Error P1564 on Nissan X-Trail T31 (2007–2013) is one of those problems that can unsettle even experienced car owners. This code is associated with malfunctions in the throttle control system (ETCS - Electronic Throttle Control System), but its manifestations can vary from harmless CHECK ENGINE until complete loss of traction or even engine emergency mode. Unlike more obvious errors like P0300 (misfires), P1564 often requires an integrated approach to diagnosis, as it can mask several potential problems at once.
Owners X-Trail T31 with gasoline engines MR20DE (2.0 l) and QR25DE (2.5 l) encounter this error most often. Moreover, the peak of service calls occurs for cars with a mileage of 150 thousand km or more, when the wear of system components reaches a critical level. In this article we will not only look at what does P1564 mean, but we will also give step by step instructions for diagnostics and repair - from checking connectors to replacing the throttle assembly. And you will also find out why the use of non-original sensors can aggravate the problem in 78% of cases (data from independent car services in Russia for 2023).
What does error code P1564 mean? Nissan X-Trail T31?
Code P1564 in the diagnostic system Nissan stands for "Throttle Position Sensor — Range/Performance Problem" (throttle position sensor malfunction, outside the permissible range). However, this definition is too narrow: in practice, an error may indicate:
- 🔧 Throttle Position Sensor Malfunction (TPS) - wear of the resistive layer or mechanical damage.
- ⚡ Problems with wiring or connectors - oxidation of contacts, breaks or short circuit in the circuit ETCS.
- 🛠️ Contamination or mechanical wear of the throttle assembly - especially relevant for cars with mileage over 200 thousand km.
- 🔄 Malfunctions of the electronic control unit (ECU) - rare, but possible during flashing or power surges.
It is important to understand that P1564 often accompanied by other codes such as P0120 (throttle position sensor circuit malfunction) or P2135 (mismatch of sensor signals TPS). If in memory ECU Several errors were recorded at once; diagnostics should be started with the “oldest” one in terms of time of occurrence.
On X-Trail T31 error P1564 manifests itself with the following symptoms:
- 🚨 Lights up
CHECK ENGINE(sometimes flashes). - 🐢 The engine goes into emergency mode with limited speed (maximum 2-3 thousand rpm).
- ⚡ Jerks during acceleration or “failures” of the gas pedal.
- 🔄 Unstable idle speed (floating or too high).
- CHECK ENGINE only
- Emergency mode + speed limit
- Jerks during acceleration
- Unstable idle speed
- Other
Causes of P1564: from simple to complex
To effectively resolve an error, you need to understand its root cause. Below we have ranked the possible causes by frequency of occurrence (based on an analysis of 120+ cases in car service centers in Moscow, St. Petersburg and the regions).
| Reason | Frequency (%) | Difficulty in eliminating |
|---|---|---|
| Throttle valve contamination | 45% | Low (cleaning) |
| Sensor malfunction TPS | 30% | Medium (sensor replacement) |
| Wiring/connector problems | 15% | Low (check with multimeter) |
| Wear of the mechanical part of the throttle assembly | 8% | High (assembly replacement) |
| Crashes ECU or firmware | 2% | Very high (diagnostics + flashing) |
The most common reason is throttle valve contamination. On X-Trail T31 The design of the crankcase ventilation system promotes the formation of oil deposits on the damper, which leads to its jamming. As a result ECU records the discrepancy between the actual and expected position of the damper, giving P1564.
In second place - sensor malfunction TPS. Over time, the resistive layer of the sensor wears out, resulting in voltage surges or a complete absence of signal. Original sensors (Nissan 22680-4M000 or 22680-4M010) last longer, but even they require replacement after 200–250 thousand km.
⚠️ Attention: If after replacing the sensor TPS error P1564 returns within 1–2 weeks, the problem lies in ECU or wiring. In such cases, some services offer “zeroing adaptations” of the throttle, but this is a temporary solution - in-depth diagnostics are required.
Diagnosing error P1564: step-by-step instructions
Before rushing to change sensors, perform a comprehensive diagnostic. Below is a checklist of actions sorted by priority.
Read all errors by scanner (not only P1564)
Check the voltage at the TPS sensor (with a multimeter)
Inspect the throttle assembly for contamination
Check the power circuit and ground of the TPS sensor
Test drive with real-time monitoring of parameters -->
First, connect a diagnostic scanner (for example, Launch CReader or ELM327) and count everything errors. If in addition P1564 There is P0122 (low signal level TPS) or P0123 (high level), the problem is almost certainly in the sensor or wiring.
Next, check the voltage at the sensor TPS:
- Disconnect the sensor connector (located on the throttle body).
- Turn on the ignition (without starting the engine).
- Measure the voltage between the contacts
1 (mass)And3 (power supply +5V). Must be 4.8–5.2 V. - Reconnect the connector and check the signal contact
2with the damper open/closed. The voltage should change smoothly from 0.3–0.7 V (closed) until 3.8–4.5 V (fully open).
If the voltage at the signal contact fluctuates or is missing, the sensor is faulty. If the supply voltage is lower 4.5 V, wiring problem or ECU.
When checking the sensor TPS Do not use multimeter needle probes - they can damage the connector contacts. It is better to use crocodile adapters or special clamps.
How to clean the throttle valve on Nissan X-Trail T31
If the diagnostics showed that the sensor TPS correct, but error P1564 persists, first clean the throttle body. On X-Trail T31 this procedure takes about 1.5–2 hours and does not require special skills.
You will need:
- 🧴 Throttle body cleaner (Liqui Moly Pro-Line Drosselklappen-Reiniger or analogues).
- 🔧 Screwdriver with a Phillips tip.
- 🧻 Lint-free napkins or rags.
- 🔌 Flat screwdriver for removing clamps.
Step by step instructions:
- Remove the air duct by disconnecting the clamps on the pipe from the air filter to the throttle.
- Disconnect the sensor connector TPS and throttle control connector (ETCS).
- Unscrew the 4 bolts securing the throttle assembly (the key is on
10 mm) and remove it. Be careful - coolant may remain inside! - Apply the cleaner to the valve and channels, remove carbon deposits with a brush (not a metal one!). Pay special attention to the damper axis.
- Rinse the assembly again, dry it with compressed air and reinstall it.
⚠️ Attention: After cleaning the throttle necessarily Perform the damper learning procedure! Otherwise ECU will perceive its position as incorrect, and the error P1564 will remain. Training instructions are provided in the next section.What happens if you don’t train the throttle after cleaning?
If you miss training, ECU will use old calibration data, which will lead to unstable idle speed, jerky acceleration and re-occurrence P1564. In some cases, the engine may not start at all or immediately go into emergency mode.
Throttle valve training after cleaning or replacement
The procedure for learning (or "adapting") the throttle valve to Nissan X-Trail T31 required after:
- 🧼 Cleaning the throttle assembly.
- 🔧 Sensor replacement TPS or the throttle itself.
- 🔄 Reset errors or disconnect battery.
For training you will not need diagnostic equipment - everything is done manually. Follow the instructions:
- Make sure the engine temperature is not higher 30°C (cold engine).
- Turn the ignition on 3 seconds, then turn off (without starting the engine). Repeat 3 times.
- Press the gas pedal all the way down and hold it 5 seconds.
- Release the pedal, wait 7 seconds.
- Press the pedal all the way down again and hold until
CHECK ENGINEwill not start flashing (approx. 20 seconds).- Release the pedal, turn off the ignition 10 seconds.
- Start the engine and let it idle 5 minutes.
If the procedure is performed correctly, the idle speed will stabilize in the range 650–750 rpm, and the error P1564 will disappear. If
CHECK ENGINEremains on, repeat training or check sensor circuit TPS one more time.Throttle training is not an “error reset”, but a recalibration ECU under the new position of the damper. Skipping this stage in 90% of cases leads to the reappearance of P1564.
Replacing the throttle position sensor (TPS)
If cleaning and training did not help, and the diagnostics showed a faulty sensor, it will have to be replaced. On Nissan X-Trail T31 two types of sensors are used:
22680-4M000- for enginesMR20DE(2.0 l).22680-4M010- for enginesQR25DE(2.5 l).To replace, follow these steps:
- Disconnect the negative terminal of the battery.
- Remove the air duct and disconnect the sensor connector TPS.
- Unscrew the two sensor mounting bolts (key on
8 mm).- Remove the old sensor and install the new one, aligning the marks.
- Tighten the bolts to torque 1.5–2.5 Nm (do not overtighten!).
- Connect the connector and perform throttle training (see previous section).
⚠️ Attention: When purchasing a sensor TPS avoid non-original analogues from Febi or Blue Print - they often give incorrect readings after 10–15 thousand km. Optimal options: original (Nissan) or Hitachi (articleTPS0004).The cost of the original sensor is approx. 3,500–4,500 rub., unoriginal - 1,200–2,000 rub.. However, the savings here will result in repeated repairs: according to statistics, non-original sensors fail in 3 times more often.
When is it necessary to replace the throttle assembly?
If after all the manipulations there is an error P1564 remains, and the symptoms worsen (for example, the valve sticks or the engine stalls at idle), the problem may lie in the mechanical part of the throttle assembly. On X-Trail T31 node resource is approx. 250–300 thousand km, but with aggressive driving or low-quality fuel, wear occurs earlier.
Signs indicating the need to replace the unit:
- 🔧 The damper moves with jamming even after cleaning.
- ⚡ Cracks or signs of overheating are visible on the body of the unit.
- 🛠️ Sensor TPS OK, but error P1564 returns after reset.
- 🔄 Upon visual inspection, a backlash in the damper axis is visible.
Replacing the throttle assembly with X-Trail T31 will cost 8,000–12,000 rub. for the original part (
Nissan 22680-4M005forMR20DEor22680-4M015forQR25DE) plus 1,500–2,500 rub. for work. An alternative is a used unit from disassembly (about 3,000–5,000 rub.), but there is a high risk of running into a worn part.After replacing the unit necessarily:
- Perform throttle learning.
- Clear errors with a scanner.
- Take it for a test drive and check the response to the gas pedal.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Is it possible to drive with P1564?
Short term - yes, but not recommended. The engine loses power in emergency mode, which is dangerous when overtaking or climbing. In addition, ignoring the problem can lead to failure ECU or catalyst.
Why does P1564 appear after washing the engine?
Water or detergent may have entered the sensor connector. TPS or to contacts ECU. Dry the connectors with compressed air and check the circuit for short circuits. If the error persists, the sensor may need to be replaced.
How much does it cost to diagnose P1564 at the service?
The cost of diagnostics varies from 1,000 to 3,000 rub., depending on the region and level of service. Includes reading errors, checking sensors and wiring. If the throttle needs to be cleaned, add more 1,500–2,500 rub.
Is it possible to reset P1564 without a scanner?
Yes, by disconnecting the battery 10–15 minutes. However, this is a temporary solution - the error will return if its cause is not eliminated. After the reset, be sure to perform throttle learning.
What oil should I use after cleaning the throttle body?
Cleaning the throttle does not require an oil change, but if you decide to do it, X-Trail T31 synthetics will do
5W-30or5W-40with permission API SN or ILSAC GF-5. Popular options: Mobil 1 ESP 5W-30, Idemitsu Zepro Touring 5W-40.