Elgrand VANOS Inlet Issue

Good day, I understand you are experiencing difficulties with your Nissan Elgrand. I encountered a similar predicament with my Volvo S60 from 2012. The symptoms you describe, the check engine light and the elevated fuel consumption, mirror my own experience. In my case, the VANOS solenoid was indeed the culprit. It is akin to a faulty valve in a complex plumbing system, disrupting the flow and leading to inefficiencies. Have you checked the electrical connections to the solenoid valve? A loose or corroded connection can mimic a faulty solenoid.

Thanks for the reply! I appreciate the analogy. I did check the connections visually, but I didn't get out the multimeter to check the voltage. Where exactly did you find the VANOS solenoid in your Volvo, and was it difficult to access? Also, did you replace it yourself, or did you have a workshop do it? I'm trying to gauge how involved this repair might be.

I acknowledge your query. In my Volvo S60, the VANOS solenoid was situated at the front of the engine block, reasonably accessible after removing the air intake assembly. However, I must confess that I elected to have a qualified technician perform the replacement. Considering the precision required and the potential for complications, I deemed it prudent to entrust the task to a professional. It is advisable that you consult with a reputable workshop to ascertain the precise location of the solenoid in your Nissan Elgrand and to evaluate the complexity of the repair. Proceeding with caution is paramount.

Thanks again for your advice. I took it to a local shop, and you were right, it was the inlet VANOS solenoid. They quoted me 250€ for the repair, which seems reasonable. They replaced the solenoid, and the check engine light is now off, and the fuel consumption is back to normal. I appreciate you sharing your experience!