Nissan Micra K13 2015 Timing related issue!

[Technician]

Customer advised me that a garage said his valve timing chain had jumped because P0011 fault code is present. I've initially looked at live data on the scanner and the valve timing seemed okay. I then turned my attention to the VVT control solenoid. According to E3 the voltage supply should be battery voltage when the engine is running, but I found it to be 5.00V approximately. When the solenoid switches the voltage drops from 5 to 2.25V and back again repeatedly. After a few minutes with the engine running the voltage drops to zero (0V). Reving the engine makes no difference.

Has anyone any experience with these K13 engines and this type of fault? I'm thinking maybe an ECM power failure!!

[wiki38andy]

What is the engine code?

[wiki38andy]

Measure the voltage at VVT solenoid connector when disconnected and engine running. On one pin you should have 12V, the other one is a ground controlled PWM from ECM. For any electrical issue, like open circuit, short to ground/power, low voltage, you should get P0010 fault code. Most of times VVT solenoid is faulty. But, double check the 12V power supply anyway. If the engine is HR12DDR, and after solenoid replacement P0011 comes back, there is an ECM software update for this code. For both engines HR12DE and HR12DDR, VVT solenoid shares the same power supply with A/F ratio sensor from ECM relay, on IPDM unit.

[Technician]

Thanks Andy. The only code that records is P0011. I think if I remember correctly with the solenoid unplugged and probes into the connector, I recorded 12V along with a battery earth connection on my voltmeter. When the connector was reinstalled the engine running, the voltage dropped to 5V.The switching PWM side switched from 5 to 2.25V a few times before both the 5V and 2.25V dropped off to zero. Nothing happened after that. I'll retest it and use a scope this time.

[wiki38andy]

Scope the 12V power supply to A/F ratio sensor heater at the same time with VVT solenoid, as they share the same line. What is the engine code? Is it the one with turbocharger?

[Technician]

Thanks, I'm probably going to get it back at weekend and I'll do what you recommend. The engine code is... HR12DE

[wiki38andy]

Any news?

[Technician]

I've been over run with work. I've agreed with the customer to do more tests and change the solenoid on October 5. I'll keep you posted....