In need of some help on my Q

[q45ndshelp]

I have a 2002 Q45. Up until 12/04/2007. my car ran like clockwork. It has 180,000 miles on it and the trip to the dealership was an extreme nightmare that still has not been resolved. Can anyone help solve this one? I filled up a half tank of gas on the 4th. About 30 minutes later the car started stalling to the point it stalled completely out. I had the car towed to the dealership the next day. They advised that I needed to have the air/intake hose replaced. Done. But now they call back to tell me that the car is idling to high and I need to have a few sensors changed. Mind you some of these sensors were already changed in a recall. They advised that the car would not idle normal without the sensors being changed. Now the cam shaft sensors, the timing sensors, and i believe they were called the valve or value assy sensors were changed. Guess what, the car is now idling perfect but still stalling. Problem not solved. I go pick up my car because someone is just pulling at straws here. The car now has to be towed to another dealership. They reset the master computer, did an enginel flush (that was supposed to be done at the first dealership), change the oil and said the stalling seemed to have stopped. Took the car for a week. By day 5 and a tank fill up, the stalling is back. The car is towed backed to the dealership where it now sits because they cannot duplicate the problem that I am having. Does anyone have any idea on why this happens and what can be done to resolve this?

[Woot!]

Wow, that is extreamly high miles. Did you check the fuel pressure and the MAF?

I don't know if those are problems on the newer gen. Q's but that is the first thing i would do. What engine codes is it throwing?

[96Qowner]

Oh boy! ... we'd like the name of that dealership and any names of the people involved in the "diagnosis". Sumpin doesn't sound right at ALL. Replacing a bunch of sensors because it started to stall after a fill-up???? The air/intake hose????

Ouch.

My first guess would have been lousy fuel, a clogged injector or two. I'd have run a can of ISO-HEET through it and done a BG intake cleaning for the injectors. And as Woot! said, they should have checked the fuel pressure right away - any idea if they did?

[q45ndshelp]

I asked if they checked the fuel filter, pumps etc because the problem was happening at fill up time. They advised that they were not getting any codes on the fuel line, but thanked me for the info. I also forgot to mention that when this first happened, the slip, VDC, and the check engine light all came on. They went back off though. When the second stall happened the same thing, all three of these lights came on and then it stalled. I was told the starter needed to be replaced, the ECM might be faulty, but never did i get a definite answer as to what the hell is wrong with the car.

[96Qowner]

Well, I recommend you go pick up your car from that dealer and scowl at 'em when you do.

The lights are no big deal - just came on because it stalled. I can't imagine why the starter would need replacing. Seriously doubtful that the ECM is bad.

Sure would be nice to get more data - OBDII codes, etc. It could be the MAF, but that's not usually a problem on your year.

I'm still thinking fuel supply ...

If it's not too far away, you should take it to Keith Van Meter's place in Mantua - well recommended by NICO members:

Van Meter Auto Repair (856-415-2022)395 Wenonah Ave.Mantua, NJ (1/2 hour outside Phila.)

[Just checked - 112 miles from Hawthorne]

[q45ndshelp]

That's the thing, the first dealership did not input any of the codes into the workorder for anyone to see. The 2nd dealership was not able to see any of the codes until the ran their own diagnostics. Van Meter is in NJ, where I am, so it wouldn't hurt to try and make a visit to him. I am just really discouraged with infiniti vehicles now. This was my second infiniti. The dealerships were focusing more on trying to sell me a new car rather than solve this problem and I have even had to get Infiniti Consumer Affairs Executive offices involved.

[Woot!]

Sounds like he's got you on the right track.

Most dealers won't know much about the Q (the first gen ones anyway). Sensors can be very expensive. If you are mechanically inclined than your best bet would be to replace them yourself. Are you using Premium Unleaded fuel? When the car does run is it running crappy or just normal? If it is running crappy than I would suspect bad fuel.

[96Qowner]

Yeah, your situation isn't unheard of. Most dealer shops have a different incentive than we do - they aren't prepared or interested in keeping a 180,000 mile car alive.

112 miles is a stretch, but probably worth it to find a shop that actually respects and cares about your car. At least call 'im.

(Hers is a 2002 - 3rd gen, Woot)

[Woot!]

That's the thing, the first dealership did not input any of the codes into the workorder for anyone to see. The 2nd dealership was not able to see any of the codes until the ran their own diagnostics. Van Meter is in NJ, where I am, so it wouldn't hurt to try and make a visit to him. I am just really discouraged with infiniti vehicles now. This was my second infiniti. The dealerships were focusing more on trying to sell me a new car rather than solve this problem and I have even had to get Infiniti Consumer Affairs Executive offices involved.

That is what dealers do is sell new cars. If it is a dishonest dealer than they will try to sell you a new car and if you decline they will fabricate a bunch of things wrong with it to encourage you to just get a new one.

Infiniti is an excellent car. Stick around here and we'll have your problems fixed in no time

[q45ndshelp]

Thanks. I knew the jig was up with the dealership when the began to focus more on the mileage and advise me that they fix repairs based on what the damn computer tells them. My question to them was well what happens if the computer is wrong or better yet, what about the fact that the computer is telling you the overall repairs that may need to be done to the car based on the mileage and not based on the actual problem. DAH, no one could answer that question. Well thank you for you help, I will contact VAN Meter Auto Repair, in the meantime, if anyone locates a similar problem with a resolution, please let me know. [email protected]. Appreciate it.!!!

[Haitian_King]

Just thought to mention. Van Meter's is AWESOME!

[drftard]

i knew if i rolled my 1st gen into a infiniti dealer they'd try to see if im interested in an upgrade.... grimy punks...

do u guys have any refrences or helpful/trusting ppl in NORCAL that would help out a fellow Q owner in need? im gettin virtually no where & im tak'n classes.. can't be on this forum forever & not get anythin done... must... find something.... & be capable!!!

[GseaQ]

I know Jerry Tucker is in CA, but I think maybe south. He's quite respected on this board. His specialty is reviving dead HVAC displays, but I'm sure he provides general expert service on Q45's as well. If he's not close to you, maybe he knows someone who is. A search will get you contact info.

Glenn

[Jesda]

J Tucker is down in San Diego.

Nissan/Infiniti quality and customer service have been in decline for a few years, eclipsed by Lexus, Cadillac, Buick, and Lincoln. Hopefully that changes.
Modified by Jesda at 4:26 AM 1/8/2008

[maxnix]

In CA, it is

http://www.jerrytucker.net

NorCal is pretty much a wasteland for the G50 and FGY33.

[Haitian_King]

I went to my local Infiniti dealer. Those punks probably have never seen a G50. The last ones probably rolled off the lts while hey were popping zits in middle school. Such blatant indifference bugged the hell out of me. You think that they'd recognize and be appreciative that the former flagship model is still loved and prized.

[maxnix]

You think that they'd recognize and be appreciative that the former flagship model is still loved and prized.

And unfortunately you'd be wrong 90% or the time. When you see that glow, usually you have found a Senior Tech. Kind of like a wizard in Lord of the Rings.

[Haitian_King]

I'm more of a Star Wars guy. But I understand.

I didn't meet any Senior Techs when I visited Holman Infiniti of Maple Shade. Just some guys who were quite helpful at first and then turned quite snobby when they saw the year of my Q. Do all dealerships have at least 1 Senior Tech? Or are they scattered around the country?

[maxnix]

Very few left as many quit during the lean years of the late 90's early 00.

Very few that were trained on the G50 in 1989 are still in the trade.

[Haitian_King]

Damn. Are their training materials available on that infiniti-tech website?