Error P0014 on Nissan Qashqai - one of those problems that can unsettle even experienced car owners. This code indicates a malfunction in the variable valve timing (VVT) system, or more specifically, too much clearance or delay in the intake camshaft. If your Qashqai started to twitch at idle, lose power, or the check light came on - most likely it’s the culprit P0014.

In this article we will look at what exactly breaks when P0014, how to check the VVT system yourself, and what steps to take to repair it. We will pay special attention to the nuances Qashqai with engines HR16DE, MR20DE And M9R (diesel), where this error occurs most often. You will also find step-by-step instructions, tables with associated error codes, and answers to frequently asked questions.

What does code P0014 mean on Nissan Qashqai?

Code P0014 stands for «Exhaust Valve Control Solenoid Circuit Malfunction (Bank 1)» or, translated into Russian, "exhaust valve control solenoid circuit malfunction (bank 1)". However, in the context Nissan Qashqai this code is more often associated with a problem in the system VVT (Variable Valve Timing) — mechanism for changing valve timing.

Specifically P0014 indicates that the engine control unit (ECU) is detecting delay or too much clearance in the intake camshaft. This may happen due to:

  • 🔧 Contamination or malfunction VVT solenoid (phase control valve).
  • ⚙️ Wear or breakage VVT gears on the camshaft.
  • 🛢️ Low oil pressure or use of low-quality oil.
  • 🔌 Problems with wiring or solenoid connectors.
  • 📉 Mechanical wear of the timing chain (on engines with a chain drive).

On Qashqai with gasoline engines HR16DE And MR20DE error P0014 often accompanied P0011 (camshaft delay) or P0024 (problems with the exhaust shaft). On diesel M9R it may indicate a malfunction turbine control valve or EGR.

⚠️ Attention: If the error P0014 appears along with P0300 (misfire), this may indicate serious timing wear. In this case, operating the car without repair is fraught with broken chain or timing belt and engine overhaul.

Symptoms of malfunction: how P0014 manifests itself

Error P0014 rarely occurs “on its own” - it is usually accompanied by noticeable changes in the behavior of the car. Here are the main symptoms to watch out for:

  • 🚗 Floating speed at idle (especially after a cold start).
  • 💨 Power Loss during acceleration, “dullness” of the engine.
  • 🔥 Increased fuel consumption (10–15% higher than usual).
  • 🔊 Knocking or rustling on the timing side (may indicate wear on the VVT chain or gear).
  • 🚨 The check light comes on (Check Engine) on the dashboard.

On Nissan Qashqai with engine MR20DE (2.0 l) error P0014 often manifests itself jerky when changing gears (especially on automatic transmission). On diesel M9R may be added black smoke from the exhaust pipe and problems with hot starting.

If you notice at least 2-3 of these symptoms, it is recommended carry out diagnostics immediately. Driving for a long time with a faulty VVT system leads to:

  • 🔥 Engine overheating.
  • ⚡ Accelerated wear of valves and piston group.
  • 💸 Significant increase in fuel costs.
📊 How long have you had the P0014 error?
  • Less than a week
  • 1–3 weeks
  • More than a month
  • I don't remember

Reasons for error P0014 on Nissan Qashqai

To effectively eliminate P0014, you need to understand its root cause. The table below contains the most common causes for different engines. Qashqai:

Reason Engine HR16DE (1.6 l) Engine MR20DE (2.0 l) Engine M9R (2.0 diesel)
Faulty VVT solenoid ✅ Common reason ✅ Common reason ❌ Not applicable
VVT gear wear ✅ Possible ✅ Very often ❌ Not applicable
Low oil pressure ✅ Possible ✅ Possible ✅ Common reason
Dirty oil or filter ✅ Possible ✅ Possible ✅ Very often
Timing chain problems ✅ Rarely ✅ Often (chain stretching) ✅ Possible

On gasoline engines Qashqai The leaders in terms of breakdown frequency are VVT solenoid And camshaft gear. On diesel M9R the problem often lies in lubrication system or EGR valve.

Also error P0014 may appear after:

  • 🔧 Poor-quality timing belt repair (for example, after replacing the chain without phase adjustment).
  • 🛢️ Replacing oil with something that does not meet specifications (for example, instead of 5W-30 flooded 10W-40).
  • 💻 Incorrect chip tuning (if the ECU firmware is not optimized for VVT).
⚠️ Attention: If the error P0014 appeared after changing the oil, check its viscosity and quality. Some "generic" oils are not suitable for VVT systems and may cause the solenoid to seize.

Diagnosing error P0014: step-by-step instructions

Before you rush to change parts, you need to accurately determine the cause P0014. Below is a step-by-step diagnostic plan for Nissan Qashqai.

Step 1: Read Errors

Use a scanner (eg Launch X431 or ELM327) to read all fault codes. Please note the accompanying errors:

  • P0011 — camshaft delay.
  • P0024 - problem with the exhaust shaft.
  • P0340 - Malfunction of the camshaft position sensor.

Step 2: VVT Solenoid Test

The solenoid is located on the cylinder head. To check it:

  1. Remove the connector from the solenoid.
  2. Measure the resistance between the contacts (should be 6–12 Ohm).
  3. Apply voltage 12 V on the contacts - a click should be heard.

☑️VVT solenoid check

Done: 0 / 4

Step 3: VVT Gear Inspection

On engines MR20DE often wears out VVT gear on the camshaft. To check:

  1. Remove the valve cover.
  2. Check the gear play (should be minimal).
  3. Inspect the timing chain for tension (if the gear teeth are worn, the chain may slip).

Step 4: Diagnostics of the lubrication system

Low oil pressure is a common cause P0014 on diesel Qashqai. Check:

  • 🛢️ Oil level and condition (there should be no metal shavings).
  • 🔧 Oil filter (must not be clogged).
  • 📉 Oil pressure (standard for M9R: 2–4 bar at idle).
💡

If the engine oil is black and thick, and error P0014 appears after warming up, the VVT solenoid is most likely clogged with deposits. Try flushing the system with a special liquid (for example, Liqui Moly Pro-Line Motorspulung).

Step 5: Check Wiring

Inspect the wiring harness going to the VVT solenoid. Often the reason P0014 becomes:

  • 🔌 Oxidation of contacts in the connector.
  • 🔥 Grinded insulation (may short to ground).
  • 📶 Wire break (checked with a multimeter in “continuity” mode).
💡

If after cleaning the solenoid and changing the oil, error P0014 disappears, but returns after 1–2 thousand km, the problem lies in VVT gear wear or stretched timing chain.

How to fix error P0014: repair methods

Depending on the cause, repair methods can range from simply cleaning the solenoid to completely overhauling the timing belt. Let's look at the main options.

1. Clean or replace the VVT solenoid

If the solenoid is dirty, you can try cleaning it:

  1. Remove the solenoid from the engine.
  2. Rinse it in kerosene or a special cleaner (for example, WD-40 Specialist).
  3. Blow with compressed air.
  4. Reinstall and check operation.

If cleaning does not help, the solenoid must be replaced. For Qashqai with HR16DE original solenoid fits 23731-4M51A, for MR20DE — 23731-6M50A.

2. VVT gear replacement

On engines MR20DE The VVT gear is the weak point. When it wears out:

  • 🔧 Gear replacement required (original number - 13028-6M500).
  • 🔗 It is recommended to replace at the same time timing chain and tensioners.

3. Flushing the lubrication system

If the cause is contaminated oil:

  1. Drain the old oil.
  2. Fill in flushing fluid (for example, Liqui Moly Oil-Schlamm-Spulung).
  3. Let the engine run for 10–15 minutes.
  4. Drain the flush and replace the oil + filter.

4. Adjusting or replacing the timing chain

On Qashqai with a mileage of more than 150 thousand km, the timing chain can stretch, which leads to P0014. Signs:

  • 🔊 Knock when starting “cold”.
  • 📉 Floating speed.
  • 🚗 Jerks when moving.

The solution is to replace the chain, gears and tensioners (kit for MR20DE will cost 8–12 thousand rubles).

5. Checking and changing the oil

For Nissan Qashqai With VVT system it is critical to use oil that meets specification Nissan KE900-90042 (or analogues Mobil 1 ESP 5W-30, Motul 8100 X-Clean 5W-30). Poor quality oil leads to:

  • 🛢️ VVT solenoid clogged.
  • 🔧 Accelerated gear wear.
  • 💥 Increased friction in the timing belt.
⚠️ Attention: If after changing the oil there is an error P0014 does not disappear, but the VVT solenoid and gear are ok, the problem may lie in faulty oil pump or clogged oil channel in the cylinder head.

Related errors and their meaning

Error P0014 rarely comes alone. It is often accompanied by other codes that help more accurately diagnose the problem. Below is a table of associated errors and their meaning for Nissan Qashqai:

Error code Description Possible reason Communication with P0014
P0011 Camshaft retard (intake bank 1) VVT gear wear, timing chain stretched ✅ Direct
P0024 Camshaft delay (exhaust, bank 1) VVT solenoid or gear malfunction ✅ Direct
P0340 Camshaft position sensor malfunction Problems with the wiring or the sensor itself ⚠️ Indirect
P0300 Multiple misfires Timing belt wear, low compression ⚠️ Indirect
P0171 Lean air-fuel mixture Air leak, DMRV malfunction ❌ No connection

If together with P0014 appear P0011 And P0024, this almost always indicates mechanical wear of the VVT gear or timing chain. If the error occurs in conjunction with P0340, the problem may be with the camshaft sensor or its wiring.

What should I do if P0300 is on along with P0014?

The combination of P0014 and P0300 (misfire) is an extremely dangerous signal. This may mean that the timing chain is stretched so much that it occurs. tooth slippage, and the valve timing is off. In this case it is necessary stop using the car immediately and check the chain, gears and tensioners. If you ignore this problem, you may encounter meeting of valves with pistons and engine overhaul.

Prevention of error P0014 on Nissan Qashqai

To avoid reappearance P0014, follow these guidelines:

  • 🛢️ Use only quality oil with permission Nissan (For example, Nissan Oil 5W-30 or Mobil 1 ESP 5W-30).
  • 🔧 Change the oil every 10 thousand km (or once a year if the mileage is low).
  • 📅 Check the timing chain every 100 thousand km (for MR20DE it may stretch earlier).
  • 🔍 Monitor the oil level — its deficiency leads to oil starvation of the VVT solenoid.
  • 🚗 Avoid aggressive driving when cold - this accelerates VVT wear.

It is also recommended to carry out VVT solenoid diagnostics and, if necessary, clean it of deposits. This is especially true for cars operated in urban areas with frequent traffic jams.

💡

Regular oil changes and monitoring the condition of the timing chain are the key to a long life of the VVT system. On Nissan Qashqai with engine MR20DE the chain can stretch to 120–150 thousand km, so its condition must be checked in advance.

Frequently asked questions about error P0014 on Nissan Qashqai

Is it possible to drive with error code P0014?

Short term - yes, but not recommended. Long ride with P0014 leads to:

  • 🔥 Engine overheating.
  • ⚡ Accelerated wear of valves and piston group.
  • 💸 Significant increase in fuel consumption.

If the error is accompanied knocking in the engine or Misfire (P0300), car operation prohibited - this may lead to a major overhaul.

How much does it cost to repair P0014?

The cost depends on the reason:

  • 🔧 VVT solenoid replacement — 3–6 thousand rubles (part + work).
  • ⚙️ VVT Gear Replacement — 8–15 thousand rubles.
  • 🔗 Replacing the timing chain — 15–25 thousand rubles (depending on the engine).
  • 🛢️ Flushing the lubrication system — 2–5 thousand rubles.

On diesel Qashqai (M9R) repairs may be more expensive due to the difficulty of accessing the VVT.

Is it possible to reset the P0014 error without repair?

Technically yes - you can erase the error with a scanner (for example, ELM327), but it will return if the problem persists. Reset P0014 without repair it only makes sense to check whether the error goes away after:

  • 🛢️ Oil changes.
  • 🔧 Cleaning the solenoid.
  • 🔌 Wiring checks.

If the error returns, in-depth diagnostics are required.

What oil to fill in to avoid P0014?

For Nissan Qashqai Oils with the following specifications are suitable for the VVT system:

  • 🛢️ Nissan KE900-90042 5W-30 (original).
  • 🛢️ Mobil 1 ESP 5W-30 (full synthetic).
  • 🛢️ Motul 8100 X-Clean 5W-30 (for gasoline and diesel engines).
  • 🛢️ Liqui Moly Top Tec 4200 5W-30 (tolerance Nissan).

Avoid oils with high viscosity (eg. 10W-40) - they may not provide sufficient lubrication to the VVT solenoid.

What happens if P0014 is not repaired?

Ignoring the error P0014 leads to:

  • 🔥 Engine overheating due to incorrect valve timing.
  • ⚡ Accelerated wear valves, pistons and rings.
  • 💥 Broken timing chain (if the reason is a stretched chain).
  • 💸 Increased fuel consumption by 15–20%.

In the worst case it may be necessary engine overhaul (cost - from 100 thousand rubles).