maloy

I wanted to get some feedback on what the possible problem with my G37x may be. For the last 15,000 miles I have been getting pretty fed up with my car's persistent issues that cause it to go into 2,500 RPM limp mode. It all started at 60,000 miles, and at that time the problem was blown gaskets and the dealer also replaced valve covers. The problem resurfaces just days after I got it back, and at that time it was the solenoid that needed replacement. Then a few months later again - this time the ECU. Shortly after that it went into the limp mode for the 4th time, but did not have the CEL on, so they just reset something.

Well it has been ok for a few months now, and bam - its in 2,500 RPM limp mode again with a CEL light. There has got to be something wrong with the car that the dealer has not figured out yet - and I am growing less inclined to trust them. I haven't taken it to the dealer yet, but now I am considering contacting corporate or possibly consulting the lemon law in my state.

I owned the car since new by the way, and was very timely with all necessary service and maintenance.

What would be your suggestion? Argue with Infiniti to do a thorough repair and replace key drivetrain components? This has now made me lose all trust in the reliability of Infinitis and the brand in general, as much as I like the car (when it works).

mathnerd88

iTrader: (1)

I don't think lemon law applies here since the issue started 60k miles...you have a limit to when the lemon law applies. I believe the car had to be driven less than a certain number of miles and has to be repaired quite a few times.

Your issue isn't very common, and i suggest you call Infiniti Corporate and explain the situation. Perhaps they can send you a new motor or something if you are persistent. Perhaps you should try another dealer.

Just wondering, was there anything that you did to the car before these issues started happening? Was it in a big storm, or did you hit something, or did you touch/modify the engine in any way?

blnewt

iTrader: (13)

I would contact Infiniti corporate and explain exactly what's been done to the car, although they should have access to all your work via VIN#. They may be able to send a specialist to your dealer and give it a thorough going over. If I were in your shoes I'd also distrust the brand and be pretty pissed. You don't hear about major issues w/ these cars very often so keep the faith They may be able to get you into a new G for a great deal too if you keep that option open. At any rate, good luck!

maloy

No nothing done to the car and never any damage. The very first time it happened (gaskets/valve cover replaced) was during an especially hot period of the summer - 90/100 degree weather, not something a modern car should have issues with. Two other times, including a recent one were days after a timely oil change.

Technically all 4 times, including this most recent one the CEL codes were all different and showed different (unrelated?) issued. But it is very hard to believe that it is a coincidence. I am no tech, but my wild guess would be there is a bigger problem with the engine or major component of it, which are causing issues to other parts that end up being replaced without fixing the cause.


They just came back with the most recent diagnosis, and said that the code (P0021) is related to timing, but nothing seems to indicate any actual malfunctions. I have no idea, so if someone knows anything about it, info would be appreciated. It seems all they are planning to do is reset it, drive my car for a bit and see if it comes back. Again, not something that inspires a lot of trust, especially toward the end of the warranty life.



I guess I have been too soft with Infiniti, and will need to get more serious and talk with corporate if nothing is fixed. Even if it is a computer that keeps throwing erroneous CELs, something has to be replaced here.

ncguy

P0021 refers to cam shaft timing issues, typically in bank 2 of the engine. It could mean anything from replaces a couple of sensors or changing some trashy oil to breaking the engine apart and replacing a camshaft. Obviously, replacing the camshaft can be an expensive proposition.

ncguy

The official description...

This mechanism hydraulically controls cam phases continuously with the fixed operating angle of the intake valve.

The ECM receives signals such as crankshaft position, camshaft position, engine speed, and engine coolant temperature. Then, the ECM sends ON/OFF pulse duty signals to the intake valve timing control solenoid valve depending on driving status. This makes it possible to control the shut/open timing of the intake valve to increase engine torque in low/mid speed range and output in high-speed range.

The intake valve timing control solenoid valve changes the oil amount and direction of flow through intake valve timing control unit or stops oil flow. The longer pulse width advances valve angle. The shorter pulse width retards valve angle. When ON and OFF pulse widths become equal, the solenoid valve stops oil pressure flow to fix the intake valve angle at the control position.