Nissan: Rough idle – Engine Misfiring (P0014)

Common Nissan Issue: Rough idle – Engine Misfire. Warning Code P0014

Make: Nissan | Model example: 2015 Altima | Avg Mileage: 94510 | Job Number: 576378

Repair Issue:

Rough Idle – Engine Misfire. Warning Code P0014

Cause:

Exhaust Camshaft Sprocket – Exhaust Valve Timing Control Solenoid Valve – Timing Chain

Customer Concern:

Malfunction Indicator Light (MIL) is on. Exhaust valve timing control code P0014. The engine runs rough and misfires at idle. Runs pretty well off idle.

Test/Procedure:

1. Check scan data for the exhaust valve timing degrees. The scan data PID will be something like EXH/V TIM B1. Look for approximately 0 degrees at idle and go up on acceleration. You may need to drive the vehicle to see the change.
2. Check scan data for the exhaust valve timing control solenoid valve duty cycle. The scan data PID will be something like VTC DTY EX B1. Look for 0-2% at idle and go up on acceleration. You may need to drive the vehicle to see the change.
3. If the exhaust valve timing is reading a higher degree at idle, indicating the exhaust camshaft timing is retarded at idle, backprobe and momentarily ground the exhaust valve timing control solenoid valve at idle, and check for engine response and for degree change of the exhaust valve timing. Could be a stuck open exhaust valve timing control solenoid valve, a stuck retarded exhaust camshaft sprocket or possible timing chain issue.
4. If the exhaust valve timing is reading approximately 0 degrees at idle but the engine is still running rough and misfiring, perform a power balance test to try to determine which cylinder is misfiring.
5. Can check scan data for the Air Fuel (A/F) Ratio sensor voltage and alpha fuel trims as well if necessary.

Tech Tip:

The Engine Control Module (ECM) duty cycles the exhaust valve timing control solenoid valve to ground to control oil pressure to the exhaust camshaft sprocket to retard the exhaust camshaft timing. The exhaust valve timing should not be retarded at idle but should retard on acceleration or driving off idle. The exhaust valve timing may not be commanded to change under no load, so may need to be driven to see the change.

Important Take-A-Way:

Could be a simple fix of changing out oil. Look immediately to replacing the timing control solenoid value if warning still exists.

Most Popular Fix:

Replaced Exhaust Valve Timing Control Solenoid Valve – Replaced Engine Oil/Filter

Other Common Car Problems:

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Also applies to the following Makes and Models

2013 Altima 2.5, 2014 Altima 2.5, 2015 Altima 2.5, 2016 Altima 2.5, 2014 Rogue 2.5, 2015 Rogue 2.5, 2016 Rogue 2.5, 2017 Rogue 2.5, 2018 Rogue 2.5

Author: Todd Erickson

Todd started his automotive career in 1984. He has progressed from a technician at a Tune-up Specialty shop, to a Cadillac journeyman, to a Sr. Master Subaru technician. Along the way he has acquired his ASE Master, L1, Alternative Fuels and Medium/Heavy Truck Technician certifications. He is also an ASA AMI Accredited Automotive Manager, performs technical training and writes articles for automotive trade magazines. Todd is also the founding member of MNSubaru.com, a Subaru based enthusiast club with over 500 members.

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