sorry if this sounds dumb. I'm a newish Z owner and havent been working on cars very long.

Ive been having a reoccuring P1078 code set multiple times on my 06 base and I was just wondering how likely it was for it to be an actually failed valve timing sensor (according to identifix) or if it could possibly be a electrical failure.
I called it intermittent because I would go around 400-500 miles after clearing it for it to set again with little to no performance or drivability concerns besides idling at 1k but im assuming thats caused by the code.
Ive pulled out the Bank 1 Exhaust Valve Timing Control Sensor and made sure it wasn't chipped, damaged or had metallic debris on it and it seemed to be in good condition.
However, I have had rodent damage in the area during previous owner's storage of the car (specifically in the V at the knock sensor) so I was also wondering if anybody knows if the wires for that sensor run near the V inside the wiring harness. (it's hard for me to see back there since it's against the firewall)

Sorry if this seems rambly. I yearn for the knowledge of understanding thank you

 

Hey Reid,

Am I correct in assuming you have an 06 REVUP VQ35DE? Or is your Z an automatic?

I found this thread informative. It sounds like the issue is most likely related to the CAM sensors. Based on other owner feedback, this code should come right back (if cleared) after just a few minutes of driving if you have a completely dead sensor. So perhaps you have an intermittent wiring fault or a lazy sensor (not fully dead).

You could have rodent damage, but without recording live data or checking wire continuity, it will be difficult to prove. I have an 06 Revup, and I do believe most of the engine harness does route to the backside of the intake manifold before making it's way through the false firewall and into the passenger footwell area where the PCM is. I don't believe the cam sensor wires route between the cylinder heads (in the valley or V of the engine).

If you have confidence with a multimeter, you can download a copy of the FSM, find the wire diagram for the sensor, and do some continuity checks while wiggling the "suspect" wire harness and looking for any resistance or short to ground. I don't like shooting the parts canon, especially when rodent damage is in the vehicle history, test and verify is the best way to go if you have the tools, time, and knowledge/skill.

Good Luck!
-Icer

 

thanks! It is a rev up I forgot to mention. forgot that the 06 autos don't come with rev up.
I don't like shooting the parts Canon either, especially when i try to always go OEM for sensors (infiniti quoted me 250$ ).