Hey, Just bought a 07 350z completely stock with about 53k miles on her. Just to note i've been looking around this site for a while for what others have done to their Z's.

I recently had my engine light come on, and so i looked around and decided to do a ECU restart on my own only to find the light come back on! Next, i went into Nissan and had them Diagnose the problem and after a bunch of different codes come up they finally told me i had a problem with what they believe was possibly the Intake Valve Timing Control, Bank 2, Sensor! Light came back on the way home so guess thats the problem. They quoted me a price for over 1500 to replace this part and labour, seems a little steep?

I've been looking around the forums and google for some solutions but I'm confused on exactly what i should do. So decided might as well in get into the community and hopefully find some good suggestions and tips on how i could fix my problem!

Thanks

 

Should mention the light code was : P0021

and they checked the intake valve solonoid and said it was functioning okay.

 

I had the same problem too. Take it to auto zone tomorrow and let them run it. They should give you a code and tell you what's wrong with it for free. You know if Nissan is telling the truth by then. My were the cats are bad, and they fixed it at no cost. If your cats are under 80k by law they have to fix it. Hope it helps

 

I live in Canada, so if your talking about some warrantee i probably don't have it as the car was imported here! Nissan didn't charged me for 1 hour for 2 hours of work so i'm thinking they really narrowed it down and found the actual problem. If it were the Cats id be happy tho want to upgrade those anyways!

 

Service manual lists possible causes;
1)camshaft sensor,
2)crankshaft sensor
3)or accumulation of debris at camshaft sensor pick up point.

None of those are a $1500 job unless theres some major mechanical issue causing number 3 and then they owe you a really good in writing explanation of what they are doing.

 

After some more research it seems that what Nissan calls the Intake Valve timing control sensor, bank 2 is a Camshaft sensor? Couldnt find the IVTC anywhere on the web..

Not exactly sure if that is correct! So i guess my question is where can i buy this part? And what should i be expecting as a fair price? It is required to be fixed ASAP or will i be safe driving in cold *** canadian climate for a while.

( Nissan said 1500, because they would need to replace not only the sensor but whatever its connected too because it comes only in one big *** part.. ) Obviously you can tell i dont know to much about engine components.. I've only done a few bolt ons and regular maintenance

My papers from Nissan say that bank 1 sensor is okay (bank 1 was compared to bank 2)
The.

 

Book says .5 hour for camshaft sensor, .4 for cranshaft sensor, 2.2 to pull valve cover and inspect camshaft pick up point for debris. Run away from that dealer.

 

I really appreciate the time you put in finding that out for me thanks!

 

Hi The Jebus...
I think you have a failed camshaft sensor. This is a common problem with the Altima and 350z (same engine). The repair cost should be $480 to $650 (U$A dollars ). I would get a second opinion since your dealer is asking a very high fee for this service.

You certainly want to repair this ASAP. A faulty camshaft sensor will cause your car to stall (possibly at a very inopportune time that might place you in harms’ way), and the car can be very difficult to restart.

BTW: The camshaft sensor failure triggered a voluntary recall by Nissan on 2003 Altima and 350z models with VIN’s within a certain range. The concern was power loss that put drivers at risk.

--Spike

 

No camshaft sensor does not take $480 to $650

 

So... What does it take?

I have the receipt for what I paid. Did I pay too little or too much?

--Spike

 

Camshaft sensor is one bolt with book listing .5 hours to replace, sensor is about $100 or so. Even if labor rate is above $100 and they charge 1 hour minimum labor, and you were charged one hour diagnosis...

 

Typically, two sensors (both banks) are replaced. Labor rate is ALWAYS >= $100/per.

You won’t get out for under $500.

--Spike

 

So, in conclusion; don't go to dealer, get basic hand tools ($50) and pocket scanner ($30).

 

Or... Take your car to the dealer, but know the facts needed to accomplish your repair. That way you can effectively negotiate a fee.

I'm repeating myself, but replacing the camshaft sensors will cost arond $500 ($480-$600)

--Spike

 

Fortunately I don't have to take my vehicles to the dealer. And I can teach anyone who can change a tire how to change a cam sensor on a VQ if they are willing.

 

i talked with another nissan dealership and they told me intake valve timing control bank 2 sensor is different from a camshaft sensor

IVTC = $300+ ( for one side )
Camshaft = $100+ (for one of 4)

So now im confused on what i need, dont really know the difference and i've never heard of this IVTC, my diagnoses says this is what i need ( says may be faulty...)

 

Can you scan the diagnosis they wrote for you?

The FSM states to test the crankshaft sensor (flywheel sensor) then the camshaft sensor (back of camshaft). The IVTC is the solenoid that actually changes the cam timing, without a proper crank or cam signal the ECM will be in failsafe mode and NOT energize the IVTC.

 

OP username..
slow clap. Nicely played.
Hey, at least "nobody fkcs w the Jeebus.."

Dude abides.

 

Sorry OP! I was on 03 350z in the book. Bouncing between threads too much I checked P0021 for 07, first step is check oil, then check cam signal and then check the wave pattern at IVTC, which will show whether its good or bad. Book still shows .5 labor to replace IVTC. Thank Jeebus its not EVT which is 9.2 hours to replace.