor in an old car worth almost nothing, unless they plan to keep it.......they didnt, because it turned out to be a clusterfuk of problems, so they dumped{sold} it to a naive buyer. You inherited their nightmare. Even if you could sort out the obvious issues to get the Q rolling down the road under its own power, I would seriously question the quality and longevity of any rebuilt VH45de motor- much better luck with a carefully examined junkyard takeout.

Well that was harsh. I like being called naive as much as the next guy. but come on man.....cleaning your dirty boots off on my enthusiasm was not cool. I understand you are just airing your concern about my choice to buy a "junkyard takeout" but you could have been a little more subtle. and so you know the engine runs great, no oil leaks, odd noises, funny vibrations, or missing. and they were expecting to keep the car until it wouldnt start. i'm not sure why it even started for them to begin with (maybe it was resting on bare metal just enough to ground out like it was supposed to and driving it made it lose its connection). and as far as spending the coin to rebuild the motor in an old car worth almost nothing........heres some food for thought....I have a 1994 Chevy Silverado Ext cab shortbox 4x4 300,000 miles. I have rebuilt the motor once myself along with the transmission once. and the most I have ever had anyone offer me for it was 2500.00. my point is if you love your car/truck/motorcycle/scooter enough you will spend the coin to put them back on the road. My favorite saying "better the devil you know, then the devil you dont".....

I admit I bought a nightmare, I knew it when I paid for it, but given enough time and this nightmare will look like Angelina Jolie strutting naked through my garage.

[maxnix]

Quote »Likely needs a new wiring harness to make it as good as new.[/quote]I wonder if you have priced a 1992 wiring harness? Or asked why in the world it would need one? Or why the engine was rebuilt 15K ago?

I think you might well do the first rotisserie resotoration of a G50.

Hope your girlfriend can wait until the end of summer for it to be restored to good driving condition. If she is impatient, have her pull up a chair while you read the old posts, starting with all by Q45tech. Also you'll have to tell her at least $5K of your cash kitty will be going for parts alone.

You'll be pretty expert on the G50 when you get through.
Modified by maxnix at 12:12 PM 2/10/2009

[Infinitiguy19]

1994 Chevy Silverado Ext cab shortbox 4x4 300,000 miles, Didn't one go 1,000,000 miles?

But I agree his post may be a bit mean but mostly true.

The engines (VH45DE) are built by hand in japan, so to have an American shop rebuild it is an insult. My engine was rebuilt by Infiniti dealership according to my service history, But for a shop where you don't know who rebuilt it, Could have been Jerry tucker (Great Infiniti Tech) or Joe smo.

So did you get a carfax, Infiniti service history or any receipts from the previous owner?

But I can't wait to see Angelina Jolie strutting naked through your garage.

[paranoidjack]

Well that was harsh. I like being called naive as much as the next guy. but come on man.....cleaning your dirty boots off on my enthusiasm was not cool. I understand you are just airing your concern about my choice to buy a "junkyard takeout" but you could have been a little more subtle. and so you know the engine runs great, no oil leaks, odd noises, funny vibrations, or missing. and they were expecting to keep the car until it wouldnt start. i'm not sure why it even started for them to begin with (maybe it was resting on bare metal just enough to ground out like it was supposed to and driving it made it lose its connection). and as far as spending the coin to rebuild the motor in an old car worth almost nothing........heres some food for thought....I have a 1994 Chevy Silverado Ext cab shortbox 4x4 300,000 miles. I have rebuilt the motor once myself along with the transmission once. and the most I have ever had anyone offer me for it was 2500.00. my point is if you love your car/truck/motorcycle/scooter enough you will spend the coin to put them back on the road. My favorite saying "better the devil you know, then the devil you dont".....

I admit I bought a nightmare, I knew it when I paid for it, but given enough time and this nightmare will look like Angelina Jolie strutting naked through my garage.

Honestly, that's a warm welcome here...hehe. I'm with you man, project cars are great. If you can rebuild a transmission, you can sift through your issues here. If they had the motor running that recently, I'm sure you can get it going.

Good luck with it and have fun!

[qship96]

Well that was harsh. I like being called naive as much as the next guy. but come on man.....cleaning your dirty boots off on my enthusiasm was not cool. I understand you are just airing your concern about my choice to buy a "junkyard takeout" but you could have been a little more subtle. and so you know the engine runs great, no oil leaks, odd noises, funny vibrations, or missing. and they were expecting to keep the car until it wouldnt start. i'm not sure why it even started for them to begin with (maybe it was resting on bare metal just enough to ground out like it was supposed to and driving it made it lose its connection). and as far as spending the coin to rebuild the motor in an old car worth almost nothing........heres some food for thought....I have a 1994 Chevy Silverado Ext cab shortbox 4x4 300,000 miles. I have rebuilt the motor once myself along with the transmission once. and the most I have ever had anyone offer me for it was 2500.00. my point is if you love your car/truck/motorcycle/scooter enough you will spend the coin to put them back on the road. My favorite saying "better the devil you know, then the devil you dont".....

I admit I bought a nightmare, I knew it when I paid for it, but given enough time and this nightmare will look like Angelina Jolie strutting naked through my garage.

You obviously didnt comprehend what I wrote based on your above response.....let me clarify my original post for you.

1. I did not say "you bought a junkyard takeout" - I said buying a junkyard takeout motor is a better option than having someone rebuild a vh45 motor.I dont know of a single USA sourced rebuilder who can cost effectivly rebuild this particular engine to the tolerances it was originally constructed to when it left the factory in Japan, and if you search this site, you will see no-one else does either.

2.I did not say owners dont rebuild engines in old blue-book-worthless vehicles they are attached to to keep on the road{ as your example of you rebuilding your old truck motor} - I clearly stated no-one goes through the time and money to rebuild these unless they plan to keep said vehicle- and it is a huge red flag if they suddenly try to sell said vehicle after going through this ordeal.

Good luck

[Raxephon]

......I dont know of a single USA sourced rebuilder who can cost effectivly rebuild this particular engine to the tolerances it was originally constructed to when it left the factory in Japan, and if you search this site, you will see no-one else does either.

USA sourced rebuilder, NO.

Sick bastard like myself who loves his cars, YES.