Black Smoke & Power Loss: Infiniti EX Fuel Issues

Hey there! I have some experience working with cars . Had a similar issue with my 2010 Infiniti FX last year, and those symptoms sound very familiar. In my case, it turned out to be faulty cable connections affecting the engine control unit. After noticing similar symptoms (black smoke, power loss, and check engine light), I took it to my trusted workshop downtown. The mechanic found several corroded cable connections that were causing all sorts of weird readings and performance issues. Total repair cost me 155€ to get the connections cleaned, repaired, and properly sealed. But before I can say for sure if your issue is similar, have you scanned for error codes? When was your last maintenance service? Does the problem get worse in wet weather? Might help narrow things down a bit. Different model years can have different quirks, even in the same brand.

Thanks for sharing your experience! My mileage is at 226064 KM, and I actually just had my last service about two months ago. I haven't scanned for error codes yet since my usual scanner isn't working, but I'll definitely get that done this week. Interesting you mention weather conditions haven't really paid attention to that, but now that you mention it, it does seem a bit worse on damp mornings. Your cable connection issue is definitely worth checking out, especially since it's cheaper than replacing the fuel pressure sensor. I'll have my mechanic take a look at those connections too while they're at it. Sometimes these simple fixes can solve bigger-looking problems!

Hey again! Thanks for getting back that mileage number and those weather observations are really ringing some bells for me. After reading your response, I'm even more convinced our issues might be related. You know, after fixing those cable connections on my FX, I actually discovered there was a bit more to the story. A few weeks later, I noticed some similar symptoms creeping back (though not as bad), and it turned out I also had a partially clogged fuel injector that was contributing to the problem. The damp morning thing is what really caught my attention that's exactly when my issues were worst too! I paid about 280€ more to get the injectors cleaned and honestly, it was like getting a new car. Might be worth having your mechanic check both the connections AND the injectors while they're at it. The combo of high mileage and those symptoms you described... it just sounds so familiar. Quick tip from my experience when you get those error codes read, if you see anything like P0201 to P0206, that's definitely pointing toward injector issues. Just thought I'd mention it since I wish someone had told me that earlier! Keep me posted on what you find out really curious if your Infiniti's acting up for the same reasons mine did!

Really appreciate the detailed follow-up! That's super helpful about the specific error codes to look out for definitely noting those down. You might be onto something with the injectors too, especially given my mileage. The fact that your FX had similar issues with both connections and injectors makes a lot of sense. I've actually scheduled an appointment with my mechanic for tomorrow morning, and I'll make sure they check both things. The total cost you mentioned (about 435€ for both repairs) seems pretty reasonable compared to what I was worried I might have to spend on a fuel pressure sensor replacement. It's kind of a relief to hear from someone who's actually dealt with this makes me feel less worried about the whole situation. I'll definitely update you once I get it checked out. Thanks again for sharing your experience it's really helped point me in the right direction!