Service Engine Soon, VDC and SLIP lights on -- P0340 code

[Zen_master]

They came back and recommended replacing all 4 sensors and retesting (almost $1900)

Sounds like you think Phase and Crank sensors are the culprits and should start with those two before messing with IVT, correct?

[VStar650CL]

Yep. The IVT sensors have their own set of codes and I've never seen an ECM confuse them like it can with crank and phase. Replace just those two, the IVT sensors ain't broke and you shouldn't fix them.

[Zen_master]

Got the vehicle back and it seems to be starting and running fine. I do have a question about how many sensors there are on a 2011 VK56DE. The invoice shows the following:

3 - 23731-4M50D Camshaft Position Sensor @ $116.06/piece = $348.18
1 - 23731-AL61D Camshaft Position Sensor @ $210.26
1 - 23796-ZE01C Solenoid Valve Assembly - Valve Timing Control @ $381.29
1 - 23796-ZE02D Solenoid Valve Assembly - Valve Timing Control @ $397.21

I did mention that the P0340 code should first be addressed by the PHASE sensor and the Crank Sensor. They rebutted that there were other codes and Nissan Tech Line was recommending replacing all sensors. I OK'd the work, but am surprised by the three count of part #23731-4M50D. Also miffed about the price of the parts. I can find -AL61D at Z1 here https://www.z1offroad.com/cam-crank-sen ... 16042.htmlfor less than $90 before shipping. and -4M50D for $62 at z1 https://www.z1offroad.com/cam-crank-sen ... 16915.html

Labor was $540. No idea how many hours or shop rate/hour.

So multiple questions - how many sensors were involved/needed and why the price discrepancy?

[VStar650CL]

Yep, that's a correct manifest. The crank sensor is the only one with a different part number, the phase sensor and the two IVT sensors all use the identical part. The labor doesn't seem out of line considering they changed the solenoids too, those face inboard on the VK and one of them is a complete PITA to yank. Our dealership is in Arkansas (spell that b-u-m-f-u-c-k) and we're getting $205/hr, so with changing all that plus some diagnostic screwing around, I'd say they didn't rake you.

[VStar650CL]

Oh, yah, I'm not surprised at the parts prices either. Dealerships all charge "list plus" over the counter, and it's always way more than you'd pay online. It's a racket. I give all my best customers a break by pointing them at NissanPartsDeal.com, that's factory-warranty stuff and it's sold at list minus instead of list plus.

[Zen_master]

Thank you. So is that correct, there are three cam sensors + crank + 2 IVTs?

[VStar650CL]

No, you're misinterpreting that. The 23731-AL61D is the crank sensor, but since it's used as either crank or cam on various models, the catalog description is "cam sensor". The total number is correct, the phase and two IVT sensors are all identical so quantity for those is 3.

[Zen_master]

Any ideas what are these?

1 - 23796-ZE01C Solenoid Valve Assembly - Valve Timing Control @ $381.29
1 - 23796-ZE02D Solenoid Valve Assembly - Valve Timing Control @ $397.21

[VStar650CL]

Those are the IVT solenoids, they're hydraulic valves which drive the camshaft phasers to advance or retard intake timing. They did the work for reasonable labor and I'm glad it's running well, but they sure did sell you a bunch of stuff you didn't need.

[Zen_master]

Ha. Well it's a business. Gotta make money somehow.

Really appreciate the wealth of knowlege here, VStar.

I turned down a bunch of stuff that they recommended based on mileage because I do a lot of basic maintenance at home. I was intrigued by the fuel injector service, however. What are your thoughts on that for a VK56 with about 125k on the odo -- worth it next time or not?

[VStar650CL]

Put some SeaFoam in the tank and call it good. I would recommend cleaning your Throttle Body, and if you drive like grandma, I'd say a DIY decarboning is probably in order. If you get on it once in awhile then you can skip that.

[Zen_master]

I run a bottle or two a year of Chevron Techron in all my vehicles.

Good to know it's not worth the expense. They were asking $185ish

[VStar650CL]

You're most welcome, happy to help.