taking Q to the dealer......

[elwesso]

I am going to take my Q in to the dealer in the near future for a "tune up" (this gas mileage has to be fixed, it is killing me). What should I have done in regards to a tune-up? Not only is the gas mileage bad, but it seems kind of sluggish, like you can feel the power is there, but its not putting it out. I have heard that it can do burn outs, and I cant get mine to do that, so thats when I decided to take her in.

Thanks

[natsoundup]

You sound like you have a MAF problem.... be careful with that word tune up.... it could cost you 600 dollars or more......and it may be just a bad connection with the MAF...take it from somebody who paid through the nose three years ago..

.... they got me for a new MAF and two fuel injectors --$1600... to this day.. I swear it was a loose connection with the MAF.... of course that was well before I knew about this board.

[elwesso]

So could I just go out to my car and fiddle with the MAF?

I have heard things about plenum cleaning, TB cleaning, and things of that nature. Is that necessary? Also, would a rail flush with BG help?? How about spark plugs?? I am willing to fork over some dough to make this car run better.

[maxnix]

I am willing to fork over some dough to make this car run better.

May I suggest you "fork over" some time to read all the previous posts? It is really, bar none, the best investment any Q owner can make. You will then apply your bucks most wisely when you can specify the type of service to be done to your car, especially when you know how it should be done.

A lot can be done by an owner who is careful and understands what he is doing (females included).

[elwesso]

Ok, I'll read the posts. What would be some things that I should search for?

[airman]

Ok, I'll read the posts. What would be some things that I should search for?

q45 by q45tech :-)

[elwesso]

What are some things I could do at home?

[AZhitman]

You can do almost everything you need to do at home. DO NOT take it to the dealer for a "tune up" as this is a catchall phrase that will drain your wallet. Any parts can be bought from Joe at a fat discount.

TB cleaningPlenum cleaningIntake cleaningDecarbon valvesRail flush/injector cleaningMAF cleaningClean & grease MAF connectorNew filtersCheck resistance on all injectors (ask DAEDALUS)New plugs (buy from Joe or Sope and DIY or pay a shop)Change all fluids Check knock sensors (ask DAEDALUS)

Just go through the Infiniti mechanic forum and spend a few days reading, Wes. Once you're ready to start working, there's lots of support here. Enjoy

[elwesso]

Thanks so much. I dont have a service manual , so i am going to have to work off the posts. I dont think I'll be taking off the plenum (unless it is easy). I took a look under there, and there is so much stuff, i dont think id ever get it back on. When it gets warm, ill start doing some of that stuff.

I just finished my first DIY job on the Q- I fixed the stuck seatbelt. it was just all twisted up, and the tensioner was locked, so i just had to feed it in there, pull out and untwist.

Thanks again!

[AZhitman]

Wes - You can get the plenum pretty clean w/o removing it. When you pull the TB to clean it, you just need a skinny and flexible arm and a few washcloths soaked in carb cleaner. Do an intake cleaning (fogger) afterwars along with a valve decarb and you'll be OK.

[elwesso]

What about oxygen, and other sensors??? I have also heard that clogged cats can decrease mileage, do these clog or not?

Also, this week I am going to my lakes, where my relatives own a marina, and they have a nice shop. If I drive the Q, I will try and do some stuff, but wont have time to do a ton of stuff. What is some things i could do in say 3 hours?? I do not have a lot of underhood experience, but have worked on boats (small block chevys, and small engines). Thanks a lot!

[Q45tech]

The cats will only clog by overheating and melting as a result of the engine running very very rich.............sometimes associated with a leaking injector or MAF failure [either unit or connections].

[elwesso]

I edited my post from earlier, so if you could re-read that be great!

I forgot to add one thing: When the car is idling, there is a rattling noise from under the car. It sounds like an exaust mount or something like that, what do you think? It goes away when you give it gas, but when it is sitting around idle (600rpm) it just has this rattle.

[Q45tech]

Rusted worn seperated heat shields {install hose clamps to stop vibration].

[elwesso]

what does the heat shield look like?

[PalmerWMD]

they loo like a flat pressed sheet of steel along the exhaust or cats.They are betrween hot spots and the rest of the body.easy to spot when you are under the car.Eventually they tend to come loose.

Fred...

[eQlipse]

Quote »[i

I forgot to add one thing: When the car is idling, there is a rattling noise from under the car. It sounds like an exaust mount or something like that, what do you think? It goes away when you give it gas, but when it is sitting around idle (600rpm) it just has this rattle. [/quote]

I have the same rattling noise on my '97 Q. I hear it mainly at idle but occasionally when I take off from a stop. I thought it may have been a problem developing with the transmission.

Where are you in Indiana? I've found what seems to be a reasonable independant mechanic in the NW area.

[PalmerWMD]

When you hear a rattle like that its almost always :a) a heat shield orb) exhaust hanger orc) loose internals in the cat (only you rev it a bit)

Fred...

[elwesso]

I live in central indiana. I will be taking my car to the my relatives shop this weekend, so ill get to fix that rattle.

I was thinking..... My car is approaching the 120k milestone. What needs to be done at 120k? I just got the oil changed less that 200 miles ago, and the transmission fluid is good. What else needs to be done? Also, do you think that I can do this without the service manual?? All i have is tools, a friend or 2 to help, and pleanty of coke! I dont really want to get into something that I cant handle.

[PalmerWMD]

-rear diff: MOBIL1 or redline or AMSOIL GL5-Brake fluid: bet off the shelf fluid is ValvolineSynPower DOT3/4, MUCH better than the regular stuff for very little more. -Coolantsystem flush,(not just radiator drain) refill with 70% distilled (or deionized water) 1 bottle redline wetter water, rest (approx 26.5%) antifreeze-powersteering flush, (use MOBIl1 ATF, yes ATF)-lubricate the sunroof rails w/ silicon grease-have battery checked for free ( nothing kills an alternator like a weak battery)

Fred..

[elwesso]

Ok, how much should I expect to pay to have a dealer do all this stuff?

Also, do you think it is OK to go to an independant shop instead of a dealer? Would an independant shop be able to do these things??

[PalmerWMD]

These are all easy things, you can take to the lowest bidder, ie DIY for u and your buddies, or a cheap shop like a local tire place that advertises extra services (tip the tech).

Fred...

[greg_atlanta]

Ok, how much should I expect to pay to have a dealer do all this stuff?

Also, do you think it is OK to go to an independant shop instead of a dealer? Would an independant shop be able to do these things??

If the independent has worked on many Q45s before, it's worth a shot (but probaby not the case).

If you're at 120K then you need spark plugs, coolant, trans flush, etc. etc. etc. etc. etc. Expect to spend $1000-1500 at dealer.

Based on everything you've discussed in the past few weeks I think it's time to see the dealer.

[elwesso]

Thanks for the help..... I think ill start seeing if I can get a hold of a service manual from ebay or from http://www.books4cars.com . I think that I could do this stuff with the help of pictures!

Ill probably take it to the shop to the things that I cant do (ie coolant flush, stuff like that), and do the rest myself. I may just take it to the dealer to see what needs to be done.