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Home >> Nissan-Datsun >> 2004 >> Altima Base, Standard >> Repair and Diagnosis >> Engine Performance >> Engine Control System - 2.5L >> DTC P1278: A/F Sensor 1 >> Diagnostic Procedure
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Diagnostic Procedure

  1. CHECK GROUND CONNECTIONS 
    1. Turn ignition switch OFF.
    2. Loosen and retighten three ground screws on the body. Refer to "GROUND INSPECTION ".
      Fig 1: Checking Ground Connections
      G02884769Courtesy of NISSAN MOTOR CO., U.S.A.

    OK or NG

    1. OK : GO TO 2.
    2. NG : Repair or replace ground connections.
  2. RETIGHTEN AIR FUEL RATIO (A/F) SENSOR 1 

    Loosen and retighten the air fuel ratio (A/F) sensor 1.

    Tightening torque: 40 - 60 N.m (4.1 - 6.1 kg-m, 30 - 44 ft-lb) 

    1. : GO TO 3.
  3. CHECK EXHAUST GAS LEAK 
    1. Start engine and run it at idle.
    2. Listen for an exhaust gas leak before three way catalyst (manifold).
      Fig 2: Checking Exhaust Gas Leak
      G02884770Courtesy of NISSAN MOTOR CO., U.S.A.

    OK or NG

    1. OK : GO TO 4.
    2. NG : Repair or replace.
  4. CHECK FOR INTAKE AIR LEAK 

    Listen for an intake air leak after the mass air flow sensor.

    OK or NG

    1. OK : GO TO 5.
    2. NG : Repair or replace.
  5. CLEAR THE SELF-LEARNING DATA 

    With CONSULT-II 

    1. Start engine and warm it up to normal operating temperature.
    2. Select "SELF-LEARNING CONT" in "WORK SUPPORT" mode with CONSULT-II.
    3. Clear the self-learning control coefficient by touching "CLEAR" or "START".
    4. Run engine for at least 10 minutes at idle speed.

      Is the 1st trip DTC P0171 or P0172 detected? Is it difficult to start engine? 

      Fig 3: Displaying WORK SUPPORT Mode
      G02884771Courtesy of NISSAN MOTOR CO., U.S.A.

    Without CONSULT-II 

    1. Start engine and warm it up to normal operating temperature.
    2. Turn ignition switch OFF.
    3. Disconnect mass air flow sensor harness connector, and restart and run engine for at least 3 seconds at idle speed.
    4. Stop engine and reconnect mass air flow sensor harness connector.
    5. Make sure DTC P0102 is displayed.
    6. Erase the DTC memory. Refer to "HOW TO ERASE EMISSION-RELATED DIAGNOSTIC INFORMATION ".
    7. Make sure DTC P0000 is displayed.
    8. Run engine for at least 10 minutes at idle speed.

      Is the 1st trip DTC P0171 or P0172 detected? Is it difficult to start engine? 

      Fig 4: Identifying Mass Air Flow Sensor
      G02884772Courtesy of NISSAN MOTOR CO., U.S.A.

    Yes or No

    1. Yes : Perform trouble diagnosis for DTC P0171, P0172. Refer to DTC P0171 FUEL INJECTION SYSTEM FUNCTION , DTC P0172 FUEL INJECTION SYSTEM FUNCTION .
    2. No : GO TO 6.
  6. CHECK AIR FUEL RATIO (A/F) SENSOR 1 POWER SUPPLY CIRCUIT 
    1. Disconnect A/F sensor 1 harness connector.
    2. Turn ignition switch ON.
      Fig 5: Disconnecting A/F Sensor 1 Harness Connector
      G02884773Courtesy of NISSAN MOTOR CO., U.S.A.
    3. Check voltage between A/F sensor 1 terminal 3 and ground with CONSULT-II or tester.

      Voltage: Battery voltage 

    OK or NG

    1. OK : GO TO  8.
    2. NG : GO TO 7.
      Fig 6: Checking Voltage Between A/F Sensor 1 Terminal 3 & Ground
      G02884774Courtesy of NISSAN MOTOR CO., U.S.A.
  7. DETECT MALFUNCTIONING PART 

    Check the following.

    • Harness connectors E21, F34
    • IPDM E/R harness connector E122
    • 10A fuse
    • Harness for open or short between A/F sensor 1 and fuse
    1. : Repair or replace harness or connectors.
  8. CHECK A/F SENSOR 1 INPUT SIGNAL CIRCUIT FOR OPEN AND SHORT 
    1. Turn ignition switch OFF.
    2. Disconnect ECM harness connector.
    3. Check harness continuity between the following terminals. Refer to Wiring Diagram .
      TERMINALS REFERENCE

      A/F sensor 1 terminal ECM terminal
      1 16
      5 35
      6 56
      2 75

      Continuity should exist. 

    4. Check harness continuity between ECM terminals 16, 35, 56, 75 or A/F sensor 1 terminals 1, 2, 5, 6 and ground. Refer to Wiring Diagram .

      Continuity should not exist. 

    5. Also check harness for short to power.

    OK or NG

    1. OK : GO TO 9.
    2. NG : Repair open circuit or short to ground or short to power in harness or connectors.
  9. CHECK AIR FUEL RATIO (A/F) SENSOR 1 HEATER 

    Refer to "COMPONENT INSPECTION ".

    OK or NG

    1. OK : GO TO 10.
    2. NG : Replace A/F sensor 1.
  10. CHECK MASS AIR FLOW SENSOR 

    Refer to "COMPONENT INSPECTION ".

    OK or NG

    1. OK : GO TO 11.
    2. NG : Replace mass air flow sensor.
  11. CHECK PCV VALVE 

    Refer to "COMPONENT INSPECTION ".

    OK or NG

    1. OK : GO TO 12.
    2. NG : Repair or replace PCV valve.
  12. CHECK INTERMITTENT INCIDENT 

    Perform "TROUBLE DIAGNOSIS FOR INTERMITTENT INCIDENT ".

    OK or NG

    1. OK : Replace A/F sensor 1.
    2. NG : Repair or replace.