Maxima check engine light and fuel consumption

Hey, got a check engine light on my 2011 Nissan Maxima, gasoline engine, 219195 km on the clock. Seems like the inlet VANOS is faulty. Getting higher fuel consumption too. Suspect a dodgy camshaft solenoid valve or power issue. Anyone seen this before?

4 comment(s)

I had something similar with my Maxima. Same symptoms – check engine light and fuel economy tanked. Did you check for oil sludge? Wonder if that's messing with the variable timing system?

Oil sludge, eh? I haven't checked that specifically. Where should I be looking?

Yeah, definitely worth a look. Pull the solenoid and see if it's gunked up. But honestly, based on what you're describing, might just be easiest to get a shop to diagnose the VANOS. Could save you some headaches.

Appreciate the tip! Took it to the shop, you were spot on. Defective solenoid valve, exactly like we thought. 250€ later, all sorted. Thanks!

Join the discussion now: