Home/Nissan/350Z/Nissan 350Z I (2002-2005)/Repair manual/Testing & Diagnostics/Engine Controls - System & Component Testing: Overview
Contents Wiring diagrams Section: Testing & Diagnostics All sections

Engine Controls - System & Component Testing: Overview Nissan 350Z I

Testing & Diagnostics 9 illustrations ~696 words

Description & Operation

This system has a swirl control valve in the intake passage of each cylinder. While idling and during low engine speed operation, the swirl control valve closes. Thus the velocity of the air in the intake passage increases, promoting fuel vaporization and producing a swirl in the combustion chamber. Because of this operation, this system tends to increase the burning speed of the gas mixture, improve fuel consumption, and increase the stability in running conditions. Also, except when idling and during low engine speed operation, this system opens the swirl control valve. In this condition, this system tends to increase power by improving intake efficiency via reduction of intake flow resistance, increasing intake flow. The solenoid valve controls swirl control valve's shut/open condition. This solenoid valve is operated by the ECM.

The swirl control valve control solenoid valve responds to signals from the ECM. When the ECM sends an ON (ground) signal, the solenoid valve is bypassed to apply intake manifold vacuum to the swirl control valve actuator. This operation closes the swirl control valve. When the ECM sends an OFF signal, the vacuum signal is cut and the swirl control valve opens.

The swirl control valve control vacuum check switch detects vacuum signal to the swirl control valve, and sends ON or OFF signal to the ECM. When vacuum is supplied to the valve, the swirl control valve control vacuum check switch sends OFF signal to the ECM. The swirl control valve control vacuum check switch is not used to control the engine system, it is used for on board diagnosis.

  1. To test swirl control valve control vacuum check switch (Scheme 1)
  2. To test swirl control valve control solenoid valve (Scheme 2)
  3. To test swirl control valve control valve actuator (Scheme 3)

Scheme 1

Scheme 1

Scheme 2

Scheme 2

Scheme 3

Scheme 3

This system has a swirl control valve in the intake passage of each cylinder. While idling and during low engine speed operation, the swirl control valve closes. Thus the velocity of the air in the intake passage increases, promoting the vaporization of the fuel and producing a swirl in the combustion chamber. Because of this operation, this system tends to increase the burning speed of the gas mixture, improve fuel consumption, and increase the stability in running conditions. Also, except when idling and during low engine coolant temperature, this system opens the swirl control valve. In this condition, this system tends to increase power by improving intake efficiency via reduction of intake flow resistance, intake flow. This swirl control valve is operated by the ECM.

Swirl control valve consists of actuator and valve. The valve is installed in the intake manifold, and the actuator is connected to the rear end of the valve shaft. The swirl control valve uses a step motor which has 4 winding phases. It operates according to the output pulse signal of the ECM. Two windings are turned ON and OFF in sequence. Each time an ON pulse is issued, the valve opens or closes. When no change in the pulse condition is needed, the ECM does not issue a pulse signal. A certain voltage signal is issued so that the valve remains at that particular position.

Swirl control valve position sensor is installed on the intake manifold. The sensor is connected to the front end of the swirl control valve shaft. The sensor responds to the movement of the valve shaft. This potentiometer type sensor transforms the position of the swirl control valve shaft into output voltage, and sends the voltage signal to the ECM.

For circuit wiring diagram (Scheme 4)- (Scheme 5). For swirl control valve system and component test procedure (Scheme 6)- (Scheme 9).

For engine control system component locations see scheme 336- see scheme 341. For ECM location, connector and terminal view see scheme 60 If problem is intermittent, see INTERMITTENTS in TROUBLE SHOOTING - NO CODES article. For removal and installation of components, see appropriate REMOVAL & INSTALLATION article.

Scheme 4

Scheme 4: Component Testing

Scheme 5

Scheme 5

Scheme 6

Scheme 6

Scheme 7

Scheme 7

Scheme 8

Scheme 8

Scheme 9

Scheme 9