Q45 Jerks and stalls --and MORE please help -newbie

[maddieQ]

Hi ,I recently bought a Q45, 1994 with 140 K. I really liked the car then. I'm getting doubtful of its worth now. Of late I see that the CAR has started jerking when the gears shifts.

Recently the cas is bucking and stalling. Especially at 75 mph on the freeways. Sometimes at lights the car suddenly shudders as though someone had bumped into it from the rear (has made me look over the shoulders many times now). Today , the car was bucking as though it had gone wild and finally stalled.

This is wierd because it does not happen all the time. I have seen the posts with similar problems Please help me out.

thanks-M

[Mr.Q45a]

Hi

I sounds like you may have a lose MAF sensor connection. A bad MAF connector is a common problem with the Qs.

This is an easy fix (replace the connector) and there many other posts on the subject.

I would try this first.

[elwesso]

I agree on the MAF. do you have any humming coming from the rear??? could also be the fuel pump!

[maxnix]

If the MAF connector doesn't fix it, please include a maintenance hsitory.

As you read the previous posts, you will be able to determine what deferred maintenance on your car needs to be performed. Driving it till it breaks will get very expensive very quickly. Start with the dealer performed service history and add what you have done along with any records of non-dealer performed maintenance.

You might get your toes wet by starting in the Infininti Articles forum.

Welcome to our vault of knowledge.
Modified by maxnix at 7:35 AM 6/14/2005

[maddieQ]

I had cleaned the MAF and the throttle just as explained in the DIY sections. That was a couple of days ago. I did notice an improvement in the idling though.

I live in the bay area, CA. Can anyone direct me to a good mechanic nearby.Your help is greatly appreciated.

I really like this car and would like to get it back in action.

Thanks-M

[maxnix]

Bay area mechanics are a tough find. If you are in South Bay, I seem to recall BadQ45t has a Z shop guy who works on his car. Might search his or the other posts. Use the work mechanic, search in the body, search the archives, and search this forum and Infiniti General.

[96Qowner]

It sure does sound like a MAF problem. You've cleaned it, so the next thing to do is to clean the connector. The contacts get corroded and the MAF's cleaning "burn cycle" stops working, hence the need to clean the MAF itself. Carefully (it's a bit tricky) unplug the connector and clean up the contacts on both sides. Apply some dielectric grease to keep it clean and plug it back in. Another fix is to get a new connector from Joe at Everything Nissan Infiniti 1-888-216-5328.

There's also a chance that your Fuel Pump Controller is going bad (search for FPCM) , but from my own experience (I replaced my pump and controller first) it's probably MAF-related.

[Mr.Q45a]

Hi

I should have been more descriptive in my suggestions.

Thank you, 96Qowner for elaborating.

Best regards,

[Jesda]

http://car-part.com -- Save yourself the trouble and get a used MAF. 90-94 MAFs are the same.

[guadofreak]

I had your same problems. I did EVERYTHING under the sun to fix the problem and finally broke down and bought a MAF. I have loved my car 100% more than before ever since.

[maddieQ]

Thanks for you replies. Misery loves company :-). I think the MAF is the problem too. I have been browsing the posts like mad and the more I read about your experiences all fingers poin to a defective MAF.

Now, Where can I find one?

Question.. I bought the car when the weather was kinda cool i did not see any problems then..Its onle recently when the weather has changed to a hotter condition [amb temp 70-80] i have seen this behavior. Do you think its related to temperature?

One more Newbie question .. there is a fan that is in the front of the car .I have never seen this in action is this normal? what is the use of this fan?

Today I drove the car for an Hour on the freeway. Smooth jazz. Didnt feel a thing. ...

Thanks a bunch. All. I'll be posting more Qs [ Pun intended ;-) ]

[Jesda]

Regarding the MAF, I got mine used at http://www.car-part.com for $50 shipped. Since its an electronic component, theres a pretty good chance that a used one will last you a long time.

Otherwise, a new one will run you a few hundred bucks.

Replace OEM air filters regularly to keep the MAF from being damaged by debris.

[94q45t]

Had the same thing on my 94Q. Definitely the MAF connector on mine. With the engine idling, try jiggling and see if the engine stalls or runs rough. Cleaning or replacing will solve the problem. Also, service life on fuel pumps seems to be about 125,000. They hum when they're going bad, otherwise are very quiet.

[elwesso]

Had the same thing on my 94Q. Definitely the MAF connector on mine. With the engine idling, try jiggling and see if the engine stalls or runs rough. Cleaning or replacing will solve the problem. Also, service life on fuel pumps seems to be about 125,000. They hum when they're going bad, otherwise are very quiet.

Good information indeed.....

[Q451990]

My MAF failure on Q1 was definately temperature sensitive... it only showed up in ambient temps. over 95F.

Heath