Voluntary Recall Campaign: Electronic Control Module (ECM) Case Holder Foam (NTB03-112)

WARNING: This page is about the Sentra GXE, Automatic, which is a different variant/trim than selected.

Publication date: 2003-12-10
Reference number: NTB03-112

VOLUNTARY RECALL CAMPAIGN: ELECTRONIC CONTROL MODULE (ECM) CASE HOLDER FOAM

SERVICE CAMPAIGN BULLETIN

Reference Number(s): NTB03-112, Date of Issue: December 10, 2003

NISSAN:	2000-2003 Sentra
CAMPAIGN I.D. # / NHTSA #:	P3163 / 03V-477
SECTION:	Engine Control System
APPLIED VEHICLE(S):	2000-2003 Sentra (B15)
APPLIED VIN(S):	3N1CB511L391002 - 525647, 3N1DB511L020201 - 020705, 3N1AB512L700019 - 730181, 3N1CB512L550003 - 693996, 3N1AB513L716572 - 736783, 3N1CB51YL003216 - 385976, 3N1DB51**YL000201 - 020126

NOTE: Confirm campaign eligibility using Service Comm.

INTRODUCTION

Nissan has determined that some 2000-2002 model year Nissan Sentra vehicles equipped with the 1.8 liter engine and some 2002-2003 model year Nissan Sentra vehicles equipped with the 2.5 liter engine may have a defect which relates to motor vehicle safety. The engine might stop running while being driven due to contamination of the Engine Control Module (ECM) by the inner lining material. This may also result in the "Service Engine Soon" light coming on or poor driveability. If the engine stops running while driving, this could result in a crash without warning.

IDENTIFICATION NUMBER

Nissan has assigned identification number P3163 this campaign. This number must appear on all communications and documentation of any nature dealing with this campaign.

NUMBER OF VEHICLES POTENTIALLY AFFECTED

The number of vehicles potentially affected is approximately 276,000.

DEALER RESPONSIBILITY

It is the retailer's responsibility to check Service Comm for the campaign status on each vehicle falling within the range of this voluntary safety recall which for any reason enters the service department. This includes vehicles purchased from private parties or presented by transient (tourist) owners and vehicles in a dealer's inventory. Federal law requires that new vehicles in dealer inventory which are the subject of a safety recall must be corrected prior to sale. Failure to do so can result in civil penalties by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. While federal law applies only to new vehicles, Nissan strongly encourages dealers to correct any used vehicles in their inventory before they are retailed.

SERVICE PROCEDURE

Remove/discard the Foam from the inside of the ECM Case Holder as follows. The ECM Case Holder will have to be re-positioned (moved) to do this procedure.

NOTE:

Use suitable covers to protect vehicle paint, trim, etc. when doing this procedure.
Step one (below) only applies to vehicles equipped with a Strut Tower Cross Bar.
Doing step one will allow clearance for removing the ECM Case Holder from the engine room wall.

If equipped, re-position the Strut Tower Cross Bar and remove the Strut Tower Cross Bar Mounting Bracket as follows:
1. Remove the nut/bolt that holds the Strut Tower Cross Bar to the Strut Tower Cross Bar Mounting Bracket (see Fig 1 ).
  
  Fig 1: Removing Nut/Bolt That Holds Cross Bar to Cross Bar Mounting Bracket
2. Reposition the Strut Tower Cross Bar UP and OUT of the way.
3. Take off three Nuts and remove the Strut Tower Cross Bar Mounting Bracket (see Fig 2 ).
  
  Fig 2: Removing Cross Bar Mounting Bracket
Remove two Screws that hold the Main Wiring Harness Support Bracket to the Strut Tower (see Fig 3 ).

Fig 3: Removing Main Wiring Harness Support Bracket Screws
Disconnect the Rubber Vent Tube from the ECM Case Holder (see Fig 4 ).

Fig 4: Disconnecting Rubber Vent Tube From ECM Case Holder
If equipped, remove two Screws and re-position the Manifold Absolute Pressure (MAP) Sensor (see Fig 5 ).

Fig 5: Re-positioning MAP Sensor & Throttle Cable Guide
Re-position the Throttle Cable Guide by removing it from the Metal Tab (see Fig 5 ).
Remove two Screws that hold the ECM Case Holder to the engine room wall (see Fig 6 ).

Fig 6: Removing ECM Case Holder Screws
Carefully pull the ECM Case Holder out of the engine room wall and set it on top of the passenger side Strut Tower (see Fig 7 ).

Fig 7: Pulling Out ECM Case Holder
Take out five Screws and remove the Top Cover of the ECM Case Holder (see Fig 8 ).
NOTE: Do NOT disconnect the vehicle wire harness from the ECM.

Fig 8: Removing ECM Holder Top Cover
Remove the three Screws that secure the ECM to the base of the Case Holder (see Fig 9 ).

Fig 9: Removing ECM Screws
Lift UP the ECM and remove/discard the Foam from the Base and Top Cover of the ECM Case Holder (see Fig 10 ).
- Make sure you remove/discard all the Foam and that the Base and Top Cover are clean and free of dirt, dust, and debris.
Fig 10: Removing ECM Case Holder Foam
Re-install the ECM to the Base of the ECM Case Holder with the three Screws.
Install the Top Cover and tighten the five Screws:
- In the order shown in Fig 11 .
  
  Fig 11: Torque Sequence
- To 3.9-6.8 N.m (34.5-60 in-lb)
Re-install all components in the reverse order they were removed.
NOTE:
- When re-installing the ECM Case Holder in the engine room wall, make sure the rear of the housing lines up and is inserted into the clip (at the back of the engine room wall pocket).
- Make sure the Throttle Cable Guide is re-installed properly.
Start the vehicle and confirm the engine operates normally and the Malfunction Indicator Light is OFF.

CLAIMS INFORMATION

Submit a "Campaign" (CM) line claim using the following claims coding information:

Campaign I.D.: P3163

CLAIMS INFORMATION

Description	OP Code	FRT
Remove ECM Case Holder Foam	P31630	0.5 hrs

OWNER'S LETTER

Dear Nissan owner:

This notice is sent to you in accordance with the requirements of the National Traffic and Motor Vehicle Safety Act. Nissan has decided that a defect which relates to motor vehicle safety exists in some 2000-2002 model year Nissan Sentra vehicles equipped with the 1.8 liter engine and in some 2002-2003 model year Nissan Sentra vehicles equipped with the 2.5 liter engine.

Reason for Recall

On some 2000-2003 model year Nissan Sentra vehicles described above, there is a possibility that the engine may stop running while being driven due to contamination of the Engine Control Module (ECM) by the inner lining material. This may also result in the "Service Engine Soon" light coming on or poor driveability. If the engine stops running while driving, this could result in a crash without warning.

What Nissan Will Do

In order to prevent this incident from occurring, your Nissan dealer will remove the inside lining material from the ECM. This free service should take about one hour to complete, but your Nissan dealer may require your vehicle for a longer period of time based upon their work schedule, or parts availability.

What You Should Do

Contact your Nissan dealer at your earliest convenience in order to arrange an appointment to have your vehicle repaired. If the "Service Engine Soon" light comes on, contact your dealer as soon as possible to have your vehicle inspected. Please bring this notice with you when you keep your service appointment. Instructions have been sent to your Nissan dealer. If the dealer fails, or is unable to make the necessary repairs free of charge, you may contact the National Consumer Affairs Office, Nissan North America, Inc. at P.O. Box 191, Gardena, California 90248-0191. The toll free number is 1-800-NISSAN1 (1-800-647-7261). If you reside in Hawaii, please call 1-808-836-0888. You may also contact the Administrator of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 400 Seventh Street SW, Washington, D.C. 20590 or call the toll free Safety Hotline at (888) 327-4236.

Federal law requires that any vehicle lessor receiving this recall notice must forward a copy of this notice to the lessee within ten days.

Thank you for your cooperation. We are indeed sorry for any inconvenience this may cause you.