NCT Emissions failed 2003 Almera

eoinmn

Hi All,

wonder if any of you could give some advice please. My 2003 Almera 1.5 petrol failed NCT yest because of emissions. Readings below:

Low idle: 9.32 vol %, 480 ppm (limits 0.30%, 0ppm)

High idle: Lambda 0.74 (should be between 0.97 and 1.03),
9.45 vol %, 546 ppm (limits 0.20%, 200ppm)

I don't know exactly what these mean but compared to the limits, my readings seem off the scales. I had the Mass Air Flow meter replaced in September (about 6000Kms ago). Management light had been coming on and off since then(had been on constantly before Air flow meter replaced). I got diagnostics ran recently and was advised cam shaft sensor needs to be replaced.

With the readings the way they are I'm wondering is it possibly a bigger issue then a sensor that is causing the problem? Just wanted to get some opinions before going to a mechanic.
cheers.

Nissan doctor

Your car seems to be severely overfuelling.

I would suspect that the camshaft sensor code doesn't mean that the sensor is faulty but actually that the chain may be stretched, as is common on these engines, which in turn has the ignition timing way off.

eoinmn

Thanks for response Nissan doctor. If the chain is in fact stretched can that be repaired or is it usually a full replacement required? I have read that this is a known issue with the N16 Almera alright and I think I've also read it is an expensive job :eek:

Nissan doctor

eoinmn wrote: »

Thanks for response Nissan doctor. If the chain is in fact stretched can that be repaired or is it usually a full replacement required? I have read that this is a known issue with the N16 Almera alright and I think I've also read it is an expensive job :eek:

A replacement chain kit would be needed. It's more expensive then a timing belt change alright but its not prohibitively expensive IMO. It could be done for around the €550 mark.

razz

eoinmn wrote: »

Thanks for response Nissan doctor. If the chain is in fact stretched can that be repaired or is it usually a full replacement required? I have read that this is a known issue with the N16 Almera alright and I think I've also read it is an expensive job :eek:

hi

i was just wondering did you have any luck with getting your almera sorted as i am having the same trouble and what did you have to do to sort it??

thanks

eoinmn

Mass air flow meter and cam shaft sensor needed to be replaced. that sorted mine. go to a garage, get them to run diagnostics on it. see what faults show up.

Just saw in this thread that Nissan Doctor closed his account :eek:
Was that recent?

razz

just a speed sensor light coming up on the dash, mechanic said it wouldnt be that and he cant seem to find the problem, said it could possibly be a stretched timing chain or a lambda sensor??

car is doing my head in!! just want it trough the NCT

high emissions only at low idle 4.93%

eoinmn

i'm not a mechanic and know very little about cars. just telling what I got done to fix problem. i've since sold the car.

homingbird

Was the rev counter staying steady when it was idling. If it was chain should be ok.

razz

VERY slight movement out of the rev counter at idle??? although car feels a little rough running?

razz

Finally got my car trough the NCT, after having it with 2 garages who said they where not 100% certain of what was causing the problem but wanted to change the CAT and lambda sensor etc! Basically wanted to throw new parts into it until the problem was fixed!

I decided to go with a final opinion and as with being busy with work and the NCT deadline approaching I found a mobile mechanic who came to me and found the exact fault!

End up being a solenoid! He got 1 for me from a scrap yard and fit it for me
Went trough the NCT with ease!
Cost me €60 instead of the other quotes of €400 - €700

HIGHLY RECOMMEND THEM