Infiniti G35 Maintenance and Repair

jontur

I've got a 2000 323ci bmw and its righton. The 2003 accord and its always a couple degree's off.Can't wait to find out how the G35's works

cleancars

I had similar problem (2003 4dr/6spd manual); it became worse and finally the gauge could not go higher than 3/4 to 7/8. The dealer replaced the sub-fuel sending unit. It is working ok now.

cleancars

I cannot play/insert/eject any CDs, I just get an error message "CD ER FOUND". Is anybody else having similar problem?

ryoken

I've had that problem 3 times, only the message was "CD ERR F0". The solution was to have the dealership swap the headunit out with a new one, then ship the old one off to Clarion so they could extract my cd's and send them back to the dealership. Call, don't drop by -- they have to order a new unit, Clarion doesn't allow them to keep any in-stock, even though it's a rather common problem.

cleancars

I called the dealer today; they will swap it with a new one but as you suggested they have to order one first. I was surprised to hear the Bose is a Clarion. If this is a frequent failure, however, it should be addressed with a redesign. I am concerned on what it would happen when the warranty expires.

cjs2002

it also depends on if your putting in CDRs into the cd player... some are made cheaper and are actually thiner than others ... though not by much they are enough for the cars to not read them and see them as an error... if you are using CDRs in it try burning with a differnt brand it may help my uncle had this problem and his cds got stuck they told him to use differnt burned cds and it hasn't messed up since

jayivy

You may want to make sure no one is trying to steal the small Infiniti caps. I can't see why the wheel would crack around there. Do you see any scrapes that appear to come from a sharp object? I live in Chicago and people are always stealing the car logo from the wheels. Take notice to this.

will38

The clatter underneath your car could be a loose heat shield. I just had my G35 coupe in for this problem. It would only do this at low rpm's when it was cold. I took a G35 coupe out for a test drive before I bought mine and it had the same rattle. But, this one was warm. The dealer had one coupe to test drive and I had to wait until two other potential buyers finished their drives. I hope this helps.

ryoken

They did redesign it. The '04 advertises a newer unit that changes faster. They refuse to put them on '03 cars, however, and I'm not sure if it fixes the problem. I get the impression that Clarion still doesn't consider it a design flaw.

The CDR thing is bull. Even though the manual clearly states that the player doesn't support them, I think they're just using it as a scapegoat at this point. I've never even put CDR's in my unit, just store-bought audio CDs, and it's jammed plenty.

My three replacements all occured within about the first 4 months of ownership. I haven't had a problem with the current unit for about a year now... knock on wood.

fini

Recently purchased the G35 sports coupe in Houston, TX, and was unable to locate an address in Katy (Cinco Ranch) using the new Nav system. Both yahoo maps and mapquest (free services) had the subdivision and address. The dealership said no updates were currently available. Why are free websites more up to date than my $2,000 accessory?
Any advice would be greatly appreciated. Other than that, I love my new car.

dklanecky

Updates are available from the company:

http://www.zenrin.com/

Check the version of the DVD that is in your car to see if you have the most current data.

The web site for Zenrin clearly shows the level of detail available depending on where you live. I think that the data on the Zenrin product is far more accurate and reliable than the free map services (at least in my experience over the last year).

fjm1

I don't care if the car has a temp guage, but if it has it, it should work properly.

norbert44

I had this sensor go bad after several months of ownership. It's reading was way off. The dealer replaced the sensor.

 After some 4 months of reliable service, the unit started acting up again: The temp here was close to 100, but the reading was 80 and stayed there for an hour while driving the car. Coming home, the unit "woke up". The reading started to climb until (one hour later) it finally made it to 95, almost to the correct temperature.

Since then, the weather has cooled off considerably but the readings are still not quite right, thou close enough most of the time. However, the sensor is very slow (after coming out of the garage) at times. Anyone else with similar experience?

BTW, the mechanic at the dealer told me that these are cheap thermometers and expected to be erratic.

knr5

I wonder if anybody has had their compass conk out. Mine has. My 2003.5 G35 6MT has just over 10 k miles on it and is about a year old. It initially started malfunctioning after my last service (oil change) with the Infiniti dealer last Friday. It would not show North! Unfortunately I noticed this several miles away from the dealership. I called the service department and finally got the guys to give me their reset routine. Both my wife and I gave the routine a good try -- no dice! Finally, apparently in protest, the whole compass display just shut off!:) It suits me fine, I would rather have nothing on display than an irritating erroneous direction indicator. However, I suppose I better get it fixed (my car is on 39 month lease). I will go back to the dealer (about two hours away) in about three months and I can get it taken care of at that time. Or, I can take it to the Nissan dealer in town and have him try to fix it.
What do you guys think I should do?

carnaught

It doesn't hurt to ask your Nissan dealer, does it?

wibble

Nissan dealers can't do Infiniti warranty work. Infiniti NA won't pay for it.

knr5

Thank you all for your quick responses. I will get the Infiniti guys to do it -- it does not bother me right now. I will check out Freshalloy boards also -- it has been some time since I visited them.

airwolfe04

Took G to dealership concerning paint on the drivers side quarter panel, well looks like they did basically a touch up of a deep scratch that they were not able to buff out. I guess this is a common thing that occurs with the transportaition/freight/delivery of the vehicle:( The whole quarter panel was not painted it was just basically "wet sanded" and basically belended in that small area. The clear coat they actually had to put over the whole quarter panel. Supposedly leagally the car dealerhsips do not have to disclose any touch ups that only cost them less than $500 dollars to fix(Varies from state to state):( I guess that is ok, but this was my first ever "New Car" purchase and I did not realize this was a fairly common occurance! So in summary they are going to basically cut away the small "fish eyes" buff and fix the clear coat and they tell me it will look good as new! Guess I will be the judge of that! Good thing is that they gave me a loner vehicle with a full tank of gas and I can return it on empty:)

g35owner

I have about 1,700 miles on my G35x. I am averageing between 17-18 mpg driving moderately agressively about 70% highway using premium fuel. Can anyone share their mileage experiences?

snagiel

On my 6sp coupe...
23-24 mpg highway
16-20 mpg city

wh9

I get 19 - 20 city
26-28 highway using regular 87 octane

texascoupe

Noticed your problem with the DVD software. I recently updated the software that came in my 2003 coupe. A major Dallas tollway that has been open for over two years was not even on the update. The software has a long way to go to beat "Mapsco" and similar publications anywhere but the West Coast. It seems that the center of the US is not too important to the sellers of the software. Save your money and buy a map!!

opimax

I have an 03 coupe with a problem more than a few seem to have. I can not stop the heat from my car in the vents. I am being told it is normal by my dealer. I believe that mine is worse than other but happens in many cars. I am wondering how many others are having this issue. I post alot in the FA forum and their seems to be at least some people that are responding but not everybody. I can't draw a conclusion that people do not notice and it is every car (both sedan and coupe , mine is a coupe) or some cars have this issue and others don't. It only seems to happen when it is warm outside so It shouldn't be just engine heat because that is year round. I just can't explain it but it certainly ruins a nice cruise with windows down and sun roof open on a nice twisty road.

Mark

carnaught

Try pushing the recirc button on the dash and see if that stops it, even with the climate control off.

Some cars have a red/blue colored wheel or switch on the center vent, that with adjustment/rotation toward the blue will stop warm air.

opimax

I have tried all the tricks that peole have suggested, cooling the vents down with AC, recirc, lowering the temp before turning it off, any combo of switch settings not using the AC, plugging holes under the hood, praying to the god of cool air (I must not live right ). nothing works. I am not the only one but I can't tell if it plagues many or a few

Mark

719b

maybe this problem is as simple as the heater stuck in the open position. take it to the dealer. it's under warranty

carnaught

Well, I've had other issues with the car but that's not one of them. How wide spread is this problem? anyone know?

sjk2575

I have the same problem with leg-sweating heat. Of course, the dealer told me it's normal. But, I believe it's poor design or mistake in designing the inside of the car. Try this, drive with only sunroof fully tilt-open on cool day, 60-70 degree outside. You will feel heat invading from under the steering wheel column. It gets worse after you use A/C. Look under the steering wheel and what a good insulation you have there, nothing but bare metal. I had Oldsmobile, Toyota, Hyundai, Mazda... and never had a problem like this. This is a poor design creating an akward air flow inside of cabin.

knr5

Mine is a 2003.5 G35 6MT. I guess I am averaging around 22-23 mpg overall. I have had the G for about a year. I get 18-21 in the city depending on the season (short commute, but not much idling in traffic) and 26-27 on the highway. I use premium fuel. My driving style is sensibly quick, with occasional rushes of blood!:)
I guess I am fairly satisfied with the mileage -- it is close enough to the 22 city 27 highway EPA rating.

seth4man

Hey

I pick up my G35 6MT in two weeks. Despite my efforts, I have been unable to find winter tires for the rear wheels (245/45-18). Has anybody been able to find winter tires? If not, what have you all done to make your G35 able to go in the snow?

snagiel

Indeed, it's hard finding winter tires in 18"s and bigger. I plan on buying a set of 17" wheels with winter tires pre-installed, and just swapping out the wheels as needed. Should save some time and money over the long run, and (slightly) improve winter handling as well.

b718

I can't tell what I get between city and highway driving. But I usually get anywhere from 350-375 mile on a tank before the little orange light comes on. Its been anywhere from 20.5 to 23.0 miles per gallon. I was using 89 octane but I have recently switched to 93 for the last four or five tanks. Does this sound like what most are getting? I'm starting to think my right foot is made of solid lead because I'm not even close the the 26 or 27 miles like some say they get.

snagiel

I wouldn't worry about it. Fuel efficiency has a number of variables involved. To maximize yours:

- Accelerate gradually and slowly (tough with this car)
- Don't go much faster than 60-65 (also tough with this car)
- Keep tires properly inflated
- Do not use roof rack or other aerodynamic hindrances
- Keep speed constant
- Lay off the AC
- Drive downhill, with a tailwind

With these tips, you'll be lapping 30mpg in no time...

ryoken

- Drive downhill, with a tailwind... in neutral, with the engine off...

clay2000nc

2003 G35 MT6 with 14,000 miles. Backroad NC roads and highway combination at 24 mpg.

jmicky

I could never get my "exit assist" feature to work on my 2003 6mt sedan. I asked the dealer about it during my last oil change and they couldn't figure it out either. They asked me to come back when they had a loaner available. After 4 days they contacted Infiniti who said that manual trans cars aren't equipped with this feature. I showed them my window sticker and it clearly shows it as part of the premium package; and that I should contact consumer affairs. Well after a month consumer affairs said they will give me $199 dollars. I said this isn't enough considering this is a $3200 package. They said that is all they can/will offer. They even turned down my request for a couple oil changes for my time ( the dealership is 65 miles each way). According to them I am not entitled to anything and the $199 is a "good will gesture". My friends think that I should contact a lawyer. What do you think? If I had known that this feature wasn't included I would have bought a non-premium package car and saved the money.

eticketride

I would take the money and run. Yes, they made a mistake, but at least they offered a real solution for your problem. I'm not sure what else is included in the premium package, but did you really buy the premium package just for the exit assist? If you did, then I understand why you are upset. I have the sedan w/exit assist. It is on all the time. If I had the choice of it or $200, I would have taken the money. In addition, I think a lawyer would just add more frustration to the situation, especially for $3000. I know this doesn't help, but $200 can buy 5 oil changes (assuming $35/oil change). Anyways, you have to decide how much effort and frustration you are willing to deal with. But I don't think Infiniti will do anything more for you. Is there an aftermarket exit assist motor that can be installed? Good luck.

wibble

Oh come on! The premium package includes a power moonroof, Bose audio, auto on/off headlamps, homelink, auto dimming mirror, memory seats, dual zone climate control, rear air vents and reclining rear seat backs and you're telling us you only bought it for the exit assist?

robertr

I recall knowing when I ordered mine in November 2002 that the "exit/assist" did not come with 6MT models with or without premium package. I got the premium package because I wanted the Bose, sunroof, etc. and all the other stuff in the package all came for about $1000 or less more than separately ordering sunroof and Bose. I think this is trying to create an issue where there isn't one.

jmicky

Well considering that 99% of the time I drive alone and that the rear seat heat, dual climate control, reclining rear seats,auto rear windows, power passenger seats, were of no interest to me since I almost never have a passenger; let alone passengers in the rear seat. Also I am 6'4", so the exit assist was a welcome feature. To me the apealing features were the rear-view mirror with homelink, sunroof, bose and the exit assist. Two of those features I could have had separately. That is why to me $199 isn't satisfactory compenstion.

robertr

The rear seat heat is the other thing besides the exit assist that cannot be had with the 6MT. My point is I read the brochure and researched the car so I knew this before I ordered it. Had you done the same, you would have known you had to choose which was more important to you - exit assist vs manual transmission.

The 6MT choice modifies certain other options like the premium package and changes things like the console, just as adding the "winter package" adds some things and changes or deletes some things otherwise standard. I'm really surprised they offered you $199. I thought the all-automatic windows, auto dimming rear view mirror, homelink, power passenger seat, etc. was a pretty good deal for only a grand more than the Bose and sunroof separately and that most of it would come back at resale.

Overall, I love the car and think it's a great value for my money, too. There is nothing else under about $80K I would rather be driving right now.

jmicky

I never could get a hold of a brochure, but when you look at the window sticker and see something on it - it should be on the car.

opimax

maybe not for everybody else! It seems to be worth more than 199 to him. I would ask if he would rather take the car back and get something else if that was a choice?? If not I would try to discus w/the dealership 1st and Infiniti 2nd to get satisfaction. The surveys from JD power and from the Infiniti mean a lot to the right people .....

Mark

seltz

Agree that you should take the money, but also make sure your complaint is heard loud and clear.

By the way, I understand your frustration. My G35 has the SAT button on the stereo, but is not pre-wired for satellite radio - a dissapointment. And, although that wasn't a "deal breaker", it's still annoying that you just make this big investment in a car, and a "nice-to-have" feature is missing.
 
When I complained about the SAT button, they (Infiniti Consumer Affaris) actually offered me the "free" oil change package as a resolution. But, I had already added that $10/month option to my lease, so "oh well"

Good luck!

alkanx

Hi all, test drove a 2004 Infiniti G35 last night, I felt shimmy (steering wheel vibration) around 70 mph cruising, car only had 20 miles on the odometer, I even showed it to the sales person, he said that might have been the wheel balance – seems strange on the brand new car though! I have a 2003 Acura CL-S, was thinking about trading for G35 but would like to hear from G35 owners, this shimmy nuisance might have put me off…!!!

Regards,
Shawn.

chrisboth

They overinflate the tires on the truck to keep the flatspotting away. POssily they are overinflated as most dealers dont think about this stuff. Also the alignements can get screwed up when they strap these things to the truck. IF you buy it they will/ should align it. There should be no shimmy at much higher speeds. Drive another one that has been properly prepped if you can.

adpcs

I dropped my car off this morning for service, and was given an '04 G35 to drive. I shifted into manual shift mode, and was pleasantly surprised that the manual mode works the way that it is supposed to. Once you reach a stop, it shows '1' on the display, and allows you to control the upshifts. On my '03, the display remains at whatever gear you had the car in, and then from a stop, it goes into automatic mode on its own. I called the dealership, and they said there was a design change from '03 to '04 on the manual shift. Does that sound right? I am p/o'ed about that because I can't even use my manual shift. It's stupid!
Help, someone please confirm or deny my findings.

wibble

From memory (and I've driven a lot of these), there is no difference between the 03 and 04 as far as the transmission is concerned.

chrisboth

THere are 3 or more variations of the TCU program. some 04's have a change in the program to be like the coupe. Some have been taking thier car in and selecting the program that suits them best. Your dealer may look at you strangely but it can be done for around 59 bucks for the 30 -45 minutes.

adpcs

I can tell you for sure that there is a difference in the manual shift mode from '03 to '04. Like I said, when you are in manual shift mode in 5th gear, and come to a stop, the '03 remains in 5th gear (according to the display), and then when you start to accelerate, it acts like an automatic transmission. On the '04 that I drove, the display actually showed '1', and when you accelerated, you had to shift gears manually, it would not do it automatically. That is the way it should work. The dealer claims that they test drove another '03, and that is the way that it is supposed to be.
Chrisboth - Can you please explain the TCU thing in more detail. Does it work on the '03's?

Thanks.

Ashish