2004 INFINITI FX35 Has A Check Engine Light

Troubleshooting the Check Engine Light in Your 2004 INFINITI FX35: Common Causes and Solutions

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Reviewed by
Aisha
Written by RepairPal Car Genius
Updated January 14, 2025
0%
40% chance it's the
Emissions System
0%
60% chance it's
Something else
The most common reasons a 2004 INFINITI FX35 has a check engine light are an emissions system component, a sensor, or a catalytic converter.
  • Emissions System: A faulty emissions system component, such as an oxygen sensor or EGR valve, can lead to increased emissions and trigger the check engine light.
Proper diagnosis will determine the exact cause of your symptom, saving you money on unnecessary repairs. The diagnostic experts at RepairPal Certified shops have the right tools and experience to solve any symptom.

How much does it cost to fix a 2004 INFINITI FX35 has a check engine light?

Common Repairs

The total repair cost will vary based on the condition of your vehicle and the number of repairs needed to fix your symptom. Proper diagnosis will save you money by finding the exact repairs needed to fix your car right the first time.

A faulty oxygen sensor is one of the most common causes of a check engine light. Symptoms may include a decrease in fuel mileage, hesitation or misfiring from the engine, rough idling or even stalling. A faulty sensor may cause the vehicle to fail an emissions test.

Any time there is an emissions fault the check engine light will be displayed. The purpose of the check engine light is to inform the driver that an emission related fault has been found, and that there are on-board diagnostic (OBD) trouble codes stored in the powertrain or engine control module. Additionally, since the emissions systems are so intertwined into engine control and transmission control systems, symptoms may include nearly any sort of drivability concerns. This may include harsh shifting, failure to shift, hesitation on acceleration, jerking, engine failure to start or run, loss of power, or any number of other drivability issues.

Due to the nature of electrical systems on modern vehicles, the range of problems these can cause are nearly limitless. However, there is a way to categorize them in two ways. Permanent and intermittent problems. Permanent problems appear and remain. This may be the vehicle will not start, the radio does not work, or the door chime will not turn off among many, many others. These problems are more straight-forward to diagnose since they present themselves at all time. This means there will always be a fault to find. Intermittent electrical problems, however, can be difficult or impossible to locate, since they appear then disappear without warning. The best case scenario for an intermittent issue is when replicating the problem is easily accomplished and understood. This allows a technician to make an issue semi-permanent, allowing them to find the fault. Other issues that come and go without warning and cannot be replicated on demand must occur when the technician is servicing the vehicle, otherwise there is no problem to correct. It is most important to understand that electrical system faults always require inspection, and can include the vehicle working in any manner, or not working at all.

Like we noted in the last section, general diagnosis symptoms are the most vague of the bunch. There are several diagnostic spectrums, electrical diagnosis, drivability diagnostics, engine diagnostics, transmission diagnostics, and the list could continue for about 5 or 10 more spectrums of diagnostics. The most important take-away here, is that general diagnostics are diagnostics that have no other spectrum in which they fit, or the problem is unknown. This means that any vehicle left outside of a repair facility with the keys and an authorization to perform diagnosis will be diagnosed under the general diagnosis spectrum.

When the Check Engine Light comes on, you may experience engine performance issues such as poor acceleration, rough idling, or an engine that won't start. In some cases, no abnormal symptoms will be experienced. Other systems like the transmission or ABS can cause the Check Engine Light to illuminate and lights for those systems can come on at the same time. Similar lights may say "Check Engine Soon", "Malfunction Indicator Light" or just "Check". In rare case the engine can overheat.

What are the initial diagnostic steps to take for a check engine light on a 2004 INFINITI FX35?

When faced with a check engine light on your 2004 INFINITI FX35, it's essential to adopt a systematic diagnostic approach to identify the underlying issue. Start by checking the gas cap, as a loose or damaged cap is a common and easily fixable cause of the warning light. Next, observe the dashboard for any additional warning lights that may indicate more serious problems. Utilizing an OBD-II scanner is a crucial step; it allows you to retrieve error codes from the vehicle's computer, providing insights into potential issues. Pay attention to any accompanying symptoms, such as rough idling or decreased fuel efficiency, as these can help pinpoint the problem. Finally, consult your owner's manual for specific guidance related to the check engine light, which can offer tailored advice for your vehicle. By following these steps, you can effectively narrow down the cause of the check engine light and take appropriate action.

What are the common problems that could cause the check engine light to illuminate in a 2004 INFINITI FX35?

When the check engine light comes on in your 2004 INFINITI FX35, it can be a source of concern, but understanding the common problems associated with this warning can empower you to take action. One of the simplest issues to check is the gas cap; a loose or damaged cap can easily trigger the light, so ensure it is securely fastened. If the gas cap is not the culprit, consider inspecting the oxygen sensor, as a faulty sensor can disrupt the vehicle's air-fuel mixture and lead to increased emissions. Additionally, problems with the catalytic converter, such as blockages or failures, can also illuminate the check engine light, indicating a need for further investigation. Another potential issue is the mass airflow sensor, which measures the amount of air entering the engine; if it malfunctions, it can affect engine performance. Worn-out spark plugs or malfunctioning ignition coils are also common causes, as they can lead to misfires and poor engine operation. Lastly, a faulty thermostat can trigger the light by affecting engine temperature regulation. Addressing these issues promptly is crucial to maintaining your vehicle's performance and preventing more significant problems down the line. If you're unable to diagnose the issue yourself, consulting a qualified mechanic is advisable for a thorough evaluation.

How urgent is it to address the check engine light in a 2004 INFINITI FX35?

When the check engine light illuminates in your 2004 INFINITI FX35, it is crucial to act swiftly to prevent potential safety hazards and costly repairs. This warning light indicates that there may be an issue with your vehicle's engine or emissions system, which, if ignored, could escalate into more severe problems. For DIY enthusiasts, the first step is to use an OBD-II scanner to retrieve diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) that can help identify the specific issue. While some problems may be minor and easily fixable, such as a loose gas cap, others could indicate more serious concerns that require professional attention. Addressing the check engine light promptly not only helps maintain the vehicle's performance but also ensures compliance with emissions regulations, ultimately safeguarding your investment. Therefore, it is advisable to diagnose and resolve the underlying issues as soon as possible to keep your INFINITI FX35 running smoothly and safely.

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