2004 Infiniti G35 Sedan Specs

Alright, let's talk about the 2004 Infiniti G35 Sedan. A fantastic car, no doubt, known for its sporty performance and sleek design. But like any vehicle of its age, it's bound to have a few quirks and issues popping up. If you're finding yourself searching for answers about your G35, you've come to the right place. We'll cover some common problems, their potential causes, and, most importantly, solutions to get you back on the road. We’ll focus on the sedan model here.

Engine Performance Issues

One of the most frequent concerns I hear about the 2004 G35 Sedan revolves around engine performance. This can manifest in a few different ways, from rough idling to decreased power and fuel economy.

Problem: Rough Idling and Stalling

If your G35 is idling roughly, especially when the engine is cold, or even stalling at stoplights, there are a few potential culprits:

• Dirty Throttle Body: Over time, carbon deposits can build up in the throttle body, restricting airflow and causing the engine to idle poorly.
• Mass Airflow Sensor (MAF) Issues: The MAF sensor measures the amount of air entering the engine. If it's dirty or failing, it can send incorrect readings to the engine control unit (ECU), leading to improper fuel mixture and rough idling.
• Vacuum Leaks: A vacuum leak can introduce unmetered air into the engine, disrupting the air-fuel ratio. Common locations for vacuum leaks include vacuum hoses, intake manifold gaskets, and PCV valve connections.
• Faulty Spark Plugs or Ignition Coils: Worn or damaged spark plugs or faulty ignition coils can cause misfires, leading to a rough idle.

Solution:

1. Clean the Throttle Body: This is a relatively easy DIY job. You'll need throttle body cleaner, a clean rag, and a screwdriver. Disconnect the intake tube, spray the cleaner into the throttle body, and wipe away the carbon deposits. Be sure to disconnect the battery for a few minutes after cleaning to allow the ECU to relearn the idle settings.
2. Clean or Replace the MAF Sensor: You can try cleaning the MAF sensor with MAF sensor cleaner. Be extremely careful, as the sensor is delicate. If cleaning doesn't work, you may need to replace it. A new MAF sensor can cost between $50 and $150.
3. Inspect for Vacuum Leaks: Visually inspect all vacuum hoses for cracks or damage. You can also use a can of carburetor cleaner or starting fluid to spray around potential leak areas. If the engine RPMs increase when you spray a specific area, you've likely found a vacuum leak. Repair or replace the affected hose or component.
4. Replace Spark Plugs and/or Ignition Coils: Consult your owner's manual for the recommended spark plug replacement interval. If you suspect a faulty ignition coil, you can use a multimeter to test its resistance. A set of spark plugs can cost around $40-$80, while individual ignition coils can range from $30 to $100 each.

Problem: Decreased Power and Fuel Economy

A sluggish engine and poor gas mileage can be frustrating. Here are some potential causes:

• Clogged Air Filter: A dirty air filter restricts airflow to the engine, reducing power and fuel economy.
• Faulty Oxygen Sensors: Oxygen sensors monitor the amount of oxygen in the exhaust stream and provide feedback to the ECU to adjust the air-fuel mixture. If they're failing, they can send incorrect readings, leading to poor performance.
• Catalytic Converter Issues: A clogged or failing catalytic converter restricts exhaust flow, reducing power and fuel economy.
• Fuel Injector Problems: Dirty or clogged fuel injectors can disrupt the fuel delivery process, leading to poor performance.

Solution:

1. Replace the Air Filter: This is a simple and inexpensive task. A new air filter typically costs between $10 and $20.
2. Test and Replace Oxygen Sensors: You can use a scan tool to monitor the performance of the oxygen sensors. If they're reading incorrectly, you may need to replace them. Oxygen sensors can cost between $50 and $150 each.
3. Diagnose Catalytic Converter: A professional mechanic can diagnose catalytic converter issues using a backpressure test. Replacing a catalytic converter can be expensive, ranging from $300 to $1000 or more, depending on the brand and labor costs.
4. Clean or Replace Fuel Injectors: You can try using a fuel injector cleaner additive in your gas tank. If that doesn't work, you may need to have the fuel injectors professionally cleaned or replaced. Fuel injector cleaning can cost around $100-$200, while replacement can cost significantly more.

Suspension and Handling Problems

The G35 is known for its sporty handling, but as the suspension components age, you might experience some issues.

Problem: Noisy Suspension

Clunking, rattling, or squeaking noises coming from the suspension are common complaints.

Potential Causes:

• Worn Struts or Shocks: Worn struts or shocks can cause a bouncy ride and excessive noise.
• Worn Ball Joints: Ball joints connect the suspension to the wheel hubs. When they wear out, they can cause clunking noises.
• Worn Control Arm Bushings: Control arm bushings cushion the connection between the control arms and the frame. When they wear out, they can cause rattling or clunking noises.
• Worn Sway Bar Links: Sway bar links connect the sway bar to the suspension. When they wear out, they can cause rattling noises.

Solution:

1. Inspect Struts and Shocks: Visually inspect the struts and shocks for leaks or damage. Bounce the car at each corner to check for excessive bouncing. Replacing struts and shocks can cost between $300 and $800 per axle, including labor.
2. Inspect Ball Joints: A mechanic can inspect the ball joints for play. Replacing ball joints can cost between $200 and $500 per side, including labor.
3. Inspect Control Arm Bushings: Visually inspect the control arm bushings for cracks or damage. Replacing control arm bushings can be a labor-intensive job, costing between $300 and $700 per side, including labor.
4. Inspect Sway Bar Links: Visually inspect the sway bar links for wear or damage. Replacing sway bar links is a relatively inexpensive and straightforward job, costing around $50-$150 per link, including labor.

Problem: Poor Handling and Steering

If your G35 feels unstable or difficult to steer, here are some possible causes:

• Misalignment: Improper wheel alignment can cause the car to pull to one side and wear the tires unevenly.
• Worn Tires: Worn tires can reduce traction and make the car handle poorly.
• Power Steering Problems: Issues with the power steering system can make the car difficult to steer.

Solution:

1. Get a Wheel Alignment: Have a professional perform a wheel alignment to ensure that all the wheels are properly aligned. A wheel alignment typically costs between $75 and $150.
2. Replace Worn Tires: Replace worn tires with a new set that matches the manufacturer's specifications. The cost of tires will vary depending on the brand and size.
3. Check Power Steering Fluid Level: Make sure the power steering fluid level is at the proper level. If it's low, top it off with the correct type of fluid. If the fluid is contaminated, you may need to flush the power steering system.
4. Inspect Power Steering Pump: A failing power steering pump can cause difficulty steering. A mechanic can diagnose the power steering pump and replace it if necessary. Replacing the power steering pump can cost between $200 and $500, including labor.

Electrical Issues

Electrical gremlins can be particularly frustrating. Here are a couple of common ones:

Problem: Battery Drain

If your battery keeps dying overnight, there could be a parasitic draw on the electrical system.

Potential Causes:

• Faulty Alternator: A failing alternator may not be charging the battery properly.
• Leaving Lights On: Accidentally leaving a light on can drain the battery.
• Aftermarket Accessories: Aftermarket accessories, such as stereos or alarms, can sometimes draw power even when the car is off.
• Faulty Electrical Components: A faulty electrical component, such as a relay or module, can cause a parasitic draw.

Solution:

1. Test the Alternator: A mechanic can test the alternator to make sure it's charging the battery properly. Replacing the alternator can cost between $200 and $500, including labor.
2. Check for Lights Left On: Make sure all the lights are turned off when you park the car.
3. Disconnect Aftermarket Accessories: Try disconnecting aftermarket accessories to see if they're causing the battery drain.
4. Perform a Parasitic Draw Test: A mechanic can perform a parasitic draw test to identify the source of the battery drain. This involves using a multimeter to measure the current draw from the battery with the car off.

Problem: Window Motor Failure

A common issue with older cars is window motor failure.

Potential Causes:

• Worn Window Motor: Over time, the window motor can wear out and fail.
• Faulty Window Regulator: The window regulator is the mechanism that raises and lowers the window. If it's damaged, it can prevent the window from working.
• Broken Window Switch: A faulty window switch can prevent the window from working.

Solution:

1. Test the Window Switch: Use a multimeter to test the window switch. If it's faulty, replace it.
2. Replace the Window Motor: Replacing the window motor involves removing the door panel and disconnecting the motor. A new window motor can cost between $50 and $150, and labor can add another $100-$200.
3. Replace the Window Regulator: If the window regulator is damaged, you'll need to replace it. This can be a more complex job than replacing the window motor.

Tools You Might Need:

• Socket set
• Wrench set
• Screwdrivers (Phillips and flathead)
• Multimeter
• Scan tool (for diagnosing engine codes)
• Jack and jack stands
• Throttle body cleaner
• MAF sensor cleaner

Remember, this is just a starting point. Diagnosing car problems can be complex, and it's always best to consult with a qualified mechanic if you're not comfortable working on your car yourself. I hope this helps you troubleshoot some common issues with your 2004 Infiniti G35 Sedan. Good luck getting it back in top shape!