please help

[dnashing]

Hi I'm new to the site but I got the Q bug about 2 years ago and then bought a 94 a year ago. It's in pretty good shape, 200,000kms. When I first got it. It had low brake pad warning but the owner said it was the sensor. I read how to disable it but did not do it. Then head lights inopperative [drl] would flash once in awhile and the lights would flash but regular head lights worked fine so I neglected it. My wife went to work and when she started it head and interior lights where going dim and bright then slp,tcs,check engine,low battery ect where all flashing. They went out while driving and came on at stops, took it to a garage and they said ALT. Previous owner said ALT was new. I took it out for testing and it checks good and so did the battery. Pulled ECU out and got cod 55. Mode 1 with lan gave me code 22 I think. Do I have to take the car to Nissan for them to use consult or is there a cheap hand held 14 pin diagnostic tool out there? I woul greatly appreciate any help. This site is a gold mind of info.P.S. The car seems to run fine when lights are flashing Thanks again

[maxnix]

Deferred maintenance will come back to bite you big time!

Read about the cable and consult emulating software in the Q45 Forum.

Do not believe it will diagnose non engine parts, and while Nissan dealers may have the consult, they probably willnot have teh G50 cards needed.

[Q45tech]

The Factory Service Manual has methods that can be used to troubleshoot systems when a CONSULT is not available. Unfortunately without a Consult* it can take 10-20 times longer to zero in on problems.

* At minimum you will need a portable digital oscilloscope and an accurate 5 digit VOM and assorted back probes to sample waveforms and voltages.

Nothing wrong with needing a $5,000 tool to work on a $50,000 car, until the car depreciates and the tool doesn't.

Careful the ebay homemade software and USB cables that allows a computer to read some of the Consult functions doesn't work on transmission or LAN or ABS or TCS functions..............just reads a few engine functions at best.................better than nothing but just a supplement to the oscilloscope and vom.

[dnashing]

It sounds like I have to take it to the Infinity dealer.I have one more question...where is the daytime RLights modual,relay located,maybe that is the culprit? thank you

[fixer]

If your digital volt meter reads less than 14.2 volts at the battery with all loads off and engine idling, i would replace the alternator. we have a lot of problems with aftermarket replacements, be sure to get a factorey reman alt.

[dnashing]

thanks to everyone for your help. I have pulled the alt. again and thought I would get a third opinion ,or just buy the new $300 reman. japan.

[96Qowner]

Get the genuine Infiniti reman. As you've discovered, this is not an R&R you want to repeat often.

Non-Infiniti Q45 alternators do NOT have a good reputation with those in the know - they usually fail early when they work properly at all. The G50 requires almost all the juice the alternator provides - big power draw. A weak battery also stresses them.