1996 INFINITI Q45

Typical onset: 80,000-150,000 mi

Symptoms: Pink or milky fluid in radiator or transmission, Transmission slipping or erratic shifting after coolant intrusion, Coolant level drops with no external leaks, Transmission overheat warnings

Fix: Replace radiator with aftermarket unit WITHOUT integrated cooler, install external transmission cooler, flush transmission multiple times, possibly rebuild transmission if contamination went unnoticed. 8-12 hours labor if trans survives, 20+ if rebuild needed.

Estimated cost: $1,200-$4,500

Typical onset: 120,000-200,000 mi

Symptoms: Excessive oil consumption, 1+ quart per 1,000 miles, Blue smoke on startup or acceleration, Loss of compression in one or more cylinders, Rough idle and misfire codes, Metallic ticking that worsens with load

Fix: Full engine rebuild or replacement. Piston ring lands crack due to carbon buildup and detonation, scoring cylinder walls. Requires head removal, bore inspection, new pistons, rings, bearings, machine work. 30-40 hours labor. Many opt for low-mileage JDM replacement engine instead.

Estimated cost: $5,500-$9,000

Typical onset: 70,000-120,000 mi

Symptoms: Clunk when shifting from Park to Drive or Reverse, Excessive driveline vibration at idle in gear, Transmission appears to 'rock' visibly when throttle applied, Harsh engagement into gear

Fix: Replace transmission mount and inspect engine mounts while in there. 2-3 hours labor. Hydraulic mount design wears faster than solid rubber types.

Estimated cost: $350-$600

Typical onset: 60,000-100,000 mi

Symptoms: Hesitation or stumble during acceleration, Hard starting when engine is hot, Loss of power at highway speeds, Surging idle, Check engine light with lean codes

Fix: Replace in-line fuel filter (often neglected), inspect fuel pump output pressure. Filter is under car near tank. If pump is weak from running against clogged filter, budget for pump replacement too. 1.5-2 hours for filter, 3-4 hours if pump needed.

Estimated cost: $250-$900

Symptoms: No-start condition with cranks but won't fire, Intermittent stalling while driving, restarts after sitting, Loss of tach signal, Check engine light with crank sensor code

Fix: Replace crankshaft position sensor. Located at back of engine near flywheel, requires removing starter and working in tight space. Heat-related failure common. 2-3 hours labor.

Estimated cost: $400-$650

Typical onset: 100,000-150,000 mi

Symptoms: Battery light illuminated, Dimming headlights at idle, Electrical system voltage below 13.5V when running, Dead battery after short sits, Whining noise from alternator

Fix: Replace alternator. OE Hitachi units or quality reman. 2 hours labor, straightforward access from top.

Estimated cost: $500-$800

Typical onset: 80,000-140,000 mi

Symptoms: Blower only works on high speed, No air flow from vents at any setting, Intermittent blower operation, Burning smell from vents

Fix: Replace blower motor resistor or entire blower motor assembly. Resistor is behind glove box, motor requires more disassembly. 1.5-3 hours depending on component.

Estimated cost: $250-$600