New G37x With A Big Problem

[The Rever]

I spoke with an Infiniti Consumer Affairs rep today. LONG conversation, but in the end I gave her approval to schedule an appointment with the regional service rep if it's not greater than one week from today. If it's longer than that, no thanks. She will call me tomorrow with that news.

The Consumer Affairs rep treated me very well on the phone, and understood why I am unhappy. I even asked her if I was being a butt about all this, and she replied, "No. You certainly are not."

As I have previously written, she believes a request for a buy back "will almost certainly be denied since there has been no attempt at repair." I said, "So even though the dealership has had my car for two weeks over three occasions, even though I'm rarely driving the car since my family and I are in serious danger every time it happens, and even though the dealership knows there is a real problem they cannot figure out, that does not constitute an attempt at repair. Have I got this right, and does that seem ridiculous to you?" She replied, "Yes, you have it right, and yes, it seems ridiculous."

After I hear from the rep, I will be contacting my attorney.

And thanks for your help, everyone. I'm posting here for two reasons: 1) you know more about this car than I do = I learn from you; 2) I'll have a record of what's gone on.

Thank you.

[G_whizz]

Wow...I would definitley ensure your car insurance is aware of this problem.

Unfawkingbelievable!!!

[uncbeers]

Wonder what happens if we don't get anymore snow? Wonder if the rain would also do it?

Also, any chance of getting evidence via the phone if it happens again? A video clip of the problem seems like a good thing to have for those who never see it actually happen.

[The Rever]

Wow...I would definitley ensure your car insurance is aware of this problem.

Unfawkingbelievable!!!

Hmm. I hadn't even thought of that. I imagine that would make my insurance go up, wouldn't it? And I'll have to pay for it. Double hmm. . .Gotta do it.

[The Rever]

Also, any chance of getting evidence via the phone if it happens again? A video clip of the problem seems like a good thing to have for those who never see it actually happen.

When it happens again, I will video it. I meant to last time, but it was in a blizzard and in a very dangerous situation on the side of a freeway. With all the other cars whizzing by in the storm, it wasn't a good idea. Too risky.

[G37 Man]

don[QUOTE=The Rever]When it happens again, I will video it. I meant to last time, but it was in a blizzard and in a very dangerous situation on the side of a freeway. With all the other cars whizzing by in the storm, it wasn't a good idea. Too risky.

don't deal with a Customer Rep,get to the North American Division Presidentof Nissan President and CEO Carlos Ghosn I think this is the #615-725-1000

[The Rever]

Well, I've got it--proof on video.

To be brief because it's late, it happened for a fourth time tonight. That's 19 days since the last episode. As ridiculous as this sounds, I have been keeping trip miles to a minimum out of fear that the next time it happens will cause an accident. However, since the weather was great--dry and warm--I decided to take it on the longest trip yet. I got the car in early January.

My wife and I drove about 1.8 hours from Longmont to Colorado Springs for a concert. At the very end of our return trip it did it again, lurching and bucking and refusing to go past 2300 rpms.

And there was no snow, no rain, no slick conditions at all. The temperature was about 47 degrees. After speeds of 60 - 80 mph on I 25, I was going about 53 mph on a straight away when it began. I wasn't braking, I wasn't turning, I was simply approaching my neighborhood with my foot resting on the accelerator.

Throw all the theories about snow and cold out the window.

I will upload the video tomorrow morning and post the site address. On the video you can clearly see the gauges, see the speed, see the rpm needle bouncing and refusing to go past 2300 rpms, you can hear the motor searching at idle, and sputtering when in D at 2300.

This is awful.
Modified by The Rever at 12:36 AM 4/15/2009

[G_whizz]

I can't believe the trouble you are having with this. I would seriously let your insurance know so they can help keep things documentd. I don't forsee your insurance going up (I know you were worried about that)

You need to go as high up as possible on the Infiniti ladder to get this recolved!! It is COMPLETELY unacceptable.

Please post the vid.

[The Rever]

I called my insurance company last week and informed them. My cost will not go up, and they have made a note about it in my file. In the event of an accident, they will take appropriate action.

Here's the link to the video. The web site will only accept a five minute video, so it cuts off at that point. When I restarted the car, everything returned to normal, including the idle at 850 rpms, it didn't sputter at 2300 rpms, and there were, of course, no warning lights.

http://s223.photobucket.com/al...b.flv

I am in contact with the tech rep at my dealership, and will shortly call Infiniti directly.
Modified by The Rever at 12:29 PM 4/15/2009

[pfarmer]

I called my insurance company last week and informed them. My cost will not go up, and they have made a note about it in my file. In the event of an accident, they will take appropriate action.

Here's the link to the video. The web site will only accept a five minute video, so it cuts off at that point. When I restarted the car, everything returned to normal, including the idle at 8500 rpms, it didn't sputter at 2300 rpms, and there were, of course, no warning lights.

http://s223.photobucket.com/al...b.flv

I am in contact with the tech rep at my dealership, and will shortly call Infiniti directly.

Just fishing, but do you always have your cell phone on and linked with bluetooth when this occurs. I know should not have anything to do with this but I am wondering because of something that was said to me by a tech about possible interference with the intellegent key circuit with an ongoing starting problem I am having. I have eliminated this as my problem by turning the phone off. My IPDM was replaced on Monday and yesterday the problem returned. This morning I was going to take it back to the dealer and of course everything worked. I have check grounds before starting and after starting, battery voltage before and after, etc.

Sorry about your problems with yours. You are worried about driving it and having it occur at that time. I am not in that boat, mine runs fine, just have to get it started first.

Perry

[G_whizz]

You said there was a weird smell? Can you recognize it? Not burning more "fluid" smell I assume?

I'm stumped...

[The Rever]

I'm not certain what the smell is. I only know that it's not normal and that it's not an oil burning smell. Could it be transmission fluid?

[SteveTheTech]

I've heard of something that has only happened a small handful of cars. A small crack in the exhaust near the downstream O2 sensor. In a location the effects the performance of the sensor. If the sensor input is altered the engine will sense that it is running super rich enough to where the computer has no idea what's wrong. Some of the techs who have come across this have been stumped because the symptoms mimic a fault in the MAF circuit and the HO2S2s and related circuits are often overlooked if they do not throw a hard fault. Sometimes you need to go back to the basics.

Rever- Great video I'm sorry it has to happen to you but that video should show the involved parties exactly what you are experiencing and the ability to email it to them for viewing on their own time is brilliant.

[The Rever]

Thanks for your help, guys.

I will copy your posit to my service guy.

Tomorrow (Tuesday, April 21) I have a ride-along with the regional tech rep. Along with the techs at the dealership, he poured over the car a month and a half ago without finding anything wrong.

I will post what goes on with him.

[The Rever]

I just heard from the dealership and the regional tech rep.

After again finding nothing out of line through the computer diagnostics (as they did over a month ago), the tech nevertheless downloaded and applied two new software updates. One will hopefully better regulate the air-flow to the car (same as the Canadian issue), and one will smooth-out the decelerating gear change from third to second, something many owners have complained about. Both software updates have become available in the last month.

The regional rep noticed the abruptness or jerkiness of the gear change from third to second while driving my car, and took it upon himself to make the update. I appreciate that. Further, he did the 3,750 mile service to the car, since it’s now at about 3,100. He used ester oil, and recommends it for the life of the car. He said that if I used synthetic, it will work fine but the engine will sound a bit louder. There was no charge for this service, and I appreciate that.

There have been four “episodes” that I have had with the car in the three months I’ve had it, so the clock has started. I suspect I will not be at ease until a few months have gone by.

My deep thanks to the members of this forum. Because of the information I have found here, as well as your helpful suggestions, I directed them to the Canadian issue and video taped the most recent occurrence in my car. Those two things convinced them to move aggressively. I suspect nothing would have happened as yet were it not for you.

I’ll post back if something happens—God forbid.

[The Rever]

I’m glad to have my car back, but I’m knocking on my dashboard (wood) that the problem will not happen again.

Here’s how the paperwork reads:

VEHICLE CUTS OUT WHILE DRIVINGDTS TT INSP VEH FOR INT LOSS OF PWR. NOT DUPLICATED AT THIS TIME. RPM ECM WITH LATEST AVAIL SFTWR. TEST DROVE 150+ MILES

MISC JOBS – Z9999

Now about the software update that addresses the rough deceleration from third to second gear (at about 22mph), my initial impression is OUTSTANDING. It is now nearly impossible to detect! All vehicles now coming off the assembly line have this software, of course. If you don’t have it, get it the next time your car is in for service—at least if this is a problem in your car. I’m very pleased by it.

[uncbeers]

for you...hope it was that easy to fix for your sake!

[Warpkor]

I hope your car issues have been resolved. Just one thought after viewing the video. It looked like your fuel gauge was close to reading empty when you recorded the problems. Wondering if the low fuel gauge sensor could have any thing to do with the symptoms.

[pfarmer]

I hope your car issues have been resolved. Just one thought after viewing the video. It looked like your fuel gauge was close to reading empty when you recorded the problems. Wondering if the low fuel gauge sensor could have any thing to do with the symptoms.

My understanding is the gauge sensor itself would not be an issue, however I was thinking along the lines of what would occur based on tank contamination and how that plays with low tank levels.

Hopefully his problem is fixed. Nothing worst than the unknown.

Perry

[barcza]

My 09 G37x sport just had the same issue for the first time today.

I fixed it temporarely by undoing and re-connecting my positive battery cable.

Yo Rever, whats the latest news on your G37 with a big problem?

barcza

[Kendahl]

Intermittent problems like this are very hard to diagnose. By the time a technician gets to look at the car, the symptoms, which are all he has to work with, have disappeared.

The next time this happens, I suggest you leave the car running. If you are near the dealer and can limp there safely, do so and leave the car running outside the service department while you have them send out a technician. If getting it there on your own isn't feasible, call them for a flat bed tow truck and leave the engine running during the tow.

This isn't to prove you have a problem; by now, I'm sure they believe you. It's to let the technician diagnose the car while it is actually misbehaving.

[kmckis1029]

now that its on video hopefully you wont have no problems with them anymore... plus you have a running dairy here...

[Steely]

I have just had the exact same problem tonight with my 09 G37x. Traveling 40-50 mph and suddenly starts jerking and slowing. Pulled over and car wouldn't move past the same 2400 rpms and just kept jerking. Called roadside assistance and turned car off about 30 minutes. Restarted and seemed fine but since 30 degrees and 845 pm had towed to dealer. Any updates on your situation that may offer me some hope?

[Kenrik]

2400 RPM is the ECU "Safe Mode"
You have a bad/loose sensor.

[redbaronk]

Doesn't the vdc in our cars do something with the engine rpm when the car detects slipping? Isn't it supposed to cut throttle or reduce engine output?

[The Rever]

It’s been a while since I’ve visited—sorry for the delay.

The VDC does drop the rpms, but only for a moment; it does not lock them down. The problem is something else.

The problem my ’09 was having has been resolved with new software and a re-flash of the ECM. (See my post above for more information.) I have not encountered that problem again. I’m not certain that I’m glad to have been the test guinea pig for their laboratory, but it was what it was.

To barcza and Steely, I suggest you point your technician either to this thread or to the need of re-flashing the ECM with the latest software. You might also suggest they call Infiniti of Denver (800.662.6200) and talk with Eric or Mark (techs) about this issue. Both have history with my car. PM me if you’d like to use my name.

Frankly, there were quite a few problems with my car which, happily, have been rectified. The entire steering column had to be replaced (nasty squeak—it was a known issue), the drivers’ seat bottom had to be replaced (broken weld), there was a squeak in the dash (where it meets the windshield—known issue) and a rattle in the sunroof. I didn’t expect this when buying. To their credit, Infiniti has treated me well, from corporate to dealership.

And then there’s the whole saga of when a deer decided to kill herself on my car while I was traveling at 60 mph. That meant over $7,000 in repairs. Did you know that a headlight assembly costs $900? None of it related to Infiniti (of course), but it all added up to a tumultuous first year of ownership.

I recently replaced the OEM tires (24,000 miles) with Michelin Pilot Sport A/S Plus. To me, they feel a just tad more firm, and do well in the twisties and on snow.

I love the car.

[chris01i30]

Someone on another forum (my g 37) brought up an interesting point....MAF sensor.

On my 01 i30 a bad MAF would cause the car to not get over a certain RPM (I think it was 2000). If most of your issue seemed to arise during wet/damp weather, makes you wonder if the MAF somehow got polluted with water or humidity. That would explain why the car would work again after sitting for a time, for the moisture to evaporate.

Oddly enough, the fix on my 01 was a new MAF and.....you guessed it....an ECU flash.

[KiwiCameron]

Rever, you are not alone. I have a 2009 G37xS that had this same problem and my service dealership is Infiniti of Denver as well. I first had this problem in March of 2010 (I mentioned it on a different forum here).

Here they are towing away my 3 months old G37 the first time...


The funny thing is that the guys at Infiniti of Denver said they had never seen anything like it before and could offer no solution. In my case it only happened twice and hasn't happened since, I really don't know what they did to it the second time.

I'm amazed at the BS you went through, and kind of pissed at the thought that they knew someone else was having the same issues yet told me mine was an isolated incident.

Cameron

[ADiamond75]

Rever, you are not alone. I have a 2009 G37xS that had this same problem and my service dealership is Infiniti of Denver as well. I first had this problem in March of 2010 (I mentioned it on a different forum here).

Here they are towing away my 3 months old G37 the first time...


The funny thing is that the guys at Infiniti of Denver said they had never seen anything like it before and could offer no solution. In my case it only happened twice and hasn't happened since, I really don't know what they did to it the second time.

I'm amazed at the BS you went through, and kind of pissed at the thought that they knew someone else was having the same issues yet told me mine was an isolated incident.

Cameron

Wait wait wait ..... sorry to be off topic, but they make a g37xS?

[chris01i30]

Yes, coupe or sedan.

If you go to infinitiusa.com you can equip your own G, coupe or sedan, AWD with sport package.

The sport package on the sedan, though, is watered down. No big brakes, etc.