INFINITI I30T - EGR Vacuum Switch Solenoid Valve

[EmilyInfinitiI30]

Ok ... When I bought this car a few months ago from a mechanic, the car didn't start right. It would try to start but was only successful after the 3rd or 4th time. I just got around to fixing it and the guy I bought it from said it was the EGR vacuum switch solenoid valve. So I bought the part, and tried to find where it is on the engine so I can fix it. I think I have found it, the only problem is there are 2 identical ones right next to each other and I don't know which one is which! And what makes it more confusing is that I asked the guy and he said there is only one of these and it's on the drivers side of the engine.

So please, can SOMEONE who knows what I'm talking about PLEASE tell me where I can find this exact part under the hood, so I can fix it??

Thank you to who ever replies!

[goody90q45]

On the Q45 there are a pair of identical solenoid valves also so I understand your confusion. Take a look at page EC-11 of your FSM. If you're convinced that the solenoid is the cause of the hard start issue then replace one with the new solenoid and if that doesn't fix it swap the new solenoid into the other position. They're pretty easy to change out.

Is your check engine light on? If so what codes is it showing?

Welcome to NICO!!!

http://www.nicoclub.com/FSM/i30/1996_I30/

[EmilyInfinitiI30]

Yes my check engine light is one and I got 2 codes: P1335 for a crankshaft position sensor and P1400 for the solenoid ... But I asked the guy, and he said it was for sure the part that I got to fix it so hopefully he is right. So you think I should try to put it on both solenoids until it fixes the problem?

[goody90q45]

Sure. If they're both the same replace one solenoid with new first and if that doesn't work then use the same new solenoid replacing the other one. It's just controlling vacuum. No damage will be done.

Chances are the CEL won't go out until you manually reset it so you won't know for sure if the swap worked. Most of the chain auto parts stores (i.e. Autozone) will pull and clear codes for free and your mechanic should also have a code reader.

A more common problem with the EGR system is that it's plugged with carbon deposits which results in ECU codes. Have you or your mechanic removed and cleaned the EGR valve and cleared the intake tube from the exhaust manifold? Unless the mechanic tested the valve and knows it's broken I have a hunch that your codes may be caused by a clogged EGR valve or throttle body and not a malfunctioning solenoid.

[EmilyInfinitiI30]

Well to be completely honest I don't know a lot about EGR valves or how to clean them or anything, but I do know the guy I bought this car from is a mechanic and he did say that was the only part I would need. So I'm assuming if he's at least good at his job then he would have tried cleaning it out first. Seems like an easy enough fix rather making someone else do all the guess work. But wouldn't I know if it worked by the car starting on the first try? Whether the codes go away or not, it should still fix the problem if that is the problem, right?

[goody90q45]

I forgot to ask. Do your solenoids look something like these?

[EmilyInfinitiI30]

Yes mine looks most like the one on the bottom right

[goody90q45]

......But wouldn't I know if it worked by the car starting on the first try? Whether the codes go away or not, it should still fix the problem if that is the problem, right?

You're right. I was thinking CEL, you're looking at hard start.

Yes mine looks most like the one on the bottom right

A more common problem with these is the plastic nipples breaking off (by a mechanic's slipped wrench working above it) but some do fail electrically. Maybe the mechanic knows something you don't? Take a look at each one as you remove it to see if a nipple has been glued on. Also check the vacuum hoses attached to each solenoid for tightness and leaks.

Are you trying to pass a smog test? What state?

[EmilyInfinitiI30]

Nope I'[m not trying to pass a smog test, I just want my car to start on the first try. And I did actually notice one of the tubes connected to one of the solenoids is broken right at the tip of it where it connects to the solenoid. I'm from Michigan, single mom of 2 kids, just trying to get my car to run right lol. That's all And I will definitely take a closer look while changing them out, and ask the mechanic i bought it from if there is anything else he can tell me.

[goody90q45]

.......And I did actually notice one of the tubes connected to one of the solenoids is broken right at the tip of it where it connects to the solenoid......

I think you've found the problem. Good luck.

[Q451990]

to NICO!

I would certainly fix this - but the EGR system shouldn't have anything to do with your hard start, since it's not used at startup. The EGR opens when the engine is turning between 2000 and 4000 RPMs.

I think the crankshaft position sensor issue is a more likely cause of a hard start.

Heath