Let me apologize ahead of time for my lack of car terminology. I will do my best to try and explain exactly what the problem is...

So a few days ago I get in my car, everything was fine until about five minutes into my trip. Suddenly my engine light, VDC, and Slip lights all came on, and the car didn't seem to want to go above 30 mph. I could literally floor it and it would stay between the 20-35 mph range. Then randomly, it would pick back up to speed and drive fine. Went home and let it sit for an hour or so, and turned it back on, and just the engine light was on, but I was still having the same problem.

Took it to the Infiniti dealership, and they said the throttle body needed to be replaced. I have been screwed by this dealership before, so I went and got a second opinion. My local mechanic who works on all my cars didn't dismiss the fact that it could be the throttle body, but he recommended disconnecting the battery for 20 mins and letting the ECU(?) reset. So I of course did this, and took the car out for a good 20 mile drive with no issues. Engine light was off, everything seemed fine.

Fast forward to today, I run to the gas station, turn the car off, pump gas etc. I get in to head back home and the car starts up, then immediately shuts off. Lights, radio, windows, etc. all still work. I finally got it to start and headed home. Pull in my driveway and shut it off, but I was curious to see if it would start up again...and it does for a second and then the RPM's drop and the car sputters out. I then tried giving the car gas right after it started up, and it now stays running.

In short, the car will start fine when the engine is cold. If the engine is warmed up, I have to give it gas or else it will die out.

Is this still the throttle body or something like a fuel injector issue?

 

My guess is the MAF is dirty or your throttle body's going out. Pull the MAF and clean it with a MAF cleaner to start. If that doesn't work you might have to replace the TB.

Let us know the outcome.

 

Thanks..is there a link on how to pull the MAF and clean it? Stupid question I'm sure, but I don't come on here often.

Also, I found someone else on here who had a similar problem...

"I had a similar issue a few weeks ago when i disconnected my battery. Cold start was fine. Hot start - the car would fire up but die immediately unless I gave it gas. After a few blips of the throttle it would idle fine. Once running the car would have a stable idle until I swtched it off and restarted.

After a few days of driving it has sorted itself out and I have had a stable idle and no stalling issues for about 2 weeks. If you do want to tackle the problem I would suggest trying out the throttle relearning procedures before you attempt to clean the throttle body."

 

all can be symptons of dirty/malfunctioning TB and/or MAF.

Try looking for the intake install DIY if there even is one since its pretty basic. The MAF is located between your intake tube and filter. once you remopve the intake and look inside you cant miss the sensor.

Not exactly how to clean it tho.

 

Might need to perform the idle relearn. Read the cluster frack thread that deals with the exact same thing.

Inbetween the bs posts, I tried to give good info.

 

could be a dirty MAF.

get some CRC MAF cleaner fluid. Remove the MAF from the intake tubing and spray the fluid on the MAF. Make sure you stay at least 12 inches away while you are spraying.

 

OP here are a few pics on the MAF. You need a security Torx bit to get the MSF out of the housing. The link to Frenzy in the third pic takes you to a great DIY for doing this.


Tim notes to thank Jeff for his pics.