Hello.

I have just ordered a 2004 G35 6MT Sedan (with premium and winter packages) for delivery in November. I have read that the 2004 models will likely include a tire pressure monitoring system as standard equipment; this seems to be confirmed in the 2004 owners guide (http://www.nissan-techinfo.com/infin...p?dept%5Fid=56).

I plan to purchase a set of dedicated wheels / winter tires (live in upstate NY).

My question is this: Does the addition of the tire pressure monitors limit my choices of wheels? Would it make sense (or be cost effective) to purchase a second set of sensors for the winter wheels? Does anyone out there have any experience with this? It seems that the pressure monitoring feature is fairly limited on the G35 (just an idiot light that tells you one of the tires is low). Any comments?

Also, any comments on the LSD that's supposed to be on the 2004? The owners manual makes it sound like it's not a mechanical LSD, but something related to the VDC (they refer to a "Brake LSD").

Thanks!

TurboFish
2004 G35 Sedan 6M (on order for Nov '03)
1998 Volvo C70 Coupe HPT

 

i thought the 04 sedans were coming with heated seats and mirrors. why order winter package then.

 

Actually, I believe that the current winter package is being integrated into the premium package for 2004. The dealers do not have 2004 pricing, so they estimated the price based on the 2003.5 options packages -- the net of it is, that's how I want the car equipped, regardless of what they call the packages.

Regards,


TurboFish
2004 G35 Sedan 6M (on order for Nov '03)
1998 Volvo C70 Coupe HPT

 

The tire pressure monitors on Nissan products, and I would have to assume most vehicles, are transponders on each wheel that send a signal to a receiver in the dash...If you purchase new wheels the transponders must be removed and placed on the new wheels, then re-calibrated...More information on that is detailed in any Nissan/Infiniti salesman's guide for any vehicle that comes with tire pressure monitors, or the Nissan/Infiniti Glossary...A decent salesman will pull that out and show it to you...

 

Thanks!

I would like to avoid having the tires re-mounted to each set of wheels when I change from Summers to Snows just because of the pressure sensors (transponders). I assume that it's possible to purchase a 2nd set of transponders which must somehow be registered to the receiver in the car (instead of the "summer" transponders). That, or I could run without pressure sensors at all in the winter, but would the indicator light on the dash always be on?

When I ordered the car last week, the dealer didn't know anything about the new features on the 2004 model, other than the AWD version is coming in November (only with an automatic transmission).

TurboFish
2004 G35 Sedan 6M (on order for Nov '03)
1998 Volvo C70 Coupe HPT

 

It will be interesting to find out how the tire pressure monitor is implemented. From what I've observed thus far, the monitoring system for the '04 may be of the pressure sensor-less type (an after thought to simply meet the regulation and a huge bummer if indeed true). Instead, wheel speed sensors normally used for ABS are borrowed to compare all four wheel velocity through a nifty algorithm. Several passages from the '04 user manual seem to support the above. "... works when traveling at greater than 20 mph", "... may or may *not* detect a sudden lost of tire pressure", etc.

... we'll find out eventually comes September!



THX723

 

Interesting point about the possible new sensor application...Although, if memory serves correctly, the pressure sensors in the current Nissan vehicles do not register sudden loss of pressure either...That statement in the manual could very well be Nissan's way of entering a disclaimer into their literature in order to avoid a lawsuit should someone's sensor not register sudden loss...Other than that, unless the current pressure sensors and receiver set-up is proving cost ineffective I wouldn't think Nissan would change anything...I could definitely be wrong, but I specialized in 350Z/04 Maxima/Murano sales and I was never brought to believe that the sensors were up for re-design...Hope not!

 

that tire pressure sensor just makes things more complicated and gives the car more repairs. i say just go with a set of tire-minders. they may not look all that great up close, but shoot. the convienence is definitely worth it.

 

Don't hold your breath on the tire pressure monitor actually being very useful.

http://www.newsday.com/news/local/wi...-regional-wire

I believe Infiniti is using the indirect kind mentioned in this article.

2003.5 G35 Sedan Desert Platinum/Graphite Premium/Sport/Aero/Nav/Winter

 

First off - congrats on ordering the 6MT Sedan. You gonna lub dat caw! In regards to your query about the LSD vrs VDC. I'm not sure what's available on the 2004 Sedans, but the 2003s had a stability control system rather than a LSD. Instead of true LSD functionality, wherein traction loss on one of the rear wheels engages clutches to send more power to the other rear wheel, the 2003/2003.5 models had VDC - Vehicle Dynamic Control (I think). This technology utilizes the ABS system to brake the rear wheel that is slipping, thereby allowing the other wheel to gain traction. I've tested the VDC system on a large parking lot with patches of ice. Whe the VDC system engages, the VDC light appears on the dash and the back end shudders a bit as the brakes are applied to the wheel(s). I was unable to really get the back end to break loose on the patchy ice, despite many attempts. This is a slightly less than ideal solution, IMHO, since the solution to loss of traction is also a loss of power, as opposed to a LSD which diverts power. However, it does work very well. Another nice feature is that the VDC can be turned off with a switch on the dash. Also, keep in mind that the aftermarket Z350/G35c LSDs are most likely compatible with the Sedan. If you search, I think you'll find a thread where somebody has already installed a LSD on a Sedan. Congrats on your order again.

-townsley-
2003 Brilliant Silver Premium Sedan
Z Inlet, K&N Filter, Tinted, Grounded

 

VDC is not the same as LSD. The VDC system for '03 does have a component called "Brake LSD" that does what you're describing. This piece of the system, Brake LSD, is actually not turned off with the rest of VDC.

A true LSD is a good thing, and will put more power to the ground. It won't prevent oversteer, however, which is what VDC does. VDC detects the yaw rate of the car, and as the car enters a spin or skid, it will reduce throttle and apply the appropriate brakes to bring the car back under control. Very useful in bad weather, with or without a mechanical LSD. In your parking lot test, you should try getting up to speed, then jerking the wheel to one side and applying a little power to create a fishtail situation. VDC will put you back on course in a heartbeat.

2003.5 G35 Sedan Desert Platinum/Graphite Premium/Sport/Aero/Nav/Winter

 

I did find an interesting paragraph in the 2004 manual regarding the tire pressure monitor. It says: "The low tire pressure warning system monitors pressure of all tires (except the spare tire) by sending a signal from a sensor that is installed in each wheel."

It also says in a warning box that the system will not work if a wheel is replaced, and to contact your dealer ASAP for replacement.

So, judging by this, it sounds like they're not using the ABS sensors as has been suggested.

Regards,

TurboFish
2004 G35 Sedan 6M (on order for Nov '03)
1998 Volvo C70 Coupe HPT

 

Interesting. But they still only give you a single idiot light instead of letting you know which tire is low, or what the actual pressure reading is in the tires?

2003.5 G35 Sedan Desert Platinum/Graphite Premium/Sport/Aero/Nav/Winter

 

It looks that way. All the manual shows is one idiot light on the dash -- The light triggers if any of the tires drops below 25 psi.

Regards,


TurboFish
2004 G35 Sedan 6M (on order for Nov '03)
1998 Volvo C70 Coupe HPT