Infiniti G35 Maintenance and Repair

cheerioboy26

Sorry to hear of your troubles. While most of us have all had an issue or two, you have had bad luck. I'm not sure what kind of escalation you are thinking of - lemon law type escalations (which vary by state) are generally for issues that don't get fixed, which you say is not the case here.

froze

My 2003 G35 has about 28,000 miles on it. My Bridgestone tires have about 6/32 tread left. At about 20,000 miles I started noticing I had to maintain steady left pressure on the steering wheel if I were on high crown, two lane roads. No problem on wide four lanes. Dealer re-aligned front end, but didn't help. Then at about 23,000 miles, started noticing an abnormal amount of what I think is tire noise. Could be a wheel bearing, but I doubt it. Dealer had previously told me that the individual ribs were wearing unevenly , but claimed the alignment was fine. I allways keep my tires properly inflated but do occasionally like to drive fairly fast on crooked roads, but to my mind, not fast enough to warrant these kind of problems. Would like to hear from anyone else experiencing these problems. Is there a solution other than buying new tires?

satobob

I purchased a 2003.5 G35/6MT in August 2003. The first 5,000 +/- miles were uneventful. Then the right front and right rear doors began to rattle, getting worse each week. The transmission began clashing randomly. My local dealer (I bought the car 650 miles away, as no 6MT's seemed ever to be available in the DC area) acknowledged the transmission problem, but considered the door rattles as normal. Numerous adjustments to the clutch over a 6 month period did no good. I tracked down a noise in the front of the car which is a faulty hood latch. The drivers seat rocks, and was supposedly repaired once. Last month, the driver's door began to creak at the window channel, and the window obviously does not enter the channel correctly.

I decided to take all of my problems to a second area dealer, that has acknowledged all problems, and even found another, which is a faulty master cylinder. The car is currently in their shop, less the transmission. The car is expected to be complete, and rattle free early next week.

This car follows six Honda products that I have owned over a period of 28 years. Of the six Honda's, one (79Accord) required 1 minor repair that was a defect. My 94 Vigor 5 speed with well over 150,000 miles is still very solid, and even has the original clutch.

The purpose of this post is not to extort the virtues of Honda, but instead to ask whether I dare keep this car when the warranty expires. The general impression that I get is that Nissan cut every corner possible in the production of this car. They have lost me as a future customer to be sure, but is there enough integrity in this vehicle to get 100,000 miles out of it? I am at 13,000.

Thanks for allowing me to vent.

cptnfoot

Thanks for answering one question but the 2nd remains to be answered: Are the lug patterns on the 16" wheels from Tirerack.com the same as the 17" wheels that came on the 2004 G35? I'd like to save a few hundred bucks.

wibble

Just call them and ask;

http://www.tirerack.com/about/contact.html

snagiel

When I said "they'll only offer you wheels that will fit your car," I was referring to all the specs: size, shape, offset, and lug pattern.

snagiel

I can imagine how frustrated you are. Since this issue isn't a manufacturer's one but a dealer one, another dealer will most likely not be able to help you. I'd suggest staying on top of the service manager at the dealer you bought from, and/or coordinating with your sales consultant there. If necessary, escalate to the manager of the dealership, and Infiniti customer service as well (800.662.6200). Persistence--with civility--usually pays off.

Good luck.

snagiel

It does indeed sound like you're having bad luck. If it's any consolation, Consumer Reports has rated the G35 as "very good," and I've had nearly 30k trouble-free miles so far (aside from a minor rattle).

Lemon laws, as cheerioboy mentioned, do vary from state to state, and generally apply only after the car has been in for service more than three times or so within a year for a persistent problem. See http://www.lemonlawamerica.com/ for more information.

goofyjon

When you set your headlight on auto mode, and you drive under the bridge or dark area, then the headlight will be on and your dashboard light will be dimmed for night mode. After you pass that area, light goes off and dashboard light will be daytime mode. You better check if that is this case.

rickc1

Turns out the service light that came on required new ECM software to be loaded into the engine computer system. It does seem that this car has had more than its share of troubles...hopefully it will level off soon. It's too bad, because the car is very nice and the service at the dealer is excellent.

By the way, the lemon law in California applies to cars that have been in three times for the same problem *or* those that have have been out of service for 30 days within 18 months. At this rate, I may hit the second qualifier

Thanks,
Rick C

alron

I have the same problem @ 32K miles, I did not believe the dealer so I took my car to a friend who is a certified technician and he told me that the problem was on the tires. Those tires wear too fast and more on the right side so it contributes to the problem. By the way I researched the Original tires and they cost about $125 each, no including installation..So I'm still researching for substitute.

vwmanx

Havoc,

9,000 miles

I had the same problem and the Infinity dealer told me my right rear tire had more wear than the other 3 tires and this was due to my wife's driving habits. I am on the phone with Infiniti's customer service right now!! Thay are full of crap!

VWMANX

carnaught

Right. Tell your wife not to keep sitting back so far and leaning to the right.

alron

The pictures on my key fob (locked, unlocked, trunk or panic) were erased after 2 years. (I got my G35 at its introduction)Has anybody experienced this problem. Sometimes I need to guess if I'm unlocking or locking my doors because there is not a mark on my key fob

sickntired

Yes, I have had same EXACT problem. Started occurring after couple months driving. The only remedy I have found is to turn the CAR off, then back on, and the XM signal "finds" itself! Correct, turning the radio power off/on does not help. So, this is likely electrical/wiring related. I had the dealer explore, they also recommended replacing the tuner. I am scheduled to have that done in two weeks. Very bizarre problem. Have you been back since they replaced your tuner? What other suggestions has the dealer made??

Curious...

snagiel

Unless Clarion (the manufacturer of the XM tuner) now sells the tuner with upgraded firmware, replacing it won't make a difference, as it seems to be a software bug in the design that many have experienced. As with most computer problems, the easiest solution is to "reboot." Unfortunately, that means having to pull aside and turn off the car, which I've done on more than one occasion.

snagiel

Looks like mine are faded somewhat as well, but I don't think I've looked at those graphics since the week I bought the car; my fingers have memorized their locations.

The dealer can sell you a new fob, but the piece and the reprogramming of the lockset will probably run about $100, I'm guessing.

wibble

Dealer cost on the fobs is around $60 and retail is around $75 if I remember correctly. Programming is pretty simple. I have the instructions around here somewhere!

eticketride

Just write on it with a permanent marker.

froze

What brand of tires did you find for $125? I assume they were either Goodyear or Bridgestone.
Also would appreciate the name of the supplier.

paulb02

Hi G35 owners:

I own a 2002 I35 and have a question on my Bose 6CD Changer. Since the audio system is similar to the G35 and the I35 boards aren't very active these days, I'd appreciate a response from any of you on the following question:

When you have 2 or more CD's in the CD changer and you transfer back and forth between them, does each CD start back at Song #1 again or does it keep a memory of where you left each CD and go back to that selection?

I could have sworn that my CD changer used to retain the memory of what song each CD was on but now it keeps resetting back to Song #1 each time on each CD when I switch back and forth between the CD's.

Maybe I'm just losing it but would appreciate if at least one person could confirm this for me one way or the other. Thanks! - Paul

snagiel

When changing CD's, it resets at the first track.

wibble

"When changing CD's, it resets at the first track."

Same with the G35 and the M45 I used to own.

paulb02

Thanks to Wibble and Snagiel.

I appreciate your responses! - Paul

nkane

Avon summer tiresare available W speed rated for about a 120 bucks at the tirerack.

froze

Thanks nkane. Does anyone know anything about Avon tires? Present tires are V rated (150 mph), but W should be fine for my purposes. I'd be more interested in the noise & wear factors.My present Bridgestones are wearing fine, (6/32 at 29k), but have been noisy for last several thousand miles. According to a consumers report article I read several months ago Falken makes a real good tire, but don't think they have anything available in p215/55r17 size.

carnaught

I like the ride with the Yokohamas I replaced the oems's with.

t_valley_koom

Does anybody know if this new (Aug 2004) TSB addresses the rattles /squeaks coming from the rear seats of the G35 sedans? Has anybody had his G serviced for this issue?

My G35x currently has 2500 miles on it, and starting around 2k, there's been a lot of squeaks/rattle/noise from the backseat area when driving over even the slightest bumps. No noise from the sunroof area for me. Just from the backseats.
------------

Component Description:
2. STRUCTURE:BODY Bulletin Number: 04035
Bulletin Date: AUG 2004
 
Vehicle: 2004 Infiniti G35
Summary:
RATTLE NOISE FROM REAR SIDE WINDOW FINISHER. *TT

nkane

Read the review at the www.tirerack on the Avons. W rating is 165 mph.

jaydh

My Americas tire dealer says that Falken(kon) in size 225/50 R17 93H would be fine for I35. Rated 420 AA at $126 per tire . Out the door for four: $558. What do you think about that? I have 40K miles on original tires. they think I may have 10K more. I have rotated every other oil change.

kudy843

Got my G35x for 2 weeks now and it seems to take a lot more gas than I expected. My last car was an 01 Maxima and each fill-up would last me 9 round trips from home to work and back. With the G35x, each fill-up only give me 6 to 61/2 trips. My driving is no where near aggressive as I'm still during the break-in period. I always tried to stay below 70m/h. My travel is 70% highway and 30% city. Anyone else experience this issue, or know what may be happenning here? Is this normal? Thanks for all your help in advance.

sammy2

I got my G35x last month. Currently I am getting whopping 13mpg. But my drive is mostly with in the city.

Hopefully, it will improve after the break-in period. Still it is no where close to 17 mpg (city) as they have advertised.

kudy843

I hope so, too. Do you know how long/far the break-in period is supposed to be? Someone told me it is for the first 1000 miles. Is this correct? Also, is it ok to consistently go at about 70m/h? If not, what speed should I keep it under?

2963

Regarding the dreaded squeak & creak coming from the (passenger) rear seat area of G35 sedans, I just got my '03 sedan back yesterday after spending three days at my local dealer. My sedan has a little over 11K miles on it, and has been in a total of three times to repair this issue.

Although there are two (maybe three) TSB's to fix this problem area, none of them worked. In bringing it in for the third fix, I had to get Infiniti Consumer Affairs involved to act as a liaison with the service techs. in order to get the problem properly addressed. The apparent solution was for the service techs. to install insulation between the various body panels that all come together behind the rear seats (even though the TSB only calls for the service tech. to simply pry the panels apart to minimize rubbing).

My G has also been in three times to address the squeaking noises coming from the brakes when backing up. First they replaced the pads, then resurfaced the rotors, and finally had to replace the front rotors and pads before the problem was fixed. During these visits, the service techs. did a fine job scuffing up the area near the lug nuts with their impact wrench (while removing and replacing the wheels). The alloys became so damaged that I had the service advisor bring the mechanic out and explain why my wheels were getting so abused during the brake repair (he was speechless).

Fortunately, the service advisor stepped up to the plate and got me four new factory alloys! Interestingly enough, my dealer farmed this job out to a local tire shop, and they were able to remove my tires and re-install them on the new alloys without a single scratch...

Although my wife is the principal driver of the G, we've both been very disappointed with the number of creaks and rattles coming from the interior (we also had creaks coming from the upper door frames, and they were addressed per a recent TSB). I sometimes feel as though I'm driving a bowl of Rice Crispies, as all I'm hearing is snap, crackle, and pop!

During my multiple recent visits to my local dealer, my service advisor did reveal that they have been having lots of "issues" with the '03 G series, and that many of these concerns are reportedly being addressed in the upcoming '05 interior re-design; we'll see...

Re: Post #1362, hope this helps.

sda1030

Have had the 04 G35X with premium package for exactly 2 weeks. Picked it up with 38 miles on it. Next day, as I got on the highway to head to work, at about 40 mph, it sounded as if the rear passenger window was open a crack, and the noise got louder and louder the faster I went. Also felt that the steering wheel was unusually stiff-especially turning right. Took the car back to the dealer, salesman said "it should not make that noise", service manager said "that's significant". Took it in 2 days later, and, of course they did a 4-wheel alignment, now car pulls to left, and said that the wind noise was normal. Told them that the loaner car ('03 G35) didn't make that noise, went back to showroom and took the general manager who said it was not normal. The sales man was nice enough to go out in another new G35X with the premium package, and - no noise! Back at service again, this time the '04 G35X loaner sounds and handles as I would expect it to, but the Serv. Mgr. just called to let me know they can't find anything wrong with my car and would if be alright if a technician keeps it overnight. I told him that the loaner drives and sounds better than my car anyway, so keep it as long as you want. I'm planning on making the 3rd appt to get it fixed at another Infiniti dealer and then calling the lemon attorneys.

By the way - this wind noise is so noticeable that I could hear over Led Zepplin turned up to 18 while driving at 80mph. Of course, the way the thing was vibrating at that speed on a smooth flat highway it was a wonder I could focus on anything. Every time I drive this car, I get a little more disappointed and wish I had just bought my '00 Maxima from the leasing company. The stock stereo in the Maxima was head and shoulders above the "upgraded" stereo in the Infinit.

Anyone else have this wind noise problem? This is the one thing I cannot live with - not in a $36k "luxury" sport sedan.

cls73

I have 36,000 miles on my tires and I'm hearing pretty annoying tire noise in the front. Has anyone else heard this? I've kept them rotated pretty frequently, so I'm disappointed in their durability. Any suggestions on a good replacement set? I've been looking at the Michellin Enery MXV4.

Thanks

sda1030

This car is turning out to be the biggest disappointment I've ever experienced regarding a car.

Picked it up from service last night, after they had to keep because they finally admitted that something was wrong with the window and replaced the window and the seals. Had to keep it over the weekend. This morning, I get in, and it's like the transmission isn't completely engaged in Drive. So I pull right over, the AT Check light it flashing, and the Service Engine Soon light is on. So I shut the car off, unscrew the gas cap and screw it back on tight, start it back up, the transmission seems liking its working correctly, but the SES light is still on.

I've had this car for 20 days, it's been at the dealer's service for 9, and they still don't want to believe that some thing is wrong with the front end (OK - it's new, maybe it's not broken in), but I've had it already.

Any suggestions? I'm waiting for a call back from the GM and the Service Manager, and I opened up a ticket with Inifiniti Consumer Affairs, but I'm already done with this car, and I regret getting into it.

cheerioboy26

Sorry to hear of all your troubles...from what I have read, if the issue with the SES is the gas cap, it doesn't go away right away, but I don't recall how long it takes.

froze

I've had the tire noise problem since about 22K. Also, car pulls to the right on crowned two lane roads, but not on freeways. Alignment didn't help. I too have rotated tires on schedule.

sda1030

After reading through the owner's manual, what is described as the transmission automatically going into "fail-safe" operation seems to be what happened, although there was no reason for it to go into that "fail-safe" mode. The SES light is now off, however.

The trans shifts very hard at low speeds, and makes a really weird noise after putting it into Drive, letting the idle push the car forward, and after it shifts into the next gear - kind of like this weird gears clashing sort of noise - but it happes AFTER the shift into the next gear.

So, new question: using the tip-tronic manual shift feature, am I supposed to let up on the gas while moving the shift lever? There's a sickening delay when shifting up (not down) where the engine revs way up before the shift is made. I let it get up to about 5000rpms (from a stop light) before pushing the lever up, and it happens between all gears on the way up, but not the way down.

Finally loaded up some CDs this morning, and I was able to almost enjoy my drive to work this morning. I'm approaching 1000 miles, and the GM has already mentioned the words "buy back". Next Tuesday is another service appt, and that will be it for me and this car.

chhillinn

Just bought a G35 with 31000 miles on it. I was told that the brakes were pretty worn and that I should take it to an Infiniti dealer to have them replaced under warranty. Did you have any problems getting the rotors/brakes replaced under warranty?

cheerioboy26

Infiniti extended the warranty on brakes on 2003 sedans and non-Brembo coupes to 3yr/36K. There could be 04s too, but I don't recall since I have an 03.

cls73

I've heard that the issue could be related to Wheel Bearings. I find it hard to believe that tires could make so much noise, but wheel bearings shouldn't be going out after 36,000 miles. Infiti said it's the tires, but I may seek a 2nd opinion.

mra

I've had my G35 coupe for almost a year. Just recently the CD looses the left channel sound when playing while braking or accelerating from a stop. Upon acceleration or braking again the left speaker sometimes come back by itself. Usually I have to eject the CD and re-insert it. I've never noticed this problem with the radio of cassette playing. Anyone else experienced this?

singwenzel

I had the same issue! I guess I didn't turn the gas cap enough times! Anyway, my service advisor said it would take about 40 cycles of the ignition. Mine went away in a day. But I start & stop a lot! More annoying than critical!
Dick

singwenzel

sjr, I have a 04 35x with the graphite (black) interior. The faint metallic coloring on the top of the steering wheel cluster as well as the console is suseptible to scratches and wear. My wife placed one of those "non-skid" rubber things that "holds" your cell phone and it discolored and removed the paint from the cluster top. "She'll never do that again" I had to have it repainted. He did a great job, can't even tell, but the black metallic paint is easy to scratch up!
But it looks great with the white pearl outside!
Dick

socalbob

Anybody having problems with the XM radio cutting out... even after the dealer installs a replacement unit?

snagiel

If you're referring to the occasional problem of the reception cutting out and then refusing to pick back up until restarting the car, then it's a software problem with the Clarion XM tuner which I believe still has not been addressed, despite many owners' complaints about the problem.

bocatrip

The 05 interiors are greatly improved. I have an 04 Ivory Pearl Coupe with graphite interior. I don't have the silver painted console and have no problems. For a new buyer thinking of getting an 04 or 05.... go with the 05.... better materials and more substantial looking.

ronin

The lemon laws are very specific for every state. For example, in California, if you car is under warranty and requires repairs in the shop for over 30 days, Infiniti will buy back your car. A car is not a lemon just because you have 7 or 8 recalls or repairs under warranty. In California, the laws are specific, 4 or more repairs for the same item or 30 days in the shop. Also there is a maximum mileage which I believe is less than 18,000 miles. Check you state for the law or if you think you have a case consult a lemon law attorney. They work on a contingency and if you case is strong they will take it free of charge.