Need to lift rear seats to remove object rolling around

[bioinformaticus]

Dear fellow Q45 enthusiasts,

I just purchased a 1999 Q45t with only 68,000 miles. I love it, however two nagging issues.. the first and most critical is I need to lift the rear seats to remove an object (I suspect a golf ball) that is rolling around when I turn corners. I seem to be able to get a 1 inch rise, but there are fasteners or attachment points holding the seat down. Any suggestions or schematics? I'd hate to damage things, but the object rolling around is bothering me.

The other issue is a rough idle. I've done searches, and it seems this is a ghost of a problem that will haunt me. I'll try some fuel line cleaner...

Thanks in advance,
George

[VA99Q45]

The issue with the rough idle can be two things. It is either a bad coilpack or it is a bad coilpack. If those two things does not fix it, then it maybe the MAF. I used to have rough idle on mine, and fix it with the new coilpack.

[maxnix]

I'll try some fuel line cleaner...

Redline Sl-1, BG44K or Chevron Techron (not the Feul Injector cleaner!) only! All others are bunk.

Do you have the FSM?

[BadQ45t]

Are you getting any check engine light warnings? If not it is harder to chase down the gremlins. This car is very solid, my 97' idles like butta!

Amsoil also makes an excellent product for fuel cleaning, try that first, than you might consider replacing the spark plugs. It has solved rough engine running for me before.

While this year has the 100k plugs, given the cars age I would have the mechanic try that, but make sure he doesn't put it all back together (there are alot of plastic parts to disassemble) before trying to see if that doesn't solve the problem. If not given the low mileage you might consider an investment in new coil packs (will cost you more than $500 for the set of 8) and knock sensors and then your good for another 100k under there.

[bioinformaticus]

I'll try one of your recommended fuel additives. Just today some roughness or hesitation while accelerating. Ooh boy. Hopefully an easy solution. Otherwise this car is a cream puff.

How do I get the FSM? That would have schematics for rear seat, right?

[bioinformaticus]

It seems there was some additional sputtering today during some acceleration, but not always. I tried to pay particular attention to things related to the roughness and called the previous owner. Today, the roughness seemed intermittent.

There were O2 sensors replaced ('2 up front') when service engine lights came on. The owner described a 'lumpyness' that would come and go before selling it to me, but thought it was related to the O2 sensors before replacement.

I'll have time this evening to get some fuel line cleaner along with a fresh tank of gas and see if that has any impact. I guess the next step would be to bring to a Nissan dealer (no infiniti dealer near my home) and ask them to diagnose.

I thought BMW autos had personality issues... :-)

Thanks and best wishes.

[bioinformaticus]

I'll try some fuel line cleaner...

Redline Sl-1, BG44K or Chevron Techron (not the Feul Injector cleaner!) only! All others are bunk.

Do you have the FSM?

I found and downloaded the FSM and discovered the schematics for the rear seat (BT-26). Thanks for the reminder to look around and find the FSM.

I'll have some fun looking for the rolling object this evening.

[bioinformaticus]

Good morning all, I had success getting to the rear seat, as the FSM proved a tremendous help.. thanks again for pointing me in that direction.

My Q coded.. P0300 which was read at a local Nissan dealership which they stated was 'multi cylinder misfire'. The technician further noted that the plugs were not platinum nor gapped properly. I asked them to confirm if the coil or fuel injectors were ok, and they assured me they were. Thus, I parted with a few bills and my car was returned.

The code was cleared, and the engine idles much nicer, though there is a hint of 'lope-like' firing, which is intermittent. I'll need a fill up soon, so I'll add some fuel injector/line cleaner as many suggested.

I love the Q... wish the idle was smooth.

Best wishes and thanks again.

George

[Q451990]

Plan on new coil packs... very common for your series of Q.

Heath

[bioinformaticus]

Plan on new coil packs... very common for your series of Q.

Heath

Ah... I am not surprised... Q ownership is not unlike having a very hot girlfriend... great in sack, at parties and overall fun, but a bit hard on the wallet. Peace.

[BadQ45t]

If the PO didn't use the right spark plugs that is probably your issue. You should order a brand new set of factory OEM platium plugs and take whatever crap the PO put in there out. That always messes up Q's, people putting anything other than the NGK stockers always have issues, doesn't matter which ones, all results in bad outcomes.

You might consider doing the coil packs while your in there. I know it is 500 bucks (you can order those from Infinti of Scotsdale at the same time you order your 8 new plugs), but the time it takes for you mechanic to dig in there and change out the plugs you might as well do the CP's at the same time.

If your not worried about doing the CP's later, then just re-do the plugs and I'll bet all issues go away. BTW, what did you find in year rear seat? I had an similar issue when my car was under warranty and there was some type of clip that had come loose.

[bioinformaticus]

I'll definitely take your advice on changing over to the NGK stockers and get the CPs done in one shot.

There was trackball that somehow got wedged into the seat area. Since this happened before I took ownership, i can only speculate wtf that was about. It must have driven the previous owner crazy enough to sell the Q. :-)

As I approach my 1 month ownership, I remain pleased I picked this vehicle up, despite the automotive press feedback, this is exactly the second car I need. I have an M3 for the spirited driving, and the Q offers me a sane ride that had all around qualities of a great car.

Cheers

[bioinformaticus]

Well everyone... the Q coded a cylinder 2 misfire, with awful idle throttle response. The service tech swapped in a good coil, and the misfire went away. After reflecting on things, and taking your feedback into consideration, the CPs were replaced.

Thus far, after 3 days and 200+ miles of driving, there is no sign of misfire or idle problems.

This seems to have solved my problems.. thanks to all of you for your advice.

[Q451990]

Good to hear! I know it sucks to throw $$ at a whole set vs. just the one that's showing the misfire, but in this case I think it'll make your life a lot simpler in the long run.

Heath