Nissan Primera timing chain

DarraghR

I think the timing chain might be going in my Nissan Primera 2004. Over half a year ago I had to get one of the engine coils replaced which solved the symptoms that I am having now but switching the coils around still shows an fault in coil 4.

I replaced my sparks plugs as they were due a change anyway but still have shaking and jumping from the engine. Just to be sure I put the new coil I got changed a few months back into the 4 slot. When the engine warning light comes up again and will get another diagnostics done just to be sure.

Below are a few pictures of my coils, spark plugs and bays where the sparks and plugs fit. Number 4 looks dirtier than the rest so should i clean this?











When it comes to a timing chain I hear lack of oil changes can stretch the chain. My oil change and oil filter is due soon so is there a method for clean the oil tank before putting fresh oil in that might help my situation?

Cee-Jay-Cee

Somehow I don't think an oil change is going to solve your problem. If the chain has stretched then an oil change won't help it, you need a new chain.

DarraghR

How do I tell if it is the chain? No jumping out of the car YET after swapping the coils

chicorytip

Engine warning light on, reduction in power, hesitancy or shuddering on acceleration. It's not difficult to diagnose! Timing chain issues are more associated with early n16 model Almera's rather than the Primera. The cause of your car's problem probably lies elsewhere.

punisher5112

Most likely if it were the chain you would hear it in most cases but the primers were solid when came to that but like the almera had terrible gear boxes made of chocolate.

Get car serviced and fuel filter changed as they can be overlooked.

Could well be plugs space or dirt and also could be faulty coil or two intermittent at cause.

Can you get it read and go over faults if any show.

DarraghR

Hopefully its not the timing chain. Quite expensive from what I have looked at.

Sparks have been changed anyway. I will do the oil change and filter on Wednesday. Should I run anything through the oil tank to clean it?
The fuel filter has not been changed in 2 or 3 years I would say.

For cleaning the plugs space I will use long q tips. Hot water so as not to damage anything?

It seems better after swapping the coil but still slightly jumpy. When the warning light pops back up again I will get a read done on it

punisher5112

How is it usually driven?

Slow and steady or give it a good spin?

DarraghR

punisher5112 wrote: »

How is it usually driven?

Slow and steady or give it a good spin?

City Center too Blanchardstown shopping center 5 days a week. Pretty much slow and steady. I drive down to Arklow on the motorway once a month if even

punisher5112

Could need a good hard drive also.

DarraghR

I drove her up and down from Arklow Co. Wicklow too Liffey Valley Dublin 5 days a week for 2 months straight about 3 years ago so maybe your right

porsche boy

Timing chain stretch will be signified by a loud rattle on start up. Following that the engine light might come on listing a cam or crank shaft sensor. Finally it will just refuse to start.

Hopping, jumping or hesitation from the engine is most likely a coil. Common fault in primera & almera in the P12 & N16 models.

DarraghR

In relation to the fuel filter does anyone know where it is located. I have read that I do not need to change it on my model. Doing an oil filter change today so will have a better look when under the car

chicorytip

It's located in the petrol tank itself so if it did need to be replaced - which is unlikely - it should be done by a professional mechanic purely for safety reasons.

Special Circumstances

chicorytip wrote: »

It's located in the petrol tank itself so if it did need to be replaced - which is unlikely - it should be done by a professional mechanic purely for safety reasons.

Myself and the missus did the in tank filter in her car and we both lived to tell the tale. She's damn handy at cleaning throttle bodies too.

DarraghR

One thing I forgot to mention is that the car becomes more shaky when the air con is turned on

Special Circumstances

DarraghR wrote: »

One thing I forgot to mention is that the car becomes more shaky when the air con is turned on

Is your problem just at idle?

If so try cleaning throttle body and IACV (idle air control valve, if applicable).

punisher5112

DarraghR wrote: »

One thing I forgot to mention is that the car becomes more shaky when the air con is turned on

That would be auxiliary belt most likely.

DarraghR

Both when stopped at lights and moving. You can feel the load increase by turning the headlamps on or air con

punisher5112

DarraghR wrote: »

Both when stopped at lights and moving. You can feel the load increase by turning the headlamps on or air con

Air/con will cause a good noticeable reduction in power in most vehicles but definitely could be issue with alternator and belt.

DarraghR

How much would I pay for a diagnostics kit so I can check the errors myself? Problem has come back and seems worse than ever

punisher5112

DarraghR wrote: »

How much would I pay for a diagnostics kit so I can check the errors myself? Problem has come back and seems worse than ever

EBay or amazon have them. OBII enabled.

Look them up I have one just gives out codes and live data you can then get info on google etc...

DarraghR

Update on symptoms. Car failed to start earlier. Got someone to give me a jump with leads. Later I a stopped at a shop and once again the engine wouldn't start up. After 3 tries it finally did so nothing to do with battery?

porsche boy

DarraghR wrote:

Update on symptoms. Car failed to start earlier. Got someone to give me a jump with leads. Later I a stopped at a shop and once again the engine wouldn't start up. After 3 tries it finally did so nothing to do with battery?

Did you get your hands on a diagnostic scanner yet??

DarraghR

Got a scan done in a garage for 20 quid. This is whats came up

P0335 Crankshaft Position Sensor A Circuit Malfunction

If its the timing then not worth getting fixed. Fist I will clean the sensor and see if there is any difference. New sensor costs 100 euro so dunno if I would even bother buying one as it might be the timing chain.

bren11

The camshaft senser and the crankshaft senser are similar. Check partnumbers. Swap them and see if that fault moves to camshaft malfunction. There was a recall on those on early primeras, but would probably have been sorted by now.

DarraghR

Good idea thanks. Will jack the car up next day im off. For now the car is off the road I dont want to cause any costly damage.

Is the sensor east to located and remove?

bren11

Check this out, both sensors are in drawing;

http://nissan4u.com/parts/primera/el_p12e/2004_5/type_16/engine_electrical/distributor/illustration_1/

DarraghR

bren11 wrote: »

The camshaft senser and the crankshaft senser are similar. Check partnumbers. Swap them and see if that fault moves to camshaft malfunction. There was a recall on those on early primeras, but would probably have been sorted by now.

When you say there was a recall does that mean it might have be fixed by previous owners. If not I can request it myself?

DarraghR

So it seems my crankshaft position sensor is in an easy to reach area. Can someone please confirm that this is the right sensor.

Should the sensor have that amount of oil on it and at the insert? Whats the best way to clean the sensor without damaging it?

Stoolbend

That's the camshaft sensor. The crankshaft sensor is down the back of the engine near the gearbox.