Intake Valve Timing Intermediate Lock Control

SYSTEM DIAGRAM

Fig 1: Intake Valve Timing Intermediate Lock Control System Diagram

Courtesy of NISSAN NORTH AMERICA, INC.

SYSTEM DESCRIPTION

The intake valve timing intermediate lock control improves the cleaning ability of exhaust gas at cold starting by fixing the camshaft sprocket (INT) with two lock pins and bringing the cam phase into intermediate phase.

Fig 2: Intake Valve Timing Intermediate Lock Control System Description

Courtesy of NISSAN NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Cam phase is fixed at the intermediate phase by two lock pins in the camshaft sprocket (INT).

ECM controls the intermediate phase lock by opening/closing the intake valve timing intermediate lock control solenoid valve to control oil pressure acting on the lock pins and locking/unlocking the lock pins.

LOCK/UNLOCK ACTIVATION

Fig 3: Intake Valve Timing Intermediate Lock Control Lock/Unlock Activation Diagram

Courtesy of NISSAN NORTH AMERICA, INC.

When the ignition switch is turned OFF from the idle state, ECM activates the intake valve timing intermediate lock control solenoid valve to drain oil pressure. Accordingly, the lock pins is activated by the spring, and the cam phase is fixed at the intermediate position.

When starting the engine by cold start, ECM activates the solenoid valve to maintain the condition that the cam phase is fixed at the intermediate position.

When the engine coolant temperature exceeds 60°C (140°F), ECM turns OFF the solenoid valve and starts normal intake valve timing control.