Infiniti QX4

chris_fioto

Thanks Goose. I really apreciate the help. Problem is getting fixed as I type.

rodgag

I have a 2003 QX4, and I am happy with the vehicle, except for the ride. It is somewhat harsh, especially in the rea, especially with a load. Does anyone have any ideas about how to improve it? Any info on after market shocks?
Thanks, Rodger

pathfinder13

goose1207

Yes, the deployment depends on the force of impact. This 2nd generation system came standard on all vehicles after '98 I believe but don't quote me on that.

jiamin

Today I noticed the first time that if I press remote key controll to unlock all doors but don't open any door, the door will re-lock in a few minutes. I don't think it's supposed to do that but I do like that as a feature.

Some lexus cars are designed with "auto" lock feature. It assumes that if none of the doors are opened after they are unlocked for a while, the driver must have forgot and left the car alone.

Jack44

Just me, but I like the fact that every other car I have, not counting a 65 Corvette, the doors lock automatically when you put car in gear...

petem5

Hello everyone, Pete's wife here -- just wanted to report that it has been nearly 2 years and 33,000 miles and I still am completely in love with my 2001 QX4. Just took her for the 30k mile service so she is tip-top and clean to boot. I had a G35 sedan as a loaner and that was a lot of fun -- the acceleration with throw you back against the seat and it makes a nice vroom, vroom sound without being obnoxious. However, the seats are hard and I missed the height of the Q. It was fun for a day.

CarJim -- I echo your sentiments about the barbed wire.

carjim

Our attempts to avoid other people's doors haven't been fool proof, but they help. We park on a corner space so we can reduce the chance of a dent to one side only. We never park close in for the grocery store or mall. We hoof it an extra 20 yards and don't mind the excercise.

The rolled barbwire is hard to carry (1738) and land mines are difficult to come by these days, so we use the above "passive" steps.

jiamin

A little further. If I find two corner, one left and one right, I'd take the one so that my car is the right most. Reason: there is not always a person in the passenger side...

ibmindless

So, has anyone had any problems with the rear suspension bottoming out? There is a TSB on this item, and the fix is to replace the rubber stop with a shorter one. I'm wondering how effective the fix is.

ib

rlbarrett

I have checked the fuses (separate for turn signal and hazard) and they are fine.

Is it some sort of relay? If so, where is it?

Jack44

I'll let you know...Called Infiniti service guy...They're going to order the parts and install...All under warrantee...He said it doesn't really stop the bottoming out but doesn't sound as bad when it hits...We just have a softer suspension...Which 'is' one of the reasons we bought the QX4 rather than a Pathfinder...

jiamin

I'm thinking of sticking one after-market small mirror onto the right side rear view mirror to widen the viewing angle. However QX4 has heated mirror. Does anyone have experience that during heating the stick-on miror will not be affected and still stay?

Thanks.

ataccs

Can anyone give some advise on wheel plus-sizing for the QX4? I'm looking at a 275/45/20 set. I know the ride will be different. Feedback on rubbing or affects on the suspension (or any other bad things)? Thanks.

Jack44

Circumferance is about the same so you won't have to worry about speedometer error..Width could be problem...And with the 20" rims, the spinners you're getting, well, it will look like a 'pimpmobile'...

carjim

We had some anxious moments when our '03 showed an average of 14 mpg on the same commute that our Ford Explorer had averaged 17.
The engine has loosened up now at 15,000 miles and we are averaging 18 mpg. Here in the D/FW area, it's hard to find a highway you can cruise on, so we are happy and relieved.

yoeddy

Hi,

I currently have my 01 QX4 in for service (leaking exhaust) and I want them to address the bottoming out of the rear suspension. Can someone provide me with the TSB number? I can't seem to find it on alldata or nhtsa. Thanks

Tony

yoeddy

The service group did me right yesterday. They found the exhaust leak to be my rear muffler and replaced that under warranty. I mentioned the TSB about the rear suspension and at first they didn't know what I was talking about but later replaced the bumpers in back and I can actually notice the difference.

They also found that I had less than 10% of my brake pads left and they charged my $250 to replace them and resurface the rotors. When they were doing make breaks they noticed that one of front springs were broken and have ordered a replacement under warranty.

Overall really good service.

Jack44

ITB02-046...

Parts...BUMPER ASSY-BOUND RE-55240-AD010

Folks at Infiniti happily installed...Got car washed as usual, needed it this time...Hard to tell yet any difference...

jiamin

My 02 QX4 does not have heated seats. I took a look under the front passenger seat, and found there are like four connectors. I unplugged the one in the seat front and it disabled the forward and backward movement. I assume one of the other connectors is for left and right movement. What are the other two for? Could it be the heating element? Well I don't think Infiniti only takes the switches out to make the car without heated seat option.

jiamin

Trying to answer my own question: Some connectors are for side airbag.

Will never play with those connectors!

bkostel

Trying to figure out if I have a rear limited slip differential: Dealer said if I jack one rear tire up and put it in neutral (wheel chauks in place) I should be able to spin the one tire. Just want to know how brave to be with the 2000 QX4. Oh ya rear-end has the stamped code AZS228.

phil47

My 2001 PF LE has a small orange label on the back of the differential case warning to only use LSD oil. I believe it is on all PF/QX4 models with an LSD.

slider95

Has anyone had problems with your remote keyless control? I took my 2001 QX4 in to the dealer back in May, because both remotes would not lock/unlock the doors. The dealer replaced a part on the vehicle and re-programmed both remotes. A few days ago the problem returned, except now the unlock works but the remotes will not lock the doors. Could this be a problem with the remotes or the receiving mechanism on the vehicle?

daqman

I have the same problem w/my remotes, I've purchased two remotes from e-bay and could only get them to unlock the doors, but not lock them...hmmm?

jiamin

I found on my 02 QX4 that there is a certain delay between the moment I shift from "D" to "1" and the moment it actually downshift to first gear. The higher the original speed the longer the delay. For example when I drive at about 40 mph and downshift to "1", it may take say 3 or seconds or more; at 30 mph or lower, it may take 2 seconds or less.

Not sure if it's normal. I think my previous Nissan sedans had less delay than that.

nyccarguy

The Third Brake Light Assembly on my 2001 QX4 just snapped off and is hanging and banging against my rear window. Can I buy just the assembly brackets or do I have to buy the entire light? Can somebody advise on a good online site to buy Infiniti (or Nissan) parts from? I'm trying to avoid going to the dealer's parts department.

bigorange30

Anyone experienced this before? Anyone know if it includes the Pathfinder/QX4 at all?

http://www.channelnewsasia.com/stories/corporatenews/view/54773/1- /.html

jiamin

from http://story.news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=story&cid=568&e=9&a- mp;u=/nm/20031030/bs_nm/autos_nissan_recall_dc it does not look like Path/QX4 are affected.

goose1207

www.courtesyparts.com

jiamin

My dealer just called me quoting 15K service is $350 (not exact $ as I didn't write it down) plus tax. I asked if it's based on factory's item list, or dealer's recommended item list, they said it's factory's.

Is it too expensive or an OK price? I'll checked with Nissan dealer but if there's not a big difference I'll use Infiniti dealer.

jiamin

Thanks Steve for the info. Haven't got used to checking that one.

Edmunds says about $180. I don't know what that number means. Does it mean I should take it to my dealer and ask if they can match it? I highly doubt they will. It seems even lower than Nissan's 15K service to me. Or does it indicate a non-dealer shop price?

stever

It probably means that the dealer intends to do more than what's recommended in the manual. Some of the extra stuff may indeed be worth it, but may not be required to keep the warranty in force.

Or maybe the dealer is just too high. Our estimate is based on dealer shop rates for factory recommended work in your area.

Steve, Host

jiamin

A Nissan dealer said it costs $268 for all cars, no matter SUV, truck or sedan. Seems from dealer the cost is nowhere near Edmunds' estimated cost. Therefore I think Edmunds' cost is a non-dealer's shop cost.

stever

The blurb at the Guide says:

*This Total Estimated Cost includes the preventive maintenance items recommended by Infiniti. The facility that services your vehicle may perform different, greater, or fewer procedures that can affect the cost you incur. For example, engine oil change and filter replacement are commonly performed by dealer and independent service facilities at special prices. These "special price" services do not typically include all of the additional procedures recommended by Infiniti at each service interval.

That tells me that we've counted dealer rates in our calculations. I think most dealers and independents use the same rate books to figure how much to charge anyway.

Dealer rates or not, $268's a lot of money just for changing the oil, filter and air filter, rotating the tires and inspecting the other stuff.

And since it's a flat rate for all vehicles, it sounds like your dealer is padding lots of stuff.

Steve, Host

stever

Got the straight story from our data person in the home office (thanks Larry!):

The labor costs reflected in the Maintenance Guide are determined by multiplying the estimated labor time for each procedure recommended by the vehicle manufacturer by the estimated labor rate in the customer’s Zip Code area. The labor times are established based on the hands-on experience of our Maintenance Editorial staff and are verified with data published by third-party labor time guide publishers.

The labor rates that are applied to the labor times are determined from data provided by a company that regularly surveys rates being charged by dealer and independent repair facilities throughout the U.S. These rates vary by brand of vehicle with rates for luxury brands being higher than rates for mid-category brands and standard brands.

Hope this helps!

Steve, Host

jiamin

for such a detailed info. I'll try some independent shops and see what their costs would be.

jiamin

Received dealer's item sheet saying "15,000 mile factory recommended maintenance". There are two categories: services (17 items) and visual inspections (31 items) so total are 48 items. It's way more than what my maintenance log book indicates (13 items for 15K mils services).

I remember someone says some dealers don't make a lot of profit on car sales but they do on car services...

Basically I myself can only do small jobs like oil and air filter change, air cleaner filter change. I guess I'll ask an independent shop to quote me for those jobs I can't do.

lalakrsfan

'02 QX4 with about 25K miles. Noticing the tires are showing quite a bit of wear and will need to replace before heading up to the snow this winter. I believe the are the 17 in. Bridgestones.
Looking for replies on what kind of mileage other have experienced with their factory tires?
Thanks!

Jack44

Just remember too, that while your car is being seviced, you get to drive a brand new car [loaner]...Usually a G35 to play with...So factor that in...

jiamin

is true. But that's very expensive. I can test drive G35 or other cars basically anytime for free.

jiamin

Has anyone used LED bulbs for the turn signals and brake lights? How does it compare to the traditional bulb? Any recommendation of particular ones and where to buy?

Thanks. I'm suddenly interested in it.

daqman

Pretty extensive front end damage, both airbags deployed, but the truck still cranks up and drives, no damage to the axle, will need entire front end replaced. The adjuster got up to 11k in damages and stopped the survey. It has 104k mi. what price should I expect they go w/the market rate, and not payoff. Edmunds says 13,045. Is the buyout amount negotiable?

Thanks

QX4less

p.s. Could I buy it back from the insurance co?

aigenga

Hello All,
My wife and I just bought a 2001 with 21,600 miles. We paid $22,300 plus tax for a pristine machine with 4x4, LSD, front and rear seat heaters, sunroof, etc. What a great deal - ok so they might not hold their value but it works for us.

We had our last car for 17 years and hope to get similar service from this one! This is our first SUV and we thank you all for helping us make up our minds. We test drove the Acura MDX as our other selected option and liked the QX4 so much more. We are now looking at mats and bumper guards to keep it spiffy.

Our maiden voyage was in heavy rain and after feeling the rear get squirrelly a quick turn to 'auto' from 2-wheel and it felt great. We will be taking a 200 mile trip tomorrow and will have a better feeling for our new mount.

I am sure I will be back on this board with questions and comments and any help we can extend.

Gary

jiamin

Hi aigenga,

Glad you like QX4 so much. I never test drove MDX as I thought it was too expensive, only sat in and looked/touched around. Lots of info says it's a real good SUV overall. What do you like QX4 over MDX? Just curious to know.

aigenga

Jiamin,
We test drove a 2001 MDX vs a 2001 QX4 and liked the QX4 better for the following reasons:

Better handling - the MDX squealed the tires at lower speeds and just felt more unsettled.
Better seats and interior - my wife especially had a hard time adjusting to the MDX seat.
Less money - there was a 5k difference in price.
Better looking - the MDX is snouty looking.

Gary

Jack44

You made a great choice...We've had our 2001 since July of 2000...3 great years...My wifes main car...Loves it...It still looks better than the rest of them...Foolish of Infiniti for stopping production...

jiamin

Look at Lexus/Toyota, they have some many SUVs from small to large sizes for different buyers to choose from. I've got a few friends who are not even familiar with Infiniti/Nissan. When it comes to buying cars, they always talk about Hondas or Toyotas...

daqman

Congrats on your purchase that sounds like a great deal. Did you purchase from an Infiniti dealer?

I totalled my 98 QX4 nov. 10th. I thought about getting a newer Q, but decided to get an Acura 3.2 Cl Type-S, I plan on keeping this car for two years then jumping back into the SUV market, hopefully a 03 QX4.

aigenga

We saw 2001 QX4's at a few dealers but we couldn't get the deal we wanted. We ended up accompanying a dealer to a wholesale auction. We got the list of vehicles before going and narrowed our choices with the info provided and what Carfax could tell us. We prepared a checklist of options and condition items to look for and then inspected each of the 8 machines we had pre-selected. The choice quickly got narrowed to one and we agreed with the dealer on a max bid price. After paying for the truck, the auction fees and the dealers fee as well as a repaint of the bumpers it came to $22,300. Yup, a sweet deal.

Tomorrow I bring it to Park Ave Infinity to deal with a service engine light and a recalcitrant driver-side mirror (under warranty).

Gary