Something is up with my '03. Hesitation type thing >>

[oroZ]

Hi everyone, I want to start by saying I really appreciate any help or suggestions you can offer.

I have an 03 M with about 38k on the motor (It was replaced by Infiniti before I bought her due to oil problem, chassis has 69k).

This problem JUST started happening as far as I can tell. This morning on my way to work, I sensed what seemed to be transmission slip in 5th gear on the highway. Motor would rev up about .5k past where it should, and quickly drop down to the proper rpm. I have not driven my car this past weekend, and it's very cold in Cleveland now.

So fast-forward to lunch time just an hour ago: I'm trying to see if I can reproduce the 5th gear problem, and to my delight, it seems fine. So just to be sure, I take the long way back to work and start making sure all is well.

I turn the VDC off to make sure if anything, it's not the TC getting in the way. I was horrified when I stepped on it 2nd gear. It barely moved. Then jerked forward fast (before I turned VDC off, it caused TC to turn on). I then went to an on-ramp and it was absolutely horrible. Jerking, gas seemed to go on and off. When it came on, it felt normal.

Finally, when I got to the parking lot, I tried a little test. I tried to hold the revs (in neutral) at 1,500. I could not do it. Every 3-4 seconds, it would drop to 1k, jump up past 1.5, and settle down again at 1.5 before it started all over again. So I cannot hold a steady idle.

Just as an FYI, my tank was close to E all weekend, and I just filled it up, but I dont know if that (being that it is cold) has anything to do with it.

[M45Caliber]

Two things -- you might want to move the question over to the tecnical forum -- top of the main page, click the far right tab (Nico Forums, then Technical, Then Infiniti on-line mechanic.

second thing -- might get some gas dryer... as if you leave your gas tank level low, it's possible to get condensation (AKA water) in the tank. In cold weather I always fill the tank when it's 1/2 down to minimize that problem. Anway get some HEET or similar and add it to your tank.

You might want them to check out the crank position sensor. Mine failed this year at 36K miles and I had similar issues - actually died on me a few times.

good luck -

[oroZ]

Thank you for the reply!

You won't believe this. I've certainly learned a valuable lesson about whom to trust with my car.

About four months ago I got an oil change at a quick lube drive through. It was cold and I was lazy, and I paid the price. They asked if I wanted a new air filter. I was surprised and asked them if they had one in stock, since it seems almost no one has them for the 03/04 M's. They said they did.

Cool! "OK so put it in," I say.

Well, looking in the airbox yesterday, I see a good 3-4" gap from the filter to the side of the box. THEY PUT THE WRONG SIZE IN!! And the gap was so obvious that there is no way they did not realize it.

Anyway, the sceen in front of the filter had all sorts of little debris, but nothing too crazy. It probably ended up being all the road salt and dust that went in there.

So we sprayed the sensor with the cleaner, picked out all the visible crap, and the second it fired up, it seemed like a new car again. 100% up to par, night and day.

So OMG don't trust 'em. I'm going to the dealer today to get a proper filter.

[CakeDaddy]

Wow! Music to my ears my man. I hope all is well from here on out. I read your post yesterday and I was worried for you. I don’t need to say this, but… please stay away from those quickie lube joints, especially with these M’s. This is why most of us advise against those aftermarket filters. These engines are sensitive(sp). I only run hi-octane gas, I use M1 synthetic(sp) oil and I recently used the BG44K kit. Good Luck and like I said earlier, I hope all is well.

[oroZ]

Agreed!! I was so relieved I was almost laughing!

I have certainly learned a lesson the easy way, and I sure won't be making that mistake again.

Thanks bro!

[szh]

You won't believe this. I've certainly learned a valuable lesson about whom to trust with my car.

About four months ago I got an oil change at a quick lube drive through. It was cold and I was lazy, and I paid the price. They asked if I wanted a new air filter. I was surprised and asked them if they had one in stock, since it seems almost no one has them for the 03/04 M's. They said they did.

Cool! "OK so put it in," I say.

Well, looking in the airbox yesterday, I see a good 3-4" gap from the filter to the side of the box. THEY PUT THE WRONG SIZE IN!! And the gap was so obvious that there is no way they did not realize it.

Anyway, the sceen in front of the filter had all sorts of little debris, but nothing too crazy. It probably ended up being all the road salt and dust that went in there.

So we sprayed the sensor with the cleaner, picked out all the visible crap, and the second it fired up, it seemed like a new car again. 100% up to par, night and day.

So OMG don't trust 'em. I'm going to the dealer today to get a proper filter.

You experienced a new (different) reason why we STRONGLY advise people to NOT go to those quickie oil places. Novices at work!

I'd check to see if they replaced your lower engine cover properly, by the way ... and put all the screws back in properly!

Far better to do oil changes yourself, or find a local shop who will allow you to supervise the work - even the gas stations have better, more experienced guys working there! I buy my oil from Kragen (Mobil 1 Synthetic 0W-40), the filter and crush washer from http://www.everythinginfiniti.com (they are an Infiniti dealership) and get it done at a local Precision Tune or Goodyear place in San Jose - have also used a local gas station guy who convinced me he could do the job properly!

I'd do it myself, except that the labor cost of $12 to $15 (although the Goodyear place now wants $20), plus them disposing of the oil, plus my lack of a place to raise my car safely, makes it worth my while to simply supervise their work instead!

Z

[szh]

Agreed!! I was so relieved I was almost laughing!

I have certainly learned a lesson the easy way, and I sure won't be making that mistake again.

Thanks bro!

Good!

Glad the problem was not irreversible damage.

Z

[M45Caliber]

AND -- get your oil changed IMMEDIATELY. there's no telling what your engine has injested and some of that makes it to the crankcase.

[oroZ]

AND -- get your oil changed IMMEDIATELY. there's no telling what your engine has injested and some of that makes it to the crankcase.

Good call. I'll do it this weekend... the right way!

[szh]

AND -- get your oil changed IMMEDIATELY. there's no telling what your engine has injested and some of that makes it to the crankcase.

A very good point!

Z