P0014 & P0024 without engine light. Nissans recommends replacing the timing chain.

[tetuje]

Hi there!

 

I have a '07 with quite some miles (139k), the car drives without any issue and it doesn't have any engine light check on. I took an OBD2 scanner and saw that I got P0014 and P0024. I changed the oil and reset them but they will come up again after some driving.

 

I read a lot of information about this codes before and how people have gone mad changing timing covers, crankshaft sensors, etc without result, so I wanted to do some research before ordering any part.

I took the car to the Nissan dealer for a quote and they came up saying that most probably the solution would be to replace the whole timing chain (1500quiz). They said that based on their experience and the high mileage of the car, this could be the issue. They said that timing cover and crankshaft sensor will throw an engine-check light if they were faulty.

 

I explained the dealer that some people having this issue solved it by checking the flywheel por correct positioning after a replacement but they said that they never head this before. They said 100% sure is the timing chain.

 

I'm a little big confused because I think there's something wrong with my clutch. Since I bought the car I felt the clutch funny and not easy to handle, but of course I was new to this car so I thought it was the way it handles. When I start driving from stationary, I need to be very careful with the clutch in order to have a smooth take off, otherwise the car will want to go down rev forcing me to push a little bit harder and looking like I don't know to handle a manual :-)

 

There's some little backfiring then releasing the gas at 4000rpm, not sure if it's related (barely noticeable) 

 

What would you do guys? Any idea how can I check this further? I ask them about checking the flywheel but it was mad expensive as well (previous owner said that he replaced it, but didn't got any proof of it). 

 

Should I check the clutch first? 

Any way that I can check if the chain is actually stretched? (measuring with ODB2 perhaps?
 

How would you approach this?

 

Thanks! 

 

[ZMANALEX]

I think that you are on the right trail.

 

Firstly I would check the main chain tensioner position through the inspection plate to determine how far out the hydraulic tensioner plunger is.

 

Another thing to check are both cam shaft sensors.

 

Also check your flywheel timing.

 

Once you have done all the above, you should then be able to make in informed diagnosis.

[tetuje]

9 hours ago, ZMANALEX said:

I think that you are on the right trail.

 

Firstly I would check the main chain tensioner position through the inspection plate to determine how far out the hydraulic tensioner plunger is.

 

Another thing to check are both cam shaft sensors.

 

Also check your flywheel timing.

 

Once you have done all the above, you should then be able to make in informed diagnosis.

 

Thank you, I appreciate the information & tips.

 

I didn't know about the possibility to check it through the inspection plate, also the Nissan guys didn't mention anything that they had checked it before giving me the advice to replace the timing chain, they kept saying that based on their experience most probably this was the reason. I think this could have been a proper fact to support their solution proposal :? 

 

Tomorrow I will try to check both the tensioner and cam shaft sensors (with a digital multimeter, right?). For the flywheel check I will have to take it to a garage since I don't have the experience nor tools.

 

Would you advice changing the clutch when checking the flywheel (looking at labour costs here)? Or only if needed after visual inspection? 

 

 

Edited May 1, 2020 by tetuje

[ZMANALEX]

You would only consider changing the clutch if you find that the fly is faulty.

 

A worn clutch would not give you the issue that you have.

 

The crank position sensor picks up timing from the flywheel and the CPS is fitted to the outside of the engine/gearbox.

 

This is the hydraulic tensioner that you will see through the inspection plate, and you are looking for how much the plunger is protruding from the hydraulic housing, or if the large slider/guide is damaged

This is the main chain, however there are another 2 shorter chains at the top of the engine which drives the cam shafts.

 

I would also be looking at the VVT solenoids or the split ring seals on both the front timing cover plate stubby shafts.

Your issue could be numerous things and quite a bit of diagnostics may be required by a certified tech who knows his way around a 350Z to get an informed diagnoses.

 

I would also consider getting the car hooked up to Consult and read the ECU live data and check the cam position at idle.

 

Even low engine oil resulting in low oil pressure can throw these codes.