Cold Start in morning problem

M

mhkeyemd

Member
Location
Orange County, CA
Just a question. I have a 2006 FX35 AWD and had some issues in the past with starting my car (you can check out my past threads). It's been behaving good since the major work was done. However, I tried to start my car this morning and it took about 4-5 seconds to start after cranking for a while. Is this normal? I usually park my car in the garage, but I've been parking my car outside because I'm doing some work in my garage. Also, it was quite cold this morning (California standard)..around 45 degrees. Also, I parked my car on the driveway, which has about 10-15 degree incline. Let me know what you think. After the "delayed" start this morning, my car is driving fine.
 
I've been having the same issue, for about a month now. Cold starts after 12+ hours of sitting at one place and it doesn't start properly or it barely starts and then RPM drops low for a few seconds. I'm hoping it's just time to replace my spark plug or battery.
 
Another question for the experts. I tried to replace my spark plugs at my dealer at 60K maintenance check. One service rep tried to convince me to get it changed which would have cost me over $800 for the "grand" 60K maintenance care; however, the other service rep (whom I trust more) said Infiniti recommends spark plugs to be changed at like 120K miles. Who should I believe?

P.S. To IvoRoyfx35... I would change your battery. Infiniti battery sucks hell! I got mine replaced for 25 dollars under warranty although I hate OEM Infiniti battery. My OEM audi battery lasted 6 years, and I drove my audi in Chicago for 4 years in chilling weathers.
 
I had OEM battery for 5 years which had no problems at all.
I just changed the battery this year to Interstate MTP-35 due to its age just in case to prepare to winter.
As for the Spark Plugs, I changed those a few weeks ago because oil got on the spark plugs. Dealer replaced my valve cover due to oil leak under the powertrain warranty so I told them why not just replace those spark plugs as well while replacing the valve cover. Plugs were burnt and had oil on them.
So I think it is a good idea to check your spark plugs to make they are ok.
Make sure you do this before your powertrain warranty goes expire.
I heard it is common for FXs and Gs to have leaking valve seal as it gets weared out.
The issue with valve cover and spark plug was basically engine was misfiring a lot.
Now it runs like a beast.
The only hassle chaning spark plugs is that there is a lot of labor to get into where spark plugs are. So I thought while changing the valvue cover it is a good idea to change those plugs just in case and I was right.
Hope this helps!
 
Hanjo has a point. check the plugs first. if they are in good condition, you should change it after about 80k miles. as for the battery, my oem one died the same week i bought the car. i have duralast now and it starts right up.
 
I think I'm going to have my spark plugs changed on my next visit like Hanjo said. My car started very slowly today although I parked my car in the garage overnight. If that doesn't take care of my damn morning start issue that I've been dealing with for last 2 years, I'm going to get rid of my FX and never get Infiniti. I'm tired of this crap!
 
I can recall a time I had a different vehicle and it gave me problems started, come to find out fuel pressure was low and it would take several cranks. something to look at just need a guage to check it. just giving you options to look at, I would blame it on the brand of cars because I have an 03 with 94000 miles and havn't had no problems and it get a little bit colder up here.
 
I totally agree with you. I know that all vehicles have problems. For example, I had an engine sludge problem, ignition coil problems, and power steering problem on my 2003 Audi A4. However, they were all addressed with no or very minimal cost to me. Once they were fixed, I had no more problems. If I can summarize the experience with my FX35 (again you can check out my past threads), I had all 6 fuel injectors replaced, throttle body replaced, fuel pump replaced, battery replaced, and now I'm most likely change my spark plugs...all for my morning start problem. Yet, I'm still dealing with this crap for last 2 years. I'm grateful that most of these problems were covered under warranty. Also, you can see other multiple "cold start" problems threads here at IS. I just feel like there is an inherent problem with Nissan 3.5L engine or ignition system. It may not affect all 3.5L engines, but more than just being coincidental. I still love how my FX drives...really yes I do! But, this chronic morning start issue is getting old..2 years old, and I think I'm done if spark plugs don't solve my problem. Sorry for bitching...but this is my experience with my FX.
 
does this happen every morning? I don't blame you, I had a caddy that did the same thing and it was the fuel pump being bad, once I got it started it was fine for the day the next morning it would crank and crank and come to find out the fuel pump pressure was not maintaining the fuel pressure, so that is something that any body can check.
 
6 fuel injectors, fuel pump, battery, & throttle body have been replaced. Spark plugs will cost me since my warranty expired. I have 73k miles. Again, my theory is 2006 fx35 has an inherent ignition problem.
 
If it got < 20 in my Mustang Cobra before my FX (and especially if wind chill is bad), then it wouldn't start no matter how many times you'd try. In my opinion, at least the FX will start after a few starts. :)
 
I took a vid this morning of my start up. It was about 39 degrees outsideand this has been happening for the past week...One thing ive noticed is that I start it up before the steering wheel comes all the way down. Maybe it may have something to do with that.
 
Hi again fellas, I have been having the same exact issue as mhkeyemd for the past 2 years as well and I am also debating on getting rid of my FX in the spring time because it is just getting ridiculous trying to get my car to start after a couple or a few times of cranking. I have also tried the starting the car before the steering wheel comes to a complete stop but that is not the solution either. It did help somewhat but not totally. I read somewhere the is could be the AC Amplifier or the the IPDM ( Intelligent Power Distribution Module) if you click on the link that I found and scroll down about 2/3 and read the Nissan Infiniti G35 Cold Starting Problem it says may need replacement of the IPDM. I know the FX is not a G35 but essentially its the same thing. What do you guys think. I've been researching the whole entire web and couldnt really come up with anybody that narrowed the problem down but some ideas. I also found another link as well dealing with the IPDM going bad. Thanks

http://www.lemonlawclaims.com/Nissan%20Infiniti%20G35%20problems.htm

http://g35driver.com/forums/v36-general-tech-questions/260589-ipdms-failing-cold-weather.html

http://www.autocarepronews.com/Article/40868/tech_tip_infiniti_wont_start_cold.aspx
 
Last edited:
jetblacac said:
Hi again fellas, I have been having the same exact issue as mhkeyemd for the past 2 years as well and I am also debating on getting rid of my FX in the spring time because it is just getting ridiculous trying to get my car to start after a couple or a few times of cranking. I have also tried the starting the car before the steering wheel comes to a complete stop but that is not the solution either. It did help somewhat but not totally. I read somewhere the is could be the AC Amplifier or the the IPDM ( Intelligent Power Distribution Module) if you click on the link that I found and scroll down about 2/3 and read the Nissan Infiniti G35 Cold Starting Problem it says may need replacement of the IPDM. I know the FX is not a G35 but essentially its the same thing. What do you guys think. I've been researching the whole entire web and couldnt really come up with anybody that narrowed the problem down but some ideas. I also found another link as well dealing with the IPDM going bad. Thanks

http://www.lemonlawclaims.com/Nissan Infiniti G35 problems.htm

http://g35driver.com/forums/v36-general-tech-questions/260589-ipdms-failing-cold-weather.html

http://www.autocarepronews.com/Article/40868/tech_tip_infiniti_wont_start_cold.aspx
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Just get rid of your car whenever you can. Yours and mine are only 4-5 years old and doing this sh*t already. Don't take a chance. I am thinking of getting a new car (NEVER INFINITI! BASICALLY, YOU ARE GETTING A NISSAN WITH JACKED UP PRICE. I'M GOING BACK TO AUDI. I'M GETTING Q7) next year since I think I can still get around $20K for trade-in or maybe more if I were to sell it. Good luck!
 
mhkeyemd said:
Just get rid of your car whenever you can. Yours and mine are only 4-5 years old and doing this sh*t already. Don't take a chance. I am thinking of getting a new car (NEVER INFINITI! BASICALLY, YOU ARE GETTING A NISSAN WITH JACKED UP PRICE. I'M GOING BACK TO AUDI. I'M GETTING Q7) next year since I think I can still get around $20K for trade-in or maybe more if I were to sell it. Good luck!
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not-this-again.jpg
 

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I find the "it's just a Nissan" argument to be funny. Not the overall issue.

Your Audi is just a VW with a jacked up price...
 
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