Infiniti QX56 breaking issues, CVT maintenance

Dear Arlene: To diagnose your cold-start noise we need to eliminate the possibility of any belt or belt-driven accessories as the noise source. Have the shop remove the belt before starting the engine on a cold morning. If the noise is still present, then the next step is to disconnect the power to the electric smog pump, if equipped. When checking for a vacuum leak a smoke machine and/or pouring water on the intake area is another way of looking for a vacuum leak.

Dear Mike: Continuously Variable Transmissions run at higher temperatures than conventional transmissions. You should check your vehicle's owner's manual for the manufacturer's recommendation -- not the dealer recommendation. You have to use the factory recommended fluid only -- and should not use any other fluid. If you use the vehicle for towing, commercial or snow plowing, then I recommend the transmission fluid should be changed annually. The main reason for transmission failure is heat and burnt fluid.

Dear Frank: If I were working on this car the first thing I would do is a full-vehicle specific computer scan, followed by a scan in mode 6 operation. If there were no fault codes and nothing in mode 6, then I'd access my account at Identifix for a history of problems. A very common fault on these cars is the crankshaft position sensor. The fluctuating fuel gauge may not be at all connected, and again, a scan tool check will display the actual sending unit information that is going to the dash cluster. There is an ongoing internal dash cluster problem with these cars.

Dear Moshen: You need to find out when the misfire code appeared. This is done with the scan tool in a freeze-frame menu. You need to look at all of the sensor information to determine if this is a lean condition or mechanical problem. Much can be learned from scan tool information in the freeze-frame mode. Make sure you are using factory Honda tune-up parts.

Dear William: As for any major braking issue, I would say there is reason to not consider the purchase the vehicle. However, if you would like to upgrade the brake pads and rotors, then there are many performance brands that will improve all-around braking. Beware that high-performance brake pads and rotors will have some occasional brake squeal (a small inconvenience for increased braking).

Junior Damato is an ASE-certified Master Technician.

E-mail questions to info@motormatters.biz