G35 few things

[Tonysg35]

I am looking into buying a 2003 - 2004 g35 sedan or coupe and wanted to know a few things first.

1) Does the car have a driving chain or belt?

2) How offten should i replace it (*driving chain or belt)?

3) Is the engine an interference or no?

4) My firends got a 2003 g35 sedan and he has a slight problem with his raidio where he cant turn it on and he also has the heat or AC on at all time (he said it was a recall but the dealer wouldn't fix it for free) was this a recall and what is wrong with it and how much do you think it will take to fix? and is the a popular problem? Anyone else had this problem?

5) Also is the radio that is in the g35 all ready to hook up an amp and subs or what do i need?

Thanks this will help me make my up my mind!!-Anthony

Modified by Tonysg35 at 5:57 PM 2/22/2009
Modified by Tonysg35 at 6:01 PM 2/22/2009

[Jacko3]

1. G-35 uses a timing chain--many nissan vehicles do.

2. You may never have to replace the timing chain, ever, if you religiously change your oil every 3,00 miles or less. It uses your engine oil for lubrication. Dirty oil means worn chains---fresh and good oil means chain will last longer.

3. I don't understand this question

4. 2003 and 2004 models seemed to have the radio/CD issue. I hope someone chimes in soon to assist you here. This is a common problem with the 2003 and 2004 model years.

5. I think there are some members with the amp set up around. Someone should be with you shortly, on that account.


Modified by Jacko3 at 7:35 AM 2/23/2009

[BrandAidDesignG35]

5) For the subs/amps, you'll either need to upgrade your head unit, and run some rca's to your amplifier, or just install in inline inverter into your rear speaker wires to tap into the audio.

I had a shop do mine, but if you had the inverter, it would be a snap

A warm welcome, oh, 1 thing, if you get a sedan or coupe, just be sure it's a 6 speed, not an autow

[joe603]

Welcome to NICO!

Check out the G-series FAQ to answer most of your questions (link in my sig).

The 03-04 G35 coupes and sedans have a POS stereo head deck that is connected to the AC board. When it goes, it takes both components out. We have sponsors who fix the radios as it's not covered under a recall.

http://www.shortcircuitrepair.com/

I have an aftermarket amp and sub setup in my 05. All you need to do is tap off the rear speakers for a high level input for your amp. There's no need to touch the head deck. If you want to replace the whole system, you have to replace the AC board and get special brackets. It cost about $300 just for the parts.

Search the board for other questions or ask if you cant find something.

...and I'm not sure what you mean by an interference engine...other than old school ignition systems that caused TV interference.

[pfarmer]

1. G-35 uses a timing chain--many nissan vehicles do.

2. You may never have to replace the timing chain, ever, if you religiously change your oil every 3,00 miles or less. It uses your engine oil for lubrication. Dirty oil means worn chains---fresh and good oil means chain will last longer.

3. I don't understand this question

Modified by Jacko3 at 7:35 AM 2/23/2009

Common question when following the first one.

On the Infiniti will the pistons hit the valves if the timing chain fails? If so it is an interference engine. Otherwise besides just coming to a stop when it does, then the damage will most likely be limited to what damage to tensioners, etc. that would occur upon failure.

Perry

[audtatious]

The VQ is an interference engine. The only V6 made by Nissan that isn't was put into the Mercury Villager as Ford required it. Of course, with a timing chain instead of a belt this has never really been an issue.

[tollboothwilley]

I prefer the aftermarket stereo because the stock head unit sucks. Other than that you will have very limited problems with the car.

[av8or]

radio is a POS as mentioned, however i got mine fixed and it's been almost 2 years now and no problems yet..

other problems you WILL encounter..

1. gas gauge not indicating proper amount of gas. PITA

2. window motors will suddenly fail.. easy to fix though.. you do NOT need to have it replaced.. just clean the motors from the grease that accumulates there from the "up and down" motion of the gears..

3. squeak, squeaks and more squeaks

[pfarmer]

I am looking into buying a 2003 - 2004 g35 sedan or coupe and wanted to know a few things first.

1) Does the car have a driving chain or belt?

2) How offten should i replace it (*driving chain or belt)?

3) Is the engine an interference or no?

Modified by Tonysg35 at 5:57 PM 2/22/2009

Modified by Tonysg35 at 6:01 PM 2/22/2009

I did some research on this as well another poster which answers the questions about it being a timing chain and an interference engine.

I had a timing belt failure before which did wipe at the valves in my old 'H'. I had a timing gear failure (basically a composite gear) failure on a 77 Mustang v-6 which caused not damage. I have had one timing chain failure on a Japanese truck which wiped the valves, so I am not going state that it can't happen since it did once.

However in the case of the timing chain failure there were warning signs such as a strange noise up front and some weird engine running issues. What it turned out to be was a failed tensioner which preceded the rest of the failure.

On the Infiniti it seems that most agree that before the chain fails you'll probably start having other issues indicating an engine rebuild is in your future. So unless it is making noise, I would not worry about it. On the other hand if it is making noise, it is a much cheaper fix (as you seem to know by the question in the first place) and I would really consider replacement unless the engine has high or some really rough miles on it.

Definately don't drive it at 115 mph with 4 people in the car at that point in time.

Perry

[Jacko3]

pfarmer and audatious:

Thanks! I learnt something new today.

[Jacko3]

I did some research on this as well another poster which answers the questions about it being a timing chain and an interference engine.

I had a timing belt failure before which did wipe at the valves in my old 'H'. I had a timing gear failure (basically a composite gear) failure on a 77 Mustang v-6 which caused not damage. I have had one timing chain failure on a Japanese truck which wiped the valves, so I am not going state that it can't happen since it did once.

However in the case of the timing chain failure there were warning signs such as a strange noise up front and some weird engine running issues. What it turned out to be was a failed tensioner which preceded the rest of the failure.

On the Infiniti it seems that most agree that before the chain fails you'll probably start having other issues indicating an engine rebuild is in your future. So unless it is making noise, I would not worry about it. On the other hand if it is making noise, it is a much cheaper fix (as you seem to know by the question in the first place) and I would really consider replacement unless the engine has high or some really rough miles on it.

Definately don't drive it at 115 mph with 4 people in the car at that point in time.

Perry

+1 Great advice!

[Tonysg35]

thats guys that is what i was looking and you guys helped me out a lot!!

[themyst]

I had no problems with my 04 G35 coupe except the transmission. Went out twice on me, first one grinded 5th gear, the second one 3rd gear. Never experienced any radio problems at all. I might still have the G35 today if the transmission didn't go bad on me twice.

[Tonysg35]

I had no problems with my 04 G35 coupe except the transmission. Went out twice on me, first one grinded 5th gear, the second one 3rd gear. Never experienced any radio problems at all. I might still have the G35 today if the transmission didn't go bad on me twice.

anyone else have this problem, this is the first thing i heard about this...

[Rivalry]

Sounds like someone who was raggin' their car instead of a common problem... I've been on the forum for a while and have not noticed a lot of posts talking about transmissions going out/grinding...

[joe603]

My transmission was replaced under warranty due to 2-3 syncro going out.