Idle control problems

[Kduda]

We had a error code for the idle control system on a '97 J30 (p0505 I think?) and Infinity service has changed the ICV, IC Regulator, and some hoses, to the tune of over $1300 and the code will not clear. Now they are wanting to change intake manifold gaskets for about $1200. If that does not fix it, change the ECM computer for another $1500.

Has anyone on this forum had any experience with this problem and do you have any suggestions?

Thanks,Kathy

[yodawill2000]

Sounds like they saw you coming

Does the engine Idle wrong ??A can of starting fluid can find a leak in the intake in a heartbeat.No reason to replace the gaskets just to see if that fixes it .Also theres a few peeps here parting out J's so if it is the ECM you can get one for MUCH less

[Kduda]

Thanks for the help. I'll get the car back from Infiniti and have someone try your suggestions before shelling out any more cash.

[gr8scott72]

How does it idle? Is there a problem with the idle or is it just that the cel is one?

[Kduda]

Sorry, Scott, but I don't understand your response "the cel is one"? I'll admit I got help w/ the first post, and maybe that's why I don't understand.

About the idle, the car was running okay and "seemed" to idle fine when in park or neutral, but the check engine light had come on, and the car had gotten pretty jerky when driving in slow traffic. Like when I decelerated for sure, and possibly even when I accelerated, the car was jerky.

Thanks in advance for ideas and suggestions.

Kathy

P.S. Yes, I know the difference in to, two, and too and their, there, and they're, and Infiniti and Infinity (my first post). I also know that having a bad affect can affect things and end up having a negative effect.

That's my story, and I'm sticking to it!

[yodawill2000]

He meant Check engine light is on.I would start with cleaning the MAF.Mass Air Flow sensor.Its quick and easy.Just let us know if you need help.Scott ..Spell check man !!! lol

j/k.

[gr8scott72]

He meant Check engine light is on.I would start with cleaning the MAF.Mass Air Flow sensor.Its quick and easy.Just let us know if you need help.Scott ..Spell check man !!! lol

j/k.

Spell check wouldn't have caught that. lol

[Kduda]

When you spray starting fluid around the intake with the engine running, what will the engine do if there is a leaky gasket, sputter, miss, quit or what?

[Jakw]

Dealers suck so much. Find a mechanic that works on imports if you're going to take it anywhere else. Honest experienced mechanic > dealer. I've had good luck with a place that just knew what the car was and some of its characteristic before I even asked them to look at it. Granted...a dealer should too, haha.

[salemonkey]

When you spray starting fluid around the intake with the engine running, what will the engine do if there is a leaky gasket, sputter, miss, quit or what?

i know you asked this over a week ago but im just skimming threw some post and thought i would ansure your question. if there is a leak around the intake or a vacumme line and you spray the starting fluid there will be a change in the idle for a sec. it should go up with the starting fluid entering the system.

[Kduda]

Thanks for answering the question. That was the info I needed.

[Kduda]

He meant Check engine light is on.I would start with cleaning the MAF.Mass Air Flow sensor.Its quick and easy.Just let us know if you need help.Scott ..Spell check man !!! lol

j/k.

Finally had a little time to follow through on suggestions, and ruling out the easiest first, apparently it's not a gasket leak as there's no change when spraying the starting fluid.

After looking at the mass air flow sensor, I thought I had better come back for help since those wires look kind of fragile. Is there anything in particular I should be careful of or aware of before cleaning?

Check engine light is currently not on but code P0505 is still there, and the car still jerky when acceleration and, especially, decelerating at slow speeds.

Thanks in advance.

[yodawill2000]

the sensor is a single wire with a thermistor right in the center.Use ZERO RESIDUE contact cleaner and gently spray it through the screen.I don't recall disconnecting the MAF, just loosening the clamp and pulling the tube off and flexing it up enough to see the sensor.

[Kduda]

What took me so long?

Thanks so much for the super-quick, super-easy, super-cheap fix for my car!!

Got any more magical fixes 'cuz I'd love to get my $800 back from Infiniti?

Seriously, I appreciate your help and patience in explaining.

[J30tman]

So, cleaning the MAF fixed it?

[Kduda]

Apparently so. It's running as smooth as ever, and the check engine code is gone. Granted, haven't driven many miles since resetting the code, but so far, so good.

[yodawill2000]

Just curious.Are you using the OEM air filter ??

[Kduda]

It appears to be a Protech 274.

[yodawill2000]

Gotta keep that filter clean !!Ive heard alot of people say to stick with the OEM filter because the aftermarket filters dont seal as well around the edges and let crud in.

A big issue with those oil type pop chargers some guys use is the Maf getting coated.Glad to hear she's purring again man.!

[Kduda]

Disregard last question. Duh....

Blew the filter out real good w/ air as well as cleaned out the crud in the box where the filter sits while in there, and she's a'purring. Will stick w/ the OEM filter from now on.

[Ken Park]

Guys, Ive been working on an idle problem on a friend's J30. The car wants to idle at between 1500 and 2000 RPM. Already cleaned the throttle bodies and MAF sensor. It runs smoother now, but still idles high. We both felt strongly that the problem is to do with the IACV/AAC. Having some trouble figuring out if there is in fact a serparate IACV from the AAC. Aren't they almost the same thing? We found the AAC and cleaned it out with intake cleaner spray while it was still on the car along with adjusting the idle down. That has helped the problem, but it still idles high after driving. My friend tells me that when he blips the throttle while this is happening it will return to a normal idle. We feel that if we actually take the AAC valve off and clean it more thoroughly tomorrow that it should eliminate the problem. Anyone familiar with this? We are thinking that perhaps the IACV/AAC valve may need to be replaced if cleaning it out doesnt solve the problem.