Error Code "D"

[Haitian_King]

I just did the AT Self-Diagnosis after work. The car was still at operating temperature and I got a message saying "D".

Page 42 of the AT section of the FSM states,

"Battery power is low.""Battery has been disconnected for a long time""Battery is connected conversely".(When reconnecting A/T control unit connectors, this is not a problem)

Does this mean a battery in the TCU? Did I install it incorrectly?

I hope to God that's the case and I don't have to spend $5500+ to get a new factory remanned transmission.

Anyone know what this is about?

I have to run out to the studio, so I'm just going to take the MDX until I hear from one of you guys.
Modified by Haitian_King at 5:54 PM 11/3/2007

[goody90q45]

Page 42 of the AT section of the FSM states, (When reconnecting A/T control unit connectors, this is not a problem)

Since you just swapped in your 1st gear start TCU you don't need to concern yourself with the error message. Disconnect your TCU and plug it back in making sure the connector is in straight. We've seen a few members have problems with TCU's and ECU's when the connector is not seated properly. Both are tricky until you've done it correctly one time and figure out the technique.

I see you're having transmission problems right now. I'd start with the easy stuff. Did you check the fluid level to make sure the shop filled it correctly?

[Haitian_King]

I checked my fluid level. I do it every day after work. The car is nice and hot and I come home, jump out and check it. It seems to be at the right level, and it smells like ATF. No burnt smell to it.

[Haitian_King]

Another development in my struggle for dominance with the Q. Lately, the hood has been refusing to latch. The only remedy is to push that hook that's attached to the release lever (used to open the hood) towards the engine. Then it lets the hood close.

Did my Q belong to the devil? I'm seriously losing it. I have to worry about finals soon. Stressing over the Q is not going to help.

[Rex]

Maybe I missed this tidbit of information, but how old is your battery? Has your alternator ever been replaced? How's your alt belt?

[Haitian_King]

I had a brand new battery put in the day I bought the car. This was in January.

The alternator hasn't been replaced since I've owned it. I have absolutely no maintenance records besides the ones i've been keeping.

Now idea what the belt looks like. Nor where to find it. It doesn't seem to be squeaking/squealing. (Is that even a symptom?)

[elwesso]

hatian, im having a hell of a time keeping track on what the hell is going on with your car, you need to stop posting so many threads and make a monster thread or something....

All of these things you mention are simple things that every Q owner gets to deal with. Just because these cars are cheap and fairly reliable (IMO) doesnt mean they dont need constant attention.

[maxnix]

I have absolutely no maintenance records besides the ones i've been keeping.

But Infininti does, and you can obtain that record by asking for it.

[Q451990]

HK, run your diagnostic again. I have seen that code stored after a bad battery, replacing the battery, etc. Typically it goes away when you run the test a second time. The code refers to the battery under the hood - nothing internal to the TCU.

Heath

[Haitian_King]

Wes,

Mainly, I'm freaked about my transmission. It doesn't accelerate like it used to. Got the pan dropped, fliter cleaned, fluid exchanged and all. I keep checking my fluid level. It's good. It's a reddish color and smells like ATF. No burnt smell.

Driving with the windows down, occasionally I get the smell of ATF and/or burning plastic. I check the ATF after the drive and it seems fine. Ran the diagnostic. Gave me code "D". Heath says to run it again, which I will between classes.

I don't have $5500 to replace it if it's gone. I have no clue if my "Powertrain Warranty" covers it at all.

I just don't know what to do and it's seriously stressing me. Can't sleep, enjoy myself, nothing.

[maxnix]

It's a reddish color and smells like ATF. No burnt smell.

It should be bright pink like new. Do the white paper towel test and report back. The visual difference is indicative of the conditon and degradation of the fluid, and thus the transmission.

A luxury imported V8 sedan is not really a budget vehicle for the frugal minded, like students should be.

[Haitian_King]

It should be bright pink like new. Do the white paper towel test and report back. The visual difference is indicative of the conditon and degradation of the fluid, and thus the transmission.

A luxury imported V8 sedan is not really a budget vehicle for the frugal minded, like students should be.

No one buys a car and expects to shell out $5500+ during the first year of ownership either.

I'll check the fluid. It appears red when it's wiped on my finger. I didn't have any napkins handy.

[Haitian_King]

And that's assuming maintenance was performed at the dealership. With my luck, this previous owner was a shade tree type of guy.

[elwesso]

A luxury imported V8 sedan is not really a budget vehicle for the frugal minded, like students should be.

TELL ME ABOUT IT!

[Q451990]

A luxury imported V8 sedan is not really a budget vehicle for the frugal minded, like students should be.

True in most cases, but I have to say it worked out well for me! I went from king of the 100K extended warranty to driveway mechanic at my parent's house. My DIY abilities, beyond oil changes, came from necessity... that and I thought I had a better chance of getting... well... you know - if I wasn't driving a escort.

All of that said, $5500 could have been a deal killer for me...

I can also say that driving a nice car in school was a big motivator for me. I didn't want to have to backslide to a lesser car because I wasn't bringing in the cash to support a good car.

Heath

[Haitian_King]

Totally. Having a car like mine, I get loads of attention. Plus with all of the bragging that I've done, I'd look a right plonker if I went back to driving some lower end vehicle. I have expensive tastes. Always have.