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DTC codes / Nissan codes / P1110

P1110 · NissanIntake Valve Timing Control Solenoid

P1110 on Nissan vehicles indicates that the engine control module (ECM) has detected a fault in the intake valve timing control (IVTC) solenoid circuit, which manages oil pressure to the variable valve timing (VVT) actuator on the intake camshaft. The ECM typically sets this code when the solenoid's electrical resistance falls outside the expected range or when the commanded timing advance does not match actual camshaft movement.

SystemPowertrain
Code typeNissan specific
SeverityMedium
Fix difficultyIntermediate
AreaFuel and air metering

Symptoms you may notice

  • Illumination of the check engine light, often with no other noticeable symptoms.
  • Rough idle or engine stumble, especially when cold.
  • Reduced engine performance and poor acceleration.
  • Decreased fuel economy.
  • In rare cases, engine may stall or hesitate during deceleration.

Common causes, most likely first

  1. Faulty intake valve timing control solenoid (open or shorted coil).
  2. Dirty or clogged solenoid screen, restricting oil flow.
  3. Damaged or corroded wiring or connector at the solenoid.
  4. Engine oil sludge or low oil pressure affecting VVT operation.
  5. Sticking or failed VVT actuator (phases) due to mechanical wear.
  6. ECM software issue or internal fault (less common).

How to diagnose and fix it

  1. Check engine oil level and condition; top off or change oil if degraded.
  2. Inspect the IVTC solenoid connector and wiring for damage or corrosion.
  3. Measure the solenoid resistance with a multimeter and compare to specification.
  4. Remove and clean the solenoid screen; replace if clogged or damaged.
  5. Test the solenoid operation by applying 12 volts and listening for a click.
  6. Verify oil pressure to the VVT system using a mechanical gauge.
  7. If all electrical and oil checks pass, inspect the VVT actuator for mechanical binding.

Common misdiagnosis traps for P1110

  • A dirty oil control screen on the solenoid is a frequent culprit that mimics a failed solenoid, so cleaning it before replacement can save unnecessary cost.
  • Low engine oil level or sludge buildup can trigger P1110 even when the solenoid tests good, so always verify oil condition first.
  • Wiring harness damage near the exhaust manifold or sharp edges often causes intermittent solenoid circuit faults that may not appear during a simple resistance check.
  • The code can set due to a mechanical VVT actuator failure, which is often overlooked because the solenoid itself tests fine.
  • On some Nissan models, a faulty camshaft position sensor can cause timing correlation errors that set P1110, so check for related codes.

Can I keep driving with P1110?

You can usually drive the vehicle with P1110 set, but avoid aggressive acceleration and high-speed driving until the fault is repaired. Prolonged driving with a faulty IVTC system may lead to poor fuel economy and increased emissions, and if the engine runs roughly, limit driving to necessary trips.

Tools that help

Tools we recommend are in the Auto Veteran shop on Amazon. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.

Guidance is general and written for Nissan vehicles. Exact tests and values vary by model, so confirm the fault before replacing parts.

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