Need some help- P1084 code

[johnz203]

Hey guys, I recently went to autozone to get my check engine light figured out and it said it was a code P1084 which is the exhaust valve timing control position sensor. I do not know exactly what this means and have pretty basic knowledge of cars (why I'm here). I am also overdue for an oil change and was wondering if that might have anything to do with it. If anyone could shed some light on this for me and let me know what I can do it would be very appreciated. Thank you.

-John

[PapaSmurf2k3]

Is this for the G35 you have listed as your car, or something else?

[johnz203]

The g35 listed as my car

[WDRacing]

Doubt an oil change has anything to do with it. Sounds like one of the position sensors crapped the bed.

[PapaSmurf2k3]

yeah the only way an oil change would affect it is if the sensor is magnetic (not sure if it is or not), and you have a ton of buildup on the back side of it so it no longer reads correctly.

[johnz203]

Ok thank you guys for your help. Do you know if this is a job I would be able to do myself, and also, would it be bad to put this off or should I do it immediately?

[PapaSmurf2k3]

You can put it off if you want to. It should be fairly easy to do too. The effect of not doing it is possibly poorer fuel economy and performance.
The sensor should be located either somewhere on the valve cover, or on the front timing cover. You can download a factory service manual from the link in my signature

[WDRacing]

You can put it off if you want to.

My BMW has had the variable timing on the exhaust side broken since I've owned it. Supposedly I'm loosing some low end torque, but I don't notice it at all. Mine is caused by the solenoid that controls the actual cam positioning, not the sensor. So I don't get any fault codes. The fix for me is quite in depth, not just a sensor replacement, so it's staying broke.

If it runs and drives fine, it shouldn't have any detrimental side effects on the motor itself. Like James said, maybe a tad worse in the mileage department and some loss of low end power.