P1110 NISSAN – Intake Valve Timing Control, Bank 1

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Code Meaning

P1110 indicates a malfunction in the intake valve hydraulic control system (Variable Valve Timing, VVT). The ECM detects a discrepancy between the target cam angle and the actual angle, locking the solenoid valve in the default position.


Common Symptoms

  • 🚨 Check engine light on

  • ⚠️ Loss of power (especially at low/mid RPM)

  • 🔧 Rough idle or vibrations

  • ⛽ Increased fuel consumption


Possible Causes

Priority Faulty Component
1. Dirty/low engine oil (main cause!)
2. Faulty VVT timing solenoid valve
3. Open/short-circuited electrical circuit (wires, connectors)
4. Failed crankshaft position sensor (POS)
5. Faulty camshaft sensor

System Operation

  1. Hydraulic control:

    • The ECM uses data from sensors (crankshaft, camshaft, RPM, temperature).

    • It sends a PWM signal to the VVT solenoid valve:

      • Long pulse → Advances valve angle.

      • Short pulse → Retards angle.

      • 50% duty cycle → Locks in neutral position.

  2. Effects:

    • Optimizes torque (low RPM) and power (high RPM).


Diagnostic Procedure

Step 1: Preliminary checks (80% of cases resolved here!)

  • Oil check:

    • Check level and quality (dirty oil = immediate change + filter).

    • If oil pressure light is on: perform manual pressure test.

  • 🔍 Visual inspection:

    • VVT solenoid valve cables and connectors (look for bent pins, corrosion, cut wires).

Step 2: Electrical tests

  • 🔌 Solenoid valve test:

    • Measure resistance with a multimeter (compare to Nissan specifications).

    • Check power supply voltage (12V) and ground.

  • 📡 Sensor signals:

    • Check crankshaft/camshaft sensor data via OBD2 scanner.

Step 3: Advanced diagnostics

  • 🔄 Reset and test:

    • Clear the code, drive 15 km to check for reappearance.

    • If intermittent: monitor real-time data (target vs. actual VVT angle).

  • ⚙️ Hydraulic test:

    • Remove solenoid valve, clean oil passages with specialized degreaser.


Repair Solutions

Cause Action
Dirty oil Complete oil change + filter + code reset
Faulty solenoid Replace (average cost: €80-150)
Electrical issue Repair wires/connectors or replace harness
Faulty sensors Replace POS or camshaft sensor

Pro Tip:

  • Always clean the solenoid valve before replacing it! Dirt is often the real culprit.

  • Check Nissan Technical Service Bulletins (TSB) for recurring failures on your model.

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