No the exhaust magnet retarder not working will not actually hurt the vehicle, these ECM's are very fast acting and it's always going to deliver fuel/spark timing based on the actual data coming back from the cam phase sensors. It's just not getting the expected exhaust cam timing retard based on the voltage it's delivering to the magnetic actuator is all and thus sending out that code.

Obviously for the sake of performance you SHOULD fix the car but you're not going to hurt anything with that particular code.

 

Well now I'm getting the code for the driver side. Yay! I replaced the passenger side with a known good complete cover, so out of curiosity how hard is it to replace just the magnetic retarder if i order just the piece i listed in the previous post? Is the plug the same or did u have to solder on the old one? And how does it release from the cover?

 

I have heard of others struggling but it was very easy for me. I followed directions that I found on the web and had the retarder replaced in less than 10 minutes. Bank1 is a bear to get the cover off. Bank2 looks rather easy and I am going to do that side as soon as it cools off a little. The connectors are the same. Have fun and let me know how easy it was :-)

 

Just to be clear, this is the retarder for a maxima correct?

 

I think they are the same but I would cross reference the part number with your engine just to be safe. I was referencing work done on a 2008 G35X VQ35.

 

Yea. Mine is a 07 g35s. The retarder i found lists for a 09-14 maxima i believe

 

I would do a little research to make sure. I believe they are the same but I wouldn't take my word for it. Just cross reference the part #. Easy to do and will give you confidence the part is correct. Should be a very quick job once you get the part. I bought mine off ebay and there were several sellers offering the part with a cross reference chart built into the offer. Good Luck!!

 

You wouldn't happen to have the part number for the one you used would you?

 

Genuine Nissan Vtc Retarder 23795-JK21A

 

man I’m having these same codes on my car, p0014 and p0024. Mechanic replaced VVT actuators and charged me $700 for it, only for the codes to reappear… Arrghh I almost broke something. I gave up but this thread is giving me a lot of hope. Quick question: did you remove the power steering pump? (I know the Belt tensioner has to come off) thanks a lot.

 

Bad mechanic......you can check and clean those actuators in minutes. Anyway to your question, yes I removed the bolts holding the power steering pump and moved it enough to get that dam bracket behind if off. You have to do this to get to the hidden cover bolt. Not to difficult just time consuming. Download the service manual and follow the step by step removal. Its very helpful to remove stuff in a logical order. Wish I would have found that procedure before I started. :-) You need to replace the bank1 and bank2 VTC magnetic retarders.

 

thanks man and yeah a very bad mechanic. Just a few more questions.
1. what torque level did you use for the VTC cover bolts?
2. did you take off the power steering(PS) hose connecting the PS fluid reservoir to the PS pump?( Or you just undid the bolts to help to you move it aside a little bit)
3. did you put any engine oil on the new Magnet retarder before installing? Thanks again

 

I did not have the proper torque wrench so I just snugged them up. I was very very careful not to snap them off by over tightening. The torque spec is in the service manual. I did not have to disconnect the pump hose, just unbolted the pump and moved aside. I did put a coating of fresh oil on the magnet face right before bolting the cover back on. Good luck!

 

alright man thanks a lot! One last question, did you use buy a new gasket for the VTC cover or the old one was fine? And did you put anything on the gasket before installing it on the cover? Thanks again. Hopefully I come back with good news… if you don’t hear from me, sigh.. then maybe I broke something.. Cheers!

 

No worries, some folks on here helped me when I did mine so glad I can help someone else. I bought new gaskets. Their cheap enough and I don't like leaks. The local Nissan dealer had a decent price on them. Put them on dry no additional goop needed. Make sure to use good install technique and you'll be fine. Additional notes: I used a 1/4" drive to tighten the cover bolts. Go small if your not using a torque wrench so you don't have to much leverage and you can feel how tight the bolt is getting. Snug was good for me. Also a swivel joint will help you get to the two bolts that hold the pump bracket to the block. If memory serves, this is the bracket that covers bolt 8 on the VTC cover. "The Hidden Bolt". I'll watch the forum for your next question. LOL!