Malpractice

Doom.... So. Here's the thing. I am at a loss, and so apparently is my 2003 350Z.

Short prehistory of what the hell: So, had been throwing a knock sensor code, but the engine was doing just fine. Was on the road with work so decided, yes, I shall put this off till my season is done and tear it apart. Girlfriend borrows car on her day off (I don't get days off...) to drive to relatives. She texts me on the road and says the car is acting really damn weird and won't go. So, she limps it to a friends house.

Now, present time... I got down there, limped the car home. Tore engine apart, replaced knock sensor. Got rid of that code. Made room for another code, camshaft position sensor. So I replace that. And what difference has it made? None. I just throw a 0300 code now (When it does get around to it). I've limped its *** down to the autopart store and cleared the codes (Multiple times). I have unplugged the battery (2 days even). I have done the relearn procedure enough times that I don't even need it written down any more...

I have: Tested the injectors. Replaced broke *** camshaft position sensor. Replaced knock sensor and its wiring. Cleaned the daylights (two different times) out of the MAF. All the wiring is where its supposed to be and hooked up.

Problem: The thing, even without throwing any codes, won't leave limp mode. Ever. Even after a ECU reset and a cold start. I finally got fed up with the wacky and limped it down to car repair place. They believe that (because of the death rattle when cold of the timing chain) that it has broke a tooth or two on one of the camshafts and jumped timing... My problem with that is... It has absolutely no other symptoms of janky timing. It starts just fine. It runs just fine (or as well as it can in limp mode). There are literally no symptoms of it being off timing. Note, this is NOT a Nissan specific repair shop, so I took their idea with a large dose of skepticism.

Anybody have any idea of what the hell it could be? Could the throttle body be bad? Or the O2 sensor(s)? But if so, wouldn't it throw a code for those?

I am planning on taking it down (in the middle of the night, at top speed 30 (with serious accelerator pedal hijinks and creative shifting)) to the Nissan dealer 30 bloody miles away in a week or so... But...money is a great concern. So if its something I can fix my self, I'd rather do it that way... Note, it IS at 225k miles right now... I honestly wish I could afford a new engine and the cost to have it put in. I don't have the equipment or the space to do it myself, and won't for a while...

Now, have a picture of my coworker in the trunk.

dkmura

iTrader: (64)

Welcome- there's no way to properly advise you what to do over a keyboard. But with your mileage and list of parts replaced, you're doing the right thing in taking it to a factory trained technician. Interview the service manager before you arrive and identify the best trained Z33 specialist in the shop--NOT the new tech who works on Micras most of the time. Make sure they have a CONSULT III or IV unit available and don't be surprised to learn you have multiple problems.

Remember that limp mode means the ECM is detecting a substantial problem, and limits power to keep you from blowing the engine, or crashing the Z. Nissan engineered this diagnostic system to prevent any of us from smashing our thumbs by ignoring that CEL. Whatever, this powerful diagnostic tool isn't a manifestation of Dr. Doom.

BTW- that photo of your co-worker in the trunk looks like prima fascia evidence in a personal injury lawsuit if an accident had occurred during that drive. Even makes me cringe a bit. Guess it's another difference between Poland and the States...

jv350z

iTrader: (6)

lols Portland

Malpractice

To be fair...outside of Portland to the east. Next to the gorge. And hundreds of miles of smooth *** pavement alternating with delightful winding twisting joyrides Not to mention state patrol and sheriffs that only lurk on the interstates

Now, if only my sports car did better then 0-35 in 2 minutes flat...

dkmura

iTrader: (64)

Oofda- Portland and near the Columbia Gorge no less. Hope you don't try driving your co-worker around on those gorgeous roads. In any case, I stand my by suggestion to let an experienced Z tech go through these issues. My bet is there's multiple failures that need to be addressed. Unless you've been religious about keeping up with maintenance, that's what 225K on the clock will get ya.