New Q-45 owner

[Jesda]

DIY on the Q is why I refuse to work on my own vehicles anymore. I've been soured on it.

[Americain]

OK, last week when I finished putting in the last of my plugs I got in and started the car. I turned the key and for a moment nothing happened, then the starter engaged and the car came to life. This disturbed me a little as it had never happened with the Q before. Days later I got in to go to work and it wouldn't start at all. I got out and opened the hood to look at whatever I could find. Everything looked fine so I tried again...nothing. I thought it might be a good idea to see if it would start if I put the car into nuetral so I tried to move the shifter but it was locked in PARK. I then tried to start the car and the starter engaged! The car roared to life and I went to work and still arrived on time.

Here's what I think happened...by inadvertantly moving the shifter I made the locking mechanism make electrical contact for the starter. Does anyone else have any information or experience with this? Later that day I got into the car, it wouldn't start so I jiggled the shifter and then the starter worked just fine. Cause? Effect? My imagination? Thoughts?

[Haitian_King]

I was reading about that last week. I can't remember exactly where on the board. It might have been an archived thread.

It's not an uncommon problem. It was something about some sort of safety switch. Designed not to let the car start in gear.

Does your shift lock button allow your to shift with the car off?

[Americain]

Shane, I installed the 5 pin DIN plug into the back of the factory Bose head unit and it worked perfectly. I just activate the switch and the head unit goes dark but the Ipod plays beautifully. If I want to listen to the radio I have to turn off the new switch and hit the power button for the tuner. So evidently the 5 pin DIN works at least as well as the 8 pin, I knew that was a concern of yours. Many thanks.

[goody90q45]

Shane, I installed the 5 pin DIN plug into the back of the factory Bose head unit and it worked perfectly.

This is great news for all the 90-93 owners who will now be able to use an IPod or MP3 player with their stock Bose head units. Way to go Shane!

[Americain]

This is great news for all the 90-93 owners who will now be able to use an IPod or MP3 player with their stock Bose head units. Way to go Shane!

This is the unit in question...the Bose/Clarion PN-9486Q.



I did some research and sent Shane the schematic of the DIN connector and he successfully put together the needed wiring harness. Nice job.

[Americain]

Hi guys, it's been awhile so just blame it all on winter. Today was the first day I could actually work on the car. the weather was warm and the MAF sensor was my latest project. Thanks to Jesda's tutorial it all went smoothly but I haven't actually had a chance to take an extended road test. That's our update for now.

[jimbyjimb]

Your starter problem sounds like the nuetral safety switch (NSS). On most cars it's a breeze to change, but I'm not sure the exact location on the Q. Usually on the transmission. Never say always, some manufacturer will always manage to prove you wrong. Bet you'd find it if you did a forum search. This place is like an ancient pyramid, stories all over the place. Thank god for the "back" button or I'd be lost.

[Americain]

An update on the maintenance as it's been awhile. Had my oil changed a month ago and today had the pulley and tensioner replaced on the alternator belt. It had been making noise and almost seized up at one point. There's nothing like a smoking fan belt to get your attention. When disassembled the bearing looked like it been through WW III with ball bearings falling out and burn damage all over it. I expect my mileage and performance to increase a touch as well. And in a few days I'll replace the air filter. I'll let you know when I get some new tires.