Engine Controls - System/component Tests Nissan Maxima J30

INTRODUCTION

Before testing separate components or systems, perform procedures in BASIC TESTING article. Since many computer-controlled and monitored components set a trouble code if they malfunction, also perform procedures in TESTS W/CODES article.

Note. Testing individual components does not isolate shorts or opens. Perform all voltage tests with a Digital Volt-Ohmmeter (DVOM) with a minimum 10-megohm input impedance, unless stated otherwise in test procedure. Use ohmmeter to isolate wiring harness shorts or opens.

POWER VALVE CONTROL SYSTEM

The power valve solenoid is located on left side of engine compartment, below power valve actuator. See POWER VALVE CONTROL diagnostic chart.

POWER VALVE CONTROL SOLENOID

Remove vacuum lines and electrical connector from solenoid. Remove solenoid from vehicle. Connect hand-held vacuum pump to middle vacuum port of solenoid and apply vacuum. Solenoid should hold vacuum. Apply battery voltage between solenoid terminals. Vacuum should release.

SURGE TANK & ONE-WAY CHECK VALVE

Apply vacuum to surge tank located on firewall. Vacuum should hold. Apply vacuum to both sides of one-way check valve. Valves should hold vacuum in only one direction. Ensure valve is installed with holding side away from vacuum source.

SWIRL CONTROL VALVE

Valve should close when vacuum is applied to swirl control valve actuator and should open when vacuum is not applied.

SWIRL CONTROL VALVE SOLENOID

Remove vacuum lines and electrical connector from solenoid. Remove solenoid from vehicle. Connect hand-held vacuum pump to middle vacuum port of solenoid. Apply battery voltage to solenoid. Ensure correct polarity is used or damage to solenoid may result. Apply vacuum. As battery voltage is applied and removed from solenoid, vacuum should alternately bleed from remaining 2 ports.

ELECTRONIC CONTROL UNIT (ECU) POWER & GROUND SIGNALS

See appropriate ECU POWER SOURCE & GROUND diagnostic chart.

FAIL-SAFE SYSTEM

See FAIL-SAFE SYSTEM diagnostic chart.

ENGINE SENSORS & SWITCHES

Note. For location and identification of ECU terminals, see appropriate WIRING DIAGRAMS article.

AIRFLOW METER

Ensure there is no dust or foreign material in hot wire air passage. Faults in the airflow meter circuit should set a trouble code. If Code 12 is set, go to CODE 12 diagnostic procedures in TESTS W/CODES article. Also see AIRFLOW METER VOLTAGE TEST table.

AIRFLOW METER VOLTAGE TEST (1)

AIR CONDITIONER SWITCH

To check A/C switch, measure voltage between ground and specified ECU terminal and condition. See A/C SWITCH VOLTAGE TEST table.

A/C SWITCH VOLTAGE TEST (1)

CRANKSHAFT ANGLE SENSOR

Crankshaft angle sensor is part of the distributor. If a fault is present in crank angle sensor, Code 11 may be set in ECU memory. If Code 11 is set, go to CODE 11 diagnostic procedures in TESTS W/CODES article.

To test crank angle sensor, leave sensor wiring connected. Using a logic probe or DVOM with an analog bar graph function, connect negative lead to ground and alternately connect positive lead to one-degree signal and 120/180-degree signal terminals of ECU. See CRANK ANGLE SENSOR ECU INPUT SIGNAL TERMINALS table.

With the engine cranking, peak voltage for one-degree signal should measure about 2.3-2.8 volts on DVOM. Peak voltage for 120/180-degree signal should measure about .1-.4 volt with engine cranking. If either signal is not present, check harness for short or open circuit. If no problems are found, replace crank angle sensor.

Note. It is possible to measure crank angle sensor voltage with a conventional DVOM without bar graph function; however, it may not be easy to determine peak voltage signal due to the averaging of signal.

CRANK ANGLE SENSOR ECU INPUT SIGNAL TERMINALS (1)

DETONATION (KNOCK) SENSOR

Detonation (knock) sensor is located on oil filter side of engine block, below exhaust manifold. Disconnect sensor connector. Check continuity across sensor terminals. Ensure continuity exists.

ENGINE (COOLANT) TEMPERATURE SENSOR

Disconnect engine (coolant) temperature sensor connector. Measure resistance across sensor terminals. Check sensor resistance values against values in ENGINE (COOLANT) TEMPERATURE SENSOR RESISTANCE TEST table. Replace sensor if values are not as specified.

ENGINE (COOLANT) TEMPERATURE SENSOR RESISTANCE TEST (1)

EXHAUST GAS (OXYGEN) SENSOR

If fault is present in oxygen sensor circuit, Code 33 will be set in ECU memory. If Code 33 is set, go to CODE 33 diagnostic procedures in TESTS W/CODES article. Check sensor voltage values against values in EXHAUST GAS (OXYGEN) SENSOR VOLTAGE TEST table. Replace sensor if values are not as specified.

EXHAUST GAS (OXYGEN) SENSOR VOLTAGE TEST (1)

EXHAUST GAS TEMPERATURE SENSOR (CALIFORNIA MODELS ONLY)

Place exhaust gas temperature sensor in boiling water at 212°F (100°C). Resistance at 212°F (100°C) should be 76,770-93,830 ohms. As temperature increases, sensor resistance should decrease. Check sensor voltage values against values in EXHAUST GAS TEMPERATURE SENSOR VOLTAGE TEST table. Replace sensor if values are not as specified.

EXHAUST GAS TEMPERATURE SENSOR VOLTAGE TEST (1)

NEUTRAL/INHIBITOR SWITCH

Check sensor voltage values against values in NEUTRAL/INHIBITOR SWITCH TEST table. Replace sensor if values are not as specified. Also see appropriate NEUTRAL/INHIBITOR SWITCH, NEUTRAL SWITCH & A/T CONTROL or NEUTRAL/INHIBITOR SWITCH & RELAY diagnostic chart.

NEUTRAL/INHIBITOR SWITCH TEST (1)

POWER STEERING OIL PRESSURE SWITCH

Switch is attached to power steering high pressure hose. Signal is used by ECU to help control idle speed. Check voltage at appropriate ECU terminal with engine idling and steering wheel in straight ahead then measure voltage again while turning steering wheel side-to-side. See POWER STEERING OIL PRESSURE SWITCH TEST table and WIRING DIAGRAMS article in the ENGINE PERFORMANCE Section to identify proper ECU terminal for testing.

For diagnosing power steering oil pressure switch system, see appropriate POWER STEERING OIL PRESSURE SWITCH diagnostic chart.

POWER STEERING OIL PRESSURE SWITCH TEST

THROTTLE POSITION SENSOR (TPS) & IDLE SWITCH

Throttle position sensor and idle switch are a combined assembly located on side of throttle body. See ADJUSTMENTS article for adjustment procedures. Check sensor voltage values against values in THROTTLE POSITION SENSOR VOLTAGE TEST table. Replace sensor if values are not as specified in table.

THROTTLE POSITION SENSOR VOLTAGE TEST (1)

VEHICLE SPEED SENSOR

Remove vehicle speed sensor from transmission. Connect DVOM across sensor terminals. Turn vehicle speed sensor by hand and note voltage. Reading should be .5 volt (alternating current). Check sensor continuity against values in VEHICLE SPEED SENSOR TEST table. Replace sensor if values are not as specified in table.

VEHICLE SPEED SENSOR TEST (1)

RELAYS

A variety of relays are used and can be tested 2 different ways. The following relays can be tested using a ohmmeter and remotely supplied power and ground circuits

1. Fuel pump relay
2. Main relay
3. Radiator (cooling) fan relay
4. Mixture heater relay
5. Neutral/park relay.

Safety relays can be tested using an ohmmeter, voltmeter andremotely supplied power and ground circuits. All testing procedures require proper identification of relay internals. See appropriate WIRING DIAGRAMS article.

EXCEPT SAFETY RELAY

Turn ignition on. Ensure power to relay exists. Turn ignition off. Disconnect connector from relay being tested. Using ohmmeter, check for relay winding continuity across appropriate relay terminals. See appropriate WIRING DIAGRAMS article to identify proper relay terminals (wire colors) for testing. Energize relay and check continuity of relay output circuit.

EXAMPLE: Maxima Fuel Pump Relay

1. Turn ignition on. Ensure battery voltage exists at Blue wires of safety relay and fuel pump relay. (Scheme 22) If battery voltage is not present at both Blue wires, check for a blown 10-amp power fuse or an open circuit between fuse and relays.
2. Turn ignition off. Unplug fuel pump relay. Check for continuity across Blue wire and Blue/White wire terminals. If continuity does not exist, relay is defective. If continuity exists, connect ohmmeter leads across Orange wire and Black wire terminals. Energize relay by applying battery voltage to Blue wire terminal and ground to Blue/White wire terminal. Ensure continuity exists while relay is energized.

SAFETY RELAY

Turn ignition on and ensure power to relay exists. Turn ignition off. Disconnect safety relay connector. Using an ohmmeter, check one-way internal diode in safety relay by checking for continuity in both directions. Energize relay and check for voltage signal on relay output circuit.

EXAMPLE: Maxima Safety Relay

1. Turn ignition on. Using a voltmeter, check for battery voltage at Blue wire of safety relay. (Scheme 22) If voltage is not present, check for blown 10-amp fuse or open circuit between fuse and relay.
2. Turn ignition off. Disconnect safety relay connector. Using ohmmeter, check for continuity across relay's Black wire and Blue wire terminals. Reverse ohmmeter leads. Continuity should only exist in one direction. Connect voltmeter positive lead to Red/Blue wire terminal. Connect negative voltmeter lead to Black wire terminal. Apply battery voltage to Blue wire terminal and ground to Black wire terminal. Voltmeter should show battery voltage while relay is energized.

Scheme 22

Air Injection Control Valve Solenoid

See AIR INJECTION under EMISSION SYSTEMS & SUB-SYSTEMS .

Egr/Canister Control Solenoid

See EXHAUST GAS RECIRCULATION (EGR) under EMISSION SYSTEMS & SUB-SYSTEMS in this article.

Fast Idle Control Device (Ficd) Solenoid

Apply battery voltage to solenoid terminals. Solenoid should operate. Also check solenoid plunger for sticking and check for broken spring.

See POWER VALVE SYSTEM under AIR INDUCTION SYSTEMS in this article.

See SWIRL CONTROL VALVE SYSTEM under AIR INDUCTION SYSTEMS . Also, see appropriate SWIRL CONTROL VALVE diagnostic chart.

FUEL PRESSURE

For fuel pressure procedures and specifications, see FUEL PRESSURE under FUEL SYSTEM in BASIC TESTING article.

FUEL PRESSURE REGULATOR

Relieve fuel pressure from system. Connect fuel pressure gauge between fuel filter and fuel tube. Remove hose from fuel pressure regulator and plug intake manifold. Connect hand-held vacuum pump to pressure regulator. Turn engine on and gradually apply vacuum to regulator. Fuel pressure should decrease as vacuum increases. Compare fuel pressures to regulated pressure values listed in FUEL PRESSURE table in BASIC TESTING article. If pressures are not as specified, replace fuel pressure regulator.

FUEL PUMP

If fuel pump does not run, disconnect fuel pump connector. Provide ground and battery voltage to fuel pump connector terminals. See appropriate WIRING DIAGRAMS article to identify fuel pump connector terminals (wire colors). If pump runs, see RELAYS under RELAYS & SOLENOIDS for testing, or repair open or short in harness between relay and pump. If pump does not run, replace fuel pump. Also see appropriate FUEL PUMP diagnostic chart.

FUEL PUMP RELAY

See RELAYS under RELAYS & SOLENOIDS.

START SIGNAL

Start (ON-OFF switch) signal is used for ECU control of fuel pump and pressure regulator control solenoid. See appropriate START SIGNAL diagnostic chart.

FEEDBACK SYSTEM

1. Start engine and warm to operating temperature. Ensure idle speed and timing are adjusted to specification. Monitor Green LED on ECU while increasing engine speed to about 2000 RPM for 2 minutes under no-load condition.
2. Number of flashes during a 10-second period should flash at least 5 times. Race engine 2 or 3 times and allow to idle. Enter self-diagnostic Mode II. Monitor Green LED and Red LED on ECU while increasing engine speed to 2000 RPM for 10 seconds under no-load condition.
3. LED's should flash more than 5 times simultaneously during the 10-second period. If LED's do not respond as described, check idle mixture. See IDLE SPEED & MIXTURE in ADJUSTMENTS article in the ENGINE PERFORMANCE Section.

ECU GREEN LED FEEDBACK RESPONSE

FUEL INJECTOR

See appropriate INJECTOR MALFUNCTION diagnostic chart.

Start (ON-OFF switch) signal is used for ECU control of injector(s). See appropriate START SIGNAL diagnostic chart.

INJECTOR RESISTANCE SPECIFICATIONS

AIR REGULATOR

See appropriate AIR REGULATOR diagnostic chart. Measure resistance across regulator valve terminals. Resistance should be about 70-80 ohms.

AUXILIARY AIR CONTROL (AAC) SOLENOID/VALVE

See appropriate AUXILIARY AIR CONTROL (AAC) diagnostic chart. AAC valve on Maxima is actually a stepper motor with multiple sets of windings. (Scheme 23) Ensure AAC winding resistance is within specification. See AAC WINDING RESISTANCE.

AAC WINDING RESISTANCE

Scheme 23

FAST IDLE CONTROL DEVICE (FICD)

See appropriate FAST IDLE CONTROL DEVICE (FICD) diagnostic chart.

Start (ON-OFF switch) signal is used for ECU control of air regulator. See appropriate START SIGNAL diagnostic chart.

For ignition system testing, see BASIC TESTING article.

Start (ON-OFF switch) signal is used for ECU control of ignition system. See appropriate START SIGNAL diagnostic chart.

TIMING ADVANCE SYSTEM

Ignition timing advance is controlled by the ECU based upon sensor input signals reflecting ignition timing needs. If timing problems are experienced, inspect input signals for proper operation. See appropriate component or ECU PIN VOLTAGE CHARTS in PIN VOLTAGE CHART S article. Inputs which help control timing include the following

1. Crank angle sensor
2. Airflow meter
3. Engine (coolant) temperature
4. Idle switch in idle position
5. Ignition switch crank signal
6. Battery voltage.

DETONATION RETARD OPERATION

Problems with the detonation retard circuit should cause Code 34 to be set. If Code 34 is present, see CODE 34 chart in TESTS W/CODES article. Check knock sensor wire for open or short to ground. Check knock sensor shield ground wire for continuity to ground. Check routing of knock sensor wire. Wire should not be routed close to spark plug wires or high output accessories.

AIR INJECTION VALVE

Apply vacuum to Air Injection Valve (AIV) vacuum motor. (Scheme 24) Apply air to air cleaner side of AIV and make sure air only flows toward exhaust manifold side. Also see appropriate AIR INJECTION VALVE diagnostic chart.

Scheme 24

Remove vacuum lines and electrical connector from solenoid. Remove solenoid from vehicle. Connect hand-held vacuum pump to middle vacuum port "B" of solenoid. Apply battery voltage to solenoid. (Scheme 25) Ensure correct polarity is used or damage to solenoid may result. Apply vacuum. As battery voltage is applied and removed from solenoid, vacuum should alternately bleed from remaining 2 ports.

Scheme 25

FUEL TANK VACUUM RELIEF VALVE

Wipe valve housing clean. Find means to inhale air through cap. A slight resistance accompanied by clicks indicates vacuum relief valve is okay. By further inhaling air, resistance and clicks should disappear. If valve is clogged or if no resistance is felt, replace fuel tank filler cap.

FUEL VAPOR VENT LINE

1. Check all hoses and fuel filler cap for leaks. Disconnect fuel tank vapor hose at canister. Attach "T" fitting, manometer, and shutoff valve to hose. (Scheme 26)
2. Slowly apply air pressure to open shutoff valve until manometer indicates 15 3/4" (400 mm) water. Close shutoff valve. Remove air supply.
3. Fuel tank and hoses should hold this pressure within 1" (25 mm) of water for 2 1/2 minutes. If not, repair or replace components as necessary.
4. If pressure holds for 2 1/2 minutes, remove fuel filler cap. Ensure pressure drops. If not, check hoses and lines for obstructions.

CARBON CANISTER

Remove hose from valve port. Blow through hose. Air should pass through purge and vent lines, but should not pass through vacuum lines. (Scheme 27)

Scheme 26

Scheme 27

FUEL CHECK VALVE

Disconnect hoses from fuel check valve. Apply air on fuel tank side of valve. Resistance should be felt and a portion of air flow should be directed toward fuel tank. Repeat test on carbon canister side of valve. Air should flow freely through valve. If valve does not function as stated, replace check valve.

VACUUM RELIEF FILLER CAP

Wipe cap clean. Apply vacuum from tank side. Slight resistance should be felt and the cap should make distinct clicking noises. As vacuum increases, resistance should decrease and clicking noise should stop. If valve is plugged or no resistance is felt, replace cap as an assembly.

EGR CONTROL SYSTEM

See appropriate EGR CONTROL and EGR FUNCTION diagnostic charts.

EGR VALVE

Apply vacuum to EGR valve using a hand-held vacuum pump. EGR control valve should be fully open. Replace EGR valve if operation is not as specified. (Scheme 28)

Scheme 28

EGR CONTROL SOLENOID (2-PORT)

Remove vacuum lines and electrical connector from solenoid. Remove solenoid from vehicle. Connect hand-held vacuum pump to either vacuum port of solenoid. Apply battery voltage to solenoid. Ensure correct polarity is used or damage to solenoid may result. Apply vacuum. As battery voltage is applied and removed from solenoid, vacuum should alternately bleed/hold from remaining port. Replace solenoid if operation is not as specified.

EGR VALVE SOLENOID (3-PORT)

Remove vacuum lines and electrical connector from solenoid. Remove solenoid from vehicle. Connect hand-held vacuum pump to middle vacuum port of solenoid. Apply battery voltage to solenoid. Ensure correct polarity is used or damage to solenoid may result. Apply vacuum. As battery voltage is applied and removed from solenoid, vacuum should alternately bleed from remaining 2 ports (includes bleed filter). Solenoid resistance should be 30-40 ohms.

Start (ON-OFF switch) signal is used for ECU control of EGR solenoid. See appropriate START SIGNAL diagnostic chart.

POSITIVE CRANKCASE VENTILATION (PCV)

Run engine at idle. Remove ventilation hose from PCV valve. If valve is working properly, a hissing noise should be heard from hose and a strong vacuum should be felt immediately when finger is placed over valve inlet. If not, check hose and hose connections for leaks or obstructions. Repair or replace as necessary.

MISCELLANEOUS CONTROLS

Note. Although some of the controlled devices listed here are not technically engine performance components, they can affect driveability if they malfunction.

RADIATOR (COOLING) FAN MOTOR

The ECU performs on-off control and low/high speed control of the radiator (cooling) fan according to vehicle speed, engine temperature, and A/C on signal. Maxima models use 2 or more relays.

RADIATOR (COOLING) FAN CONTROL RELAY(S)

See RELAYS under RELAYS & SOLENOIDS. Also see appropriate table under RADIATOR COOLING FAN CONTROL RELAY OPERATION for relay(s) operation.

CONDENSER (COOLING) FAN

Condenser (Cooling) Fan Motor (240SX) The ECU performs on-off control of the radiator (cooling) fan according to vehicle speed, engine temperature, and A/C on signal. System uses one cooling fan relay and one fan motor. Condenser (Cooling) Fan Control Relay(s). See RELAYS under RELAYS & SOLENOIDS. Also, see CONDENSER (COOLING) FAN CONTROL RELAY OPERATION for relay operation.

RADIATOR (COOLING) FAN CONTROL RELAY OPERATION

A/C SWITCH OFF

A/C SWITCH ON

Scheme 29

DIAGNOSTIC CHARTS

Note. To identify ECU terminals, see appropriate WIRING DIAGRAMS article.

Scheme 30

Scheme 31

Scheme 32

Scheme 33

Scheme 34

Scheme 35

Scheme 36

Scheme 37

Scheme 38

Scheme 39

Scheme 40

Scheme 41

Scheme 42

Scheme 43

Scheme 44

Scheme 45

Scheme 46

See also:
• EMISSION SYSTEMS & SUB-SYSTEMS
• RELAYS