Infiniti G35 Maintenance and Repair

maxima4

Kporter5...Just picked up my G35 this past Saturday. I only have about 250 miles so far. I filled up today and my MPG was about 17.5 in mixed driving.(Highway/Local) From what I have read and from my own experience with new cars, your mileage will improved and level off once the car is broken in. The break in period for the G is about 1500 miles. Your MPG in the city is always lower because of all the stop and go.

I hope that helps to some extent. Good luck with your new car. I absolutely love mine.

jedmonds

I have a g35 sedan auto, and i recently notice that when i first start the car, and press on the accelerator the car moves as usual but for a split second it feels like the cars engine engages something, where it sounds like the engine is reving. Its kind of hard to describe, i can feel the vibration in the gas pedal. But this only occurs after starting the car, after that i never feel that vibration. Anyone have any clues if this is normal???

dmacneill

The noise you are hearing/feeling is the self-test of the ABS system. It occurs each time you start the car at about 7 MPH. It is perfectly normal.

neptungrll

Hey guys. I took my G in today for regular service. They are also fixing a vibration in the front door stereo speaker. He also wanted to keep it overnite because they are getting parts in tomorrow for a new recall for a piece in the dash between the Air Conditioner and stereo. Sounds like that AC noise everyone talked of earlier (I did not have it) Also something else is being replaced. I was in such a hurry I could not wait to hear the rest.....only left the car till tomorrow to replace this stuff. I will fill you all in when I get back tomorrow nite. If anyone can fill me in let me know.

gperr

kporter5,

My gas milage has been the same as you describe. I have 1600 miles on my sedan. i hope it gets better. I do mostly city/short trip type driving. So I am not totally surprised, but 19 or 20 mpg would be nice. Its almost like having an SUV.

gperr

chinee

I've had my G 3 weeks today, just hit 2000 miles, my MPG has been between 20.5 and 23 so far, depending upon my driving style, agressive vs. regular, it's tough to baby the G.

If you have the trip computer and using it for your mileage numbers, that could be your problem. In my experience, all trip computers I've seen in cars have always been 2-3 mpg off accuarcy.

neptungrll

They did replace a computer board for the audio and AC as it had a technical bulletin. Also, some rubber stops in the headlights were added or replaced. Felt strips were inserted in both front doors to eliminate any vibrating noises per technical bulletin. It took awhile for them to do it but they gave me a loaner for the couple of days which was great.

I suppose if you take your G's in for their next service, they will want to perform these TB on your car as well.

Pat

rocketgirl

I drive at least 30 miles round trip to work M-F and to church on Sunday. This route has approx. 10 stoplights and I may catch half of them. I have 5 miles of 2 lane road at 40 mph and 10 miles of 4 lane at 55 mph. The rest is generally suburban errand driving.

Here are my numbers:
Miles---------MPG
374.4---------20.3
718.7---------19.5
1037.3--------19.7
1230.3--------19.6
1612.3--------20.1
1823.9--------20.1
2043.8--------19.2 (includes snow driving)
2175.2--------19.1 (includes snow driving)

My latest tank looks to be close 23 mpg, but that includes ~270 miles of interstate driving at 70 mph.

ljw10

I just got off the telephone with my dealer , and was told the "coming soon" satellite radio (XM Radio) upgrade will not ever be able to be installed on the 2003. Supposedly, the maufacturer went out of business. So forget about that button on your dash ever doing anything.

I have XM on my '03 tahoe and it is awesome. Why can Chevy do this and not Infiniti?? Any ideas other than to replace the whole stereo aftermarket?

don725

I'm not waiting any longer. I'm putting the Infinity unit in my G35 that I took out of my Lexus when I traded it in. It has a small display unit that can be velcro'ed (sp) in the leg area, away from the passengers sight. It also comes with a remote control, so you don't need to interact with the display controls. Pretty nice unit.

I imagine that you can buy a new infiniti head unit when the whole system is available. You may need to get a new dash trim piece if they don't keep the current configuration of buttons.

Anyway, I thought that Clarion was making all these factory units?? I remember seeing the pictures of the person that installed the factory Sirrius unit w/ labels saying "Clarion".

Just installed my factory mud guards. Really nice fit and finish.

Later,
Don

chinee

Do they really look good? I ordered a set of front and rear over the internet last week. Haven't seen them installed in person yet.

Glad to hear you like them!

don725

Yep, I bought these from the infiniti dealer. They charged be $42.50 for the front and the same for the rear, $85 total.

They have the dull black plastic finish that matches the factory skirt and the the part that is in contact with the painted surface of the body is a painted finish matching my factory paint job. In my case black on black. Nice contour moulding that follows the whole line down and around the underside.

Very easy to install. On the front, you just remove the existing screws, turn your wheels to get access, and mount the guards with the new (supplied) screws. The rear.. you remove two screws, replace with new ones to fix the guards into place and drill two 6mm holes on the underside of the skirt, place screw nuts, and screw in with supplied screws. Only thing, to have proper clearance to drill, you have to jack the car up about 5 inches. I have a floor jack, so it was quick and painless.

The dealer loaned me the Infiniti complete service manual on cd to take home. I wanted to research the take apart proceedures for the stereo panels, dash, etc to install my XM aftermarket unit. My luck, it is all secure PDF's. You need to have an Infiniti software package on your computer in order to unlock the manuals. So, I'm returning the CD tomorrow and their service guy is going to show me how to properly pull all the panels and etc so I don't mess them up. I guess I'll order a hard copy sometime soon for future reference. It was real nice of him to loan me the disk though!

chinee

Why can't I have great dealer experiences like so many others? My dealer sucked during the salesprocess, and although I've been through service only once, it left much to be desired.

I envy you Dan... no chance the dealer you go to is in South Florida, huh?

Got my mudguards from infinitipartsusa.com for $40 a pair, plus $10 shipping, no sales tax so I paid about the same as you did. I'm still waiting for it to arrive (impatiently).

don725

Sorry, they are in Richmond, Virginia... These guys have really been nice. I don't mind that I didn't get a invoice + $500 deal that some others have gotten. I negotiated a fair deal. The after sale service, bedside manner has been great. I'm glad I have these people to deal with when I need them.

I took the disk back and talked with the technician. He showed me everything and printed the pages out from the CD. Whew, what a pain in the butt to take everything apart. No wonder Infiniti is re-thinking this satellite- dealer install. I hope I can just remove the glove box and side panels to gain access to the radio antenna plug/cable to make my connection.

ryoken

Chinee, do you think the Sat radio hookup could be used as an AUX port, with some RCA jacks connected to it?

chinee

I think ryoken's post was meant for you. If it wasn't indeed directed at me,...

ryoken...I have not a clue.

don725

I have no idea yet. The way the Sat feature is supposed to be installed is via a special harness from the head unit to the trunk where the sat module is to be installed.

opimax

somewhere much closer to the head unit so fewer pieces get pulled apart? under a seat or dash , is it weather proof (just a thought)? Maybe if we could buy the peices and have them installed by a professional?. It just isn't "right" that we are left hanging. How about some tech help so we can get our own bus cable to match another brand just so it isn't FM modulated?

Mark

g35_blue

Hi, All,

There are few posts about the gas pedal vibration problem. How is the result?

Could someone give me a update? please.

brboot1

Hi,
  I'm interested as well if anyone has gotten
a fix or explaination from Infiniti on the pedal vibration. Seems to happen between 1500 - 1900 rpms, very smooth throughout the rest of the rpm range. It can be very annoying to an otherwise awesome car!
                Thanks,
                  Brian

g35_blue

But the gas pedal do feel strange when the engine at 1600-1900 rpm. Also when I press the gas at that rpm, the car is not that response as other rpm.

When I dropped the car to service and told the guy the problem. However, when I picked up, they said there is no problem. The loaner QX4 was the same problem. I do not know, Am I too picky? My Chrysler Ciruus is more smooth.

We may have to complain more and harder, then the dealer may file a report to Infiniti to deal with this problem.

Please keep us update on your progress.

--------------------
////G35_CB Sedan/////

don725

Well, I installed my Alpine aftermarket XM in my sedan Thursday evening. Works great. I put my satellite antenna on the back deck inside the car. This is the same config as the person who posted the pictures of the Delphi XM unit. It works great inside the car (under the rear glass) and is completely out of the way of site and mind. I also purchased the new style Terk antenna, it is half the size as the previous model antenna.

I velcro'ed the display controller vertically under the cig. lighter on the drivers side because I interact w/ it by using the supplied wireless remote control. I put the XM module and FM modulator between the carpet and the floor pan on the passengers side (left side) behind the floor vent. Can't even see the buldge. I'll post some pictures if anyone wants to see them.

I'm no longer waiting on Infiniti to come up with a retro fit for the 2003 and 2003.5's (which is what they will have to do). The G's coming out in two months will have a satellite option that works, based on my discussion w/ the dealer rep on Friday. I probably will not plunk down the extra 400-1000 bucks for the retrofit. The retro fit will most likely (my assumption) have to include a new head unit, trim panel, wire harness, xm module, antenna and labor to install.

Unless this integrated XM sounds better than what I have now, I think I'm set, considering I already owned the Alpine unit that I de-installed out of my Lexus when I traded it in.

Don

swimminglady

I just wanted to say that, I too, am a happy G35 driver! I have had basically no complaints since I got my car in September. I did have my speedometer go bad on me but it was replaced. I think this is rare. I have been getting fairly poor gas mileage though. I'm around 16-17 with 2600 miles on the car but have been told that the cold weather here has been a factor. I also have had more than I wanted to of driving on slippery roads. The car handles fairly well except when accelerating on curves! I have had a little trouble getting up my driveway but this is to be expected in any rear wheel drive car!

chinee

G's looking good. I installed my mudguards last weekend as well, it was a snap.

Like the shine!

timaphylin

Just got my new G35 4-door today. After 40 miles regular traffic on freeway, noticed that the strong burn smell from the front brake. Is this because of the new brake pad? Please adv.

bobp11

It most likely is the engine burning off the manufacturing oils. Mine did it for about the first 300 miles and then it was done. I would not be concerned.

maxima4

Hi...Has anyone had a problem with the start up of the NAV system when you first start the car? I push the joy stick for "I agree" and then "please wait" stays on for a very long time without the map ever showing up?

All of the other functions work great. I can drive for 15 to 20 minutes and the map never shows on the screen. In turn this prevents me from programing any destinations when I am at a standstill .

The way around this is for me to eject the disc and pop it back in again. This resets the system and it works fine. I looked at the the disc and there are no scratches or finger prints. Once I shut off the car, it acts up again.

One message that appears on the screen as the disc is being ejected is "CD-DVD ROM is the wrong version" What's up with that? The copy write date on the disc is 2002. Maybe there is an update I do not know about?

1. Could it be the DVD reader?
2. This might be a longshot....could it be because of the war and the GPS satellites are being interrupted?
3. Could it be the GPS transponder?

I haven't contacted Infiniti service yet. I just want to see if anyone else is having problems with their units. Thanks for your help.

webbnathan

It's almost summer again here in Texas and haven't been keeping up with the post lately but was wondering if the old AC problem that some (me) were experiencing has been addressed?? The best was to describe it was when you accelerated with the AC on very cold it would sound like you had a 4 cyc. engine. I was at the dealership the other day changing my oil and they said nothing has been done with that yet. Anyone else had this response or had it fixed as of yet??? Thanks!

ryoken

This one has been out for awhile, at least since October '02. Ask them to lookup TSB # ISB-02057. If they still can't help you, call Infiniti Consumer Affairs at 800-662-6200.

maxima4

A service bulletin was posted by Infiniti last year and had a fix put in place. Maybe your dealer wasn't aware of it, but I would check with the service manager directly. If that doesn't get you anywhere, try another dealer or ask who the Infiniti district manager is for your area of the country. Hope that helps.

timaphylin

bobp11, thanks. I called the infinit dealer today and they said the smell is from factory
protective under coating which burns up in about a week. I think which is similar as what you say. Thanks.

webbnathan

That sounds good to me, thanks for the info on that! One other question, the people that got the fix, did it seem to work? No problems?? And will my service rep know what this number is: TSB # ISB-02057, I'm assuming its a reference number. Thanks again for the help!

ryoken

Your service rep should be able to lookup that number and take care of this issue for you, that's the number assigned by Infiniti to the bulletin addressing the fix for that problem. If they still seem to be clueless, call the 800 number and talk to someone there about the less-than-stellar service you're receiving, and I'm sure they'll find a way to help you resolve the issue quickly.

I have one of the newer 03.5 models, and don't have this issue myself. However, in all my following of the forums, I haven't seen anyone (besides you) complain of AC noise in the last couple of months, and I haven't heard of anyone saying "I had TSB 02057 performed, and it didn't fix my problem." On the forums, lack of chatter usually means everything's fine.

Good luck!

dfd3

Hey Webb:

Bought my sedan in April 2002 and immediately noticed the excessive noise on the drive home from the dealership. It took Infiniti four or five months to diagnose and fix the problem, but fix it they did! Mine was very noisy but after the TSB fix it's as smooth as silk. Mine was fixed sometime last summer. Being in North Texas I can assure you that we use A/C alot, almost year around. I am completely satisfied with my fix. Hope this answers your question. BTW, Infiniti Consumer Affairs was VERY helpful with this.

webbnathan

Thanks to everyone that gave me the 411 about the AC fix. I've had the loud compressor since I bought my car but being the winter here in Texas I haven't had to use it. I did follow the board back in the spring/summer and there were many people that complained about the compressor and had contacted their rep about it. I knew the fix was in process but like I said sort of forgot about it with the winter months.

I contacted my rep last Thursday and they knew exactly what I was talking about. I have scheduled an appt. next week for they have to order the kit to replace the old one. I have to say, Infiniti dealerships in Dallas are #1! They asked me no questions, gave me no grief, and wanted me to bring it in ASAP. Good to see that good service still exists where customer "no" service is all around us in todays world.

timaphylin

Don,

Can you show us some pictures on the installed XM on your car?

Thanks

rdb1

My 7 month old 2003 G35 with less than 10,000 miles on it already needs new front brakes. The brake light, slip light, and VDC OFF light were lighting up on the dash for 2 days. I brought the car to the dealership and was shocked to learn that I had no front brakes! What a disappointment this car has been!

billytong

I think it really depends on your driving style.

rdb1

I disagree. My Ford Explorer didn't need new brakes until 30,000 miles. Our BMW, which is the real commuter car, didn't need new brakes until 35,000 miles. Why would the front brakes go out on my G35 at under 10,000? I don't drive in stop and go traffic as the service advisor suggested. Maybe Infiniti used thinner brake pads to obtain better stopping distance numbers on the car.

froze

It sounds like to me that it's definitely your driving style since your previous car's brakes never lasted past 35K.
My previous car, a '97 Camry had almost 90k miles when I sold it and the brakes had never been touched and were still in good shape. About the same for other vehicles I've owned. Although I admit I don't expect to get that kind of mileage out of a G35.

don725

Based on these board discussions, I asked my Infiniti service manager about the short life on the brakes when I had my oil change last week and he told me that these brake pads do not last as long because of the material used in the brake pads and the aggressive setting. He told me to expect to replace the pads between 15k and 25k depending on my driving, city or highway.

I have 5500 miles and I guess I'll wait and see. I do alot of highway miles and usually get 30k-50k out of my brakes. So if they go quick, I will consider going w/ an aftermarket product when it is available.

Don

32caddy

You might consider the 6 speed when it comes to brakes. I have a Mits VR-4 and hardly EVER brake--- consider down shifting!!!

oldprofessor

I have a question about an annoyance and there may be an easy fix I'm not aware of. Anyway, the plastic sheath that the top part of the shoulder harness emerges from rubs against the back of the driver's seat, and I find it irritating. I've tried moving the seat forward, lowering it, moving it back, etc., etc., but it still rubs and is particularly irritating on a bumpy road, for obvious reasons. Has this problem been experienced by anyone else? Discussed on this board or elsewhere?

chinee

I haven't noticed this but I'll take a look when I strep in this afternoon. I'm also assuming the shoulder harness is the top part of the seat belt....

richope

I am experiencing a problem with the head lamps jiggling. I have read the other posts here, it has nothing to do with the light's being focused, etc.

Go to your G35 and using your palm bump the head lamp lens, notice the reflector moving. I have done this on new cars (sedan), so they should all do it. It seems to worsen as the car ages, mine has about 9K miles.

Now, if you can't notice it yourself have someone drive in front of you and explain what they see. Depending on the bumps in the road or imperfections it could appear you are flashing your high beams, which is a safety issue. It is unbelievable on a highway. I had a G come up behind me with just one light bouncing all over the place. It was shocking to see a 35K car with a headlight moving around like an old VW missing the mounting screws.

I am ashamed to drive my G at night, it is truly embarrassing to have such a beautiful car with such a silly problem.

Infiniti's response is that it is a normal function. Infiniti's Consumer Affairs department was rude and did their best to avoid the issue. I am so disgusted with the service I would gladly accept the payoff amount to be rid of this car.

All I can figure is that they mounted the lights on some sort of flexible material to save the bulbs from vibration.

If you are experiencing this please call Infiniti at 1-800-662-6200, let them know this is unacceptable.

jbam

I am having an issue with the CD player on my 4 month old G35. Brought it in to address engine light and this was diagnosed as vapor lock problem resulting with the design of the gas tank. Which is a whole other story. When I drop off the car, the attendant said they would go ahead and do additional recall work to address issues with the AC & Radio controls. Well, when I picked up the car that afternoon, I do not even put the car in drive and there is an error message on the radio display when in CD mode. CD's will not play. Radio works fine, just the CD is a problem. By the way, CD's in the disk will not eject either. I bring the car back the next day and now receive a call mid afternoon that the stereo will need to be replaced. After waiting a week, I drop the car off this morning for the new radio install. To my disbelief, I get in the car this afternoon, and the same error message appears on the display. Aside from the fact that the service crew seems totally incompetent, is their anyone else having similar problems with their G35 sedans? The service manager told me the specific recall by Infiniti is to replace the circuit card in the dash, and solves the issues that people lose their radio settings if the battery dies. I tend to let the dealer do recall work no questions, but the fact the radio was working fine until they fixed it, will make me more cautious in the future. Any comments?

cheerioboy26

are you getting "CD ERR F0" or something like that? People on freshalloy have seen that error. It does require them to replace the head unit. Did they do that for you? If they did, then you dont have the CDs that were stuck in the unit. According to those on FA, the CDs don't get taken out until the unit goes back to the manufacturer. Then they get returned to you.

sidat

Hi All,

I have a '03.5 sedan with Prem/Sport/Aero. I love the car. I do have a single issue/question for you folks...

When driving, I hear a crackle or vibration of sorts coming from both front doors. The sound gets more prominent as I turn up the stereo...not cranked, but around 14 to 17 on the volume read. Now that I hear it, it is really starting to irritate me.

I took the car in for its first oil change yesterday and explained it to the service guys. I came back and got on the receipt 'No rattle found, working as designed'. That kind of bugged me, but I didn't have time to get into it with them.

Bottomline, is there anyone else who has had this, and if so, it there any kind of Technical Posting that could reference? I saw something in previous posts, but it was rather vague on the subject.

Thanks

don725

Have a service rep. ride w/ you while you point out the problem. It is frustrating trying to explain those kind of problems, only to get your car back and see a "problem not observed" on the service receipt.

It has happened to me with other cars. The best way to solve it and save the rest of your hair is to do the above.

Don

richardb5

I brought my two-month old G35 in for service to fix a loose shifter surround plate. While there, I was told that they would do a fix on a factory recall involving the radio curcuit board. I was not having a problem with the audio system anyway. After the fix was done, my heater/AC fan did not work properly. Unable to get the fan to work and unable to turn the ventilation system off. When I brought it back I told them the fan had been working fine but seemed to malfunction only after the audio recall was done. Sure enough, the trouble was traced to the curcuit board fix. They replaced the replacement circuit board and so far all is working OK. Evidently the circuit board governs more than just the audio system.