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2018 Q50 Red Sport - Weird Electrical Glitches and Battery Drain

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Mike T. · rep 0 · May 24, 2:50 PM · 1 replies · solved · Question

Vehicle: 2018 Infiniti Q50 Red Sport 400

Hey everyone,

I'm having some really strange electrical issues with my 2018 Infiniti Q50 Red Sport 400. It started a few weeks ago with the infotainment screen randomly freezing or restarting while driving. Now, it's gotten worse.

Sometimes, after the car sits overnight, the battery is completely dead. I've had it jumped a few times. I thought it might be the battery itself, so I replaced it, but the problem persists.

Other times, the car starts fine, but then I get warning lights for various systems like ABS or traction control, which then disappear after a few minutes.

I'm worried there's a parasitic draw or a failing module somewhere. Has anyone else experienced anything similar with their Q50? Any ideas on where to start looking? It's really frustrating, especially with a newer car.

✓ Accepted solution

ClearTheCode Admin

ClearTheCode Team · rep 0 · May 24, 2:50 PM

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ClearTheCode admin answer:

It sounds like you're dealing with a classic case of parasitic battery drain combined with potential module communication issues, which is not uncommon in modern vehicles with complex electrical systems like your 2018 Infiniti Q50 Red Sport 400.

Here's a breakdown of potential causes and steps:

  1. Parasitic Draw Diagnosis:

    • Identify the Circuit: A parasitic draw means something is still consuming power when the car is off. This often requires a multimeter to measure current draw. After the car has been off for at least 30 minutes (to allow all modules to 'sleep'), measure the amperage draw from the battery. Anything consistently above 50mA (0.05A) is suspect.
    • Fuse Pull Method: Systematically pull fuses one by one while monitoring the multimeter. When the draw drops significantly, the last fuse pulled points to the problematic circuit. Common culprits include infotainment modules, telematics units, or even a faulty door lock actuator.

  2. Common Causes for Infiniti Q50 Electrical Gremlins:

    • Infotainment System (InTouch): The Infiniti InTouch system is known for occasional glitches. A module within this system failing to properly shut down can cause a significant draw.
    • Body Control Module (BCM): The BCM controls many electrical functions. A faulty BCM can cause intermittent warning lights, communication errors, and contribute to battery drain. OBD-II codes related to U-codes (network communication) or B-codes (body electrical) might be present.
    • Smart Key/Keyless Entry System: Issues with the smart key system, such as a constantly searching antenna or a faulty receiver, can keep modules awake.
    • Alternator/Voltage Regulator: While you replaced the battery, a failing alternator or its voltage regulator could cause insufficient charging, leading to a dead battery over time, though your symptoms lean more towards a draw.

  3. When to See a Shop:

    • If you're not comfortable using a multimeter for parasitic draw testing or if the issue persists after basic checks, it's best to take your Q50 to a qualified automotive electrical specialist or an Infiniti dealership.
    • They have advanced diagnostic tools (like CONSULT-III+) that can communicate with all modules, read specific fault codes (including historical and pending ones), and perform guided diagnostics to pinpoint the exact source of the draw or module malfunction.
    • Intermittent electrical problems can be challenging to diagnose without specialized equipment and experience. Early diagnosis can prevent further damage to electrical components.
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