Help! 2006 Infiniti M45 will not start. Told motor could be bad.

[igotcars4u]

Ok, So I am new to this forum but I hope someone can help me... I own a 2006 Infiniti M45 that is in great shape with 145k miles. I have taken great care of this car. Other then the power steering pump that was replaced, I have had no issues. The power steering pump was replaced for a bad bearing about 3 weeks ago. So fast forward to yesterday...

My car had driven perfect the day before. I head out to go to work the next morning and it takes a few extra seconds for the car to start. Once the car started I had no problems but I felt kinda of a weird feeling when going into reverse but no performance issues on the way to work. I go to head out to the store to get something to eat and again it takes a and extra moment to start and then I notice the VDC off, RAS, Slip and service engine lights on. I work at a car used car dealership so I had the mechanic across the street look at it and when he went to start it the car backfired a little bit and would not start, it just keeps turning over fast. The codes came back camshaft, crank sensors. I replaced all 3 sensors so far and still no start.

Now the mechanic is going to do a compression test but he thinks that the chain may have gone and could have caused the motor to blow. Is this possible? I am towing it to another shop for a second opinion. Any specialist give me some pointers on to where to have the mechanics look into? I don't want to go to Infiniti dealer because I don't have that kind of money. I just need to find out the real problem as cheap as possible so I can spend the money on actually fixing the car not diagnosing it. I love my car! This is making me sick...

Thanks for the help...

[Larz]

Welcome to the forum. Sorry to hear of your troubles.
I don't recall seeing any posts about the older M's blowing an engine for no reason. Some members do lots of wild mods and take their cars to the track so I'm not surprised to see those members post about engine troubles. I imagine that IF the chain went titz-up, chances are the damage would render the engine useless unless you found a place to do a re-build it or drop in a used M45 engine. Perhaps some of the tech-savy members will chime in soon with some ideas.

[EdBwoy]

The mechanic might have good intentions, but he needs to relax before all that.

The codes came back camshaft, crank sensors. I replaced all 3 sensors so far and still no start.

I'd be interested to see exactly what codes were pulled, but it might be as simple as below.
First verify that the correct sensors were replaced:
1. Intake valve timing control position sensor
2. Intake valve timing control solenoid valve
3. Camshaft position sensor (PHASE)


Most of those warning lights & symptoms are typical for bad crank and cam sensors though.
1. m45-2006-camshaft-sensor-p0340-t607101.html
2. infamous-y34-m45-loss-of-power-t603112.html

[igotcars4u]

Thank you! I will find out what sensors have been replaced.... Here is an update from the mechanics today. Compression 53lbs drivers side and 65lbs on the passenger side! I was told that the chain probably skipped a tooth and it caused the valves to bend and toasted the motor. I had the car towed to a friends shop to get a 2nd opinion. Does this sound right?

[igotcars4u]

I was also told that the codes are not coming up because there is no signal from the crank

[EdBwoy]

... Compression 53lbs drivers side and 65lbs on the passenger side! I was told that the chain probably skipped a tooth and it caused the valves to bend and toasted the motor...

Those numbers are low. But is the mech saying that all 4 cylinders on the left side have 53lbs and those on the right all have 65?

I tell you, I've seen a lot of VK45DEs in my day, but never heard of a single one of them skipping teeth. They are wound as tight as a drum, but yes, if something broke and the chain skipped enough teeth, then the valves will bend

I would get the sensor list & part numbers used before eating the towing costs. It might be as easy as replacing the sensor numbered #3 in that picture above.

[Costee]

I would get the sensor list & part numbers used before eating the towing costs.

Yes, the correct diagnosis proceeds from this.

[M45JETER]

That is the exact same thing I was told 30mins ago I'm debating on taking it to the Infiniti dealer before I try to sell it what was the verdict for you?

[EdBwoy]

That is the exact same thing I was told 30mins ago I'm debating on taking it to the Infiniti dealer before I try to sell it what was the verdict for you?

Welcome to the forum.

Could you provide a lititle more background - are you having the same symptoms the OP was having?
Who told you that the engine could be bad and did they attempt to do anything like minor repair before making the call?


Otherwise, I look forward to your update either direction you take. As Larz mentioned above, this type of sudden failure is not very common here; and we like to keep learning.

[M45JETER]

the lights that came on in the car while driving was the SERVICE ENGINE, RAS, VDC OFF and SLIP. Just before that happened I felt a slip in the rear end while driving about 65mph along with the rpm arm dropping from 3 to 2 the went back up to about 3rpms at around 65mph and drove fine. when i stopped for gas it acted like it didnt want to start but eventually did after 2nd or 3rd try. this occurred only when driving going over about 65mph a few times after that.

I let the car sit for about 3 weeks and just drove my truck until i could afford to have it checked out. I went to start it after being referred to a shop, at that time the vehicle would not start so i had it towed. The mechanic stated he never heard an infinti sound like this when starting it.... to me it just sounded like it wouldnt turn over or start thats all. I believe he ran a diagnostics test on it... i was charged for it at the end so i dont now how in depth he went. He did state that it showed something was wrong with a cam sensor but he said that wasnt the problem along with saying the engine had no more then 80 to 100 pounds of pressure. Im seriously thinking about taking it to infiniti for their diagnostics and if they say the engine is bad there's a company i found online that will tow it at no charge and replace the engine but i wont get a quote from them until Monday and still wont be able to afford it for 6-8 weeks i will have to pay cash out of pocket.
I hope this helps you out to help me out and thanks for your quick response. this site didnt notify me of someone responding to my post so i will keep checking back

[EdBwoy]

this site didnt notify me of someone responding to my post so i will keep checking back

For this, next time you post a reply, just click the FULL EDITOR button beside the SUBMIT button at the bottom of the text box. Then check the box that says, "Notify me when a reply is posted" under the options list. Let me know if that's available

I hope this helps you out to help me out and thanks for your quick response

You bet! And it sure does help me get somewhere. Thanks for the follow up.



This is my opinion:
If you have the diagnostic report, post it here, or let us know what diagnostic codes the mechanic found. I am not saying that the engine isn't toast, it's just that we currently have no data points to know what your and the OP's issues certainly mean. To me, the symptoms point to a camshaft/crankshaft issue (except the peculiar slipping of the rear you mentioned; but that might just be cutting power and regaining it as the sensor goes in and out)

If you don't think you will not be getting to it for the next 6-8 weeks anyway, I would take some time to try some cheap-but-not-bad fixes. First, ensure the oil level is in the correct range and replace the camshaft sensor using this guide if you wish.
The cost of a sensor will probably be cheaper than towing it back and forth to Infiniti and paying for the diagnosis, although I would recommend an OEM one for this issue. Still, hold off on spending any more money until you get the results of the diagnosis that you paid for.

On the other hand, you might be less interested in the guesswork and diagnosis and would rather get it over with. In that case, I would just take it to Infiniti as you proposed.


Also, I know you mentioned hitting a wall at 65 mph, any chance you kept an eye on the RPMs to know if it is the engine rather than vehicle speed that is being limited?

[M45JETER]

At 65mph the and a few minutes at driving the speed or above would be when i would feel that slip in the rear end and all the lights would appear but it would drive as fast i wanted after that. the RPM would drop or the needle would shake down to about 2rpms then go back up to about 3 depending on how fast i was still going... the shop did not charge me for the diagnostics but didnt give me a print out either...I am taking the tech word that he had the correct equipment to diagnose an infiniti being that i was referred to him because hes suppose to know all about them. I plan on saving up the money and still get infiniti to diagnose in hopes that its a lot more minor then the whole engine...I will post the diagnoses as soon as i get it before i go ahead with a engine replacement.

[EdBwoy]

If you don't mind my asking, where are you located?


I don't know if you looked at the link I highlighted above, but it's definitely minor compared to an engine replacement. It's also cheaper than a typical diagnostic charge from a dealership.
But it's understandable. Either route you choose to follow, please keep us updated.

[M45JETER]

I'm in Atlanta, GA. I will check out the link...because I can say with no dought there was major clunk, ginding sound or anything that would lead me to think something major happend to the engine.
And to answer your question all fluids were in good standing l, even the mechanic stated that.

[EdBwoy]

... I can say with no dought there was major clunk, ginding sound or anything that would lead me to think something major happend to the engine.
...

Could you please clarify. Was there an unusual sound... or NO unusual sound to make you suspect any damage?

[M45JETER]

No unusual sound to me, just push the start button and it doesn't seem like it wants to start.....I can say this the last time I started...it didn't want to start but did and it just sound like a bad running car that needed a tuneup.....once i moved it and parked it it would start again

[EdBwoy]

Got it. Even more reason for me to push my recommendation.

Holla if you need help with any part of the process.

[M45JETER]

I'm. Here picking up the part.... what I can tell you is when I looked at the censor it had a goog bit of coating of oil and dirt on it where you couldn't see the green clip and along the harnesses and wiring as well....went pretty much the rest of the engine is super clean.... I mean the engine just looks good not aged or not taken care of.....checked the air filter and there was a touch of the same on the bottom right corner as well (oill-dirt

[M45JETER]

Sensor replaced car is running I'm going to leave it running I have a retired mechanic that stays down the street I'm a let him take a listen to it before I cut it off and try to start it back on again the only light on as of right now is the service engine light

[M45JETER]

Washed and waxed her up, she's running like brand you money. Thanks for everything, I will keep up on how she's running.

[EdBwoy]

That code, if it is what I suspect, then it should self clear shortly... if it hasn't already.

What a turn of events to see that a cheap sensor replacement saved you a lot of grief!

Replace the crankshaft sensor that's under the car (not a common failure point) if you want more peace of mind... or carry a spare sensor with you if you want. However, it's the kind of thing people seem to just replace once.

[M45JETER]

Yes I'm going to pick up crank sensor today as well as getting an oil change... yes I thought about that all night ( having almost replaced an engine when all I needed was a sensor) that is crazy... just glad about you being persistent about the sensor....
Once again thanks for taking your personal time out to assist, I definitely plan on pay it forward
Kevin