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2001 Infinity Q45 Intermittent Start Problem
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timjet
New User
Mar 28, 2010, 7:55 PM
Post #1 of 3
(2310 views)
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2001 Infinity Q45 Intermittent Start Problem
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My '01 Infinity Q45 4.5 L V8 about 2 months ago started having intermittent start problems. The first problem was when the ignition key was turned to the start position nothing happened. All warning lights were illuminated as normal. I tuned the key off then tried starting again and the engine started normally. About 2 weeks later I again had the same thing happen. Then last week I tried to start and the engine turned over (cranked) but did not start. I tried several times and no luck. The battery turned the engine over effortlessly. The next day tried again and it started normally first time. Finally yesterday I tried starting and it stared normally, but the engine stopped before I had a chance to place the car in gear. I immediately tried starting again and it started normally. I suspect that the safety relay that prevents the engine from starting when the car is in gear or perhaps the brake relay that prevents putting the car in gear with the brake depressed is a cause. Can anybody give me some ideas?
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nickwarner
Veteran
/ Moderator
Mar 28, 2010, 9:27 PM
Post #2 of 3
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Re: 2001 Infinity Q45 Intermittent Start Problem
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I'm not as familiar with the better foreign cars, but from what you say I think a different direction. A bit more info is needed. When the starter wouldn't engage, did you hear a click? When was the last time the battery connections were dismantled and thoroughly cleaned? Also, has the battery been tested to show its condition? While the relays and circuits mentioned could be the cause, the first things to check are not only the most basic, but the cheapest. Your car has so many electrical items that the battery connections not only at the battery but elsewhere just won't work right if not perfectly clean and at full charge. Granted, at a separate time it cranked at full speed but wouldn't fire. There could be more than one issue here. After checking out the connections first out of habit, I would proceed with a fuel pressure test while this is not starting to try to narrow down the issue. Intermittent faults can be a real pain, since you don't know when it will fail to work and have to keep the testing equipment handy for when it does. If you check it when it runs it doesn't help, as everything will test good at that time. Does this car see much regular use or does it sit a lot? When was the last time the fuel filter was changed? I know I'm giving you more questions than answers but the more info we have the better the advice will be and the faster your car will be reliable again.
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timjet
New User
Mar 30, 2010, 7:24 AM
Post #3 of 3
(2293 views)
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Re: 2001 Infinity Q45 Intermittent Start Problem
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Nick, Thanks for the info. The car gets about 8000 miles a year. I did as you suggested which is what I should have done. I cleaned and lightly greased the battery terminals and replaced the fuel filter probably the first time since new. Like you say start with the simple things first. I'll see how it goes and get back it that doesn't do it. Thanks again, Tim
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