2003 6 Speed, 230K miles

Been struggling with a random misfire code for a while. Finally got codes for the cam sensors. Replaced both sensors and reset code. Car ran fine but random misfire code came back. Car was running good for having 230k miles on it so I just kept an eye on it. Check engine light started flashing when I was at idle. If the motor had any load the (including turning AC compressor on at idle) check engine light would quit flashing. Fast forward a week and the car is running terrible. Missing like crazy even under part throttle. I was able to get a P0011 code and read that cleaning them will sometimes fix a stuck plunger. So I took both off and found the front bank to have oil residue inside, which is what I suspected. The back bank however, had no oil at all. This is the bank that the code is telling me has malfunctioned. I cleaned them with brake cleaner and let dry. Reinstalled both IVT's, changed oil and filter, and replaced crank sensor for the hell of it. No change at all.

I don't have a power probe to test plunger operation but I'm thinking the plunger could be stuck closed since no oil was present. Does this make sense to anyone or am I not understanding how these work?

 

You need to replace the cam sensor with OEM Genuine Nissan or used working sensor. If code reappear with replacement of the cam sensor, clean the IVT or replaced it.

Goodluck.

 

If his IVT is dry, then that's clearly the issue (plus the code). The car starts and runs...there was probably nothing wrong with cam sensors before nor these.

Idk what to say. I mean that's pretty bizarre. It should be full of oil. I guess spray a bunch of cleaner down the oil passages
You can use any 12v power source to test it. I used an old ATX power supply. My other go to source would be random 12V AC adapters laying around.

 

Any update, OP?