Codes showed P0101 and P1778. I changed the Massive Airflow Sensor for about $130 but it didn't help.

Sent car to Valley Automotive Repair and Electric (425-310-4788) towed by Maple Valley Towing (Jason) 425-433-0516.

Their evaluation fee is $175 to $275.

They said the transmission is bad. The remanufactured transmission plus towing came to about $6200. They are trying to find a used transmission instead, with a total cost closer to $5100 [3/17/2022]

I accepted their suggestion to spend about $100 to do a quick analysis to make sure the rest of the car is OK so that we don't throw this money for the transmission to avoid another unforeseen cost.

[3/17/2022]

Still working on Robert's car to prevent the loud clanking.

I applied 12V, then 14V directly to Variable Valve Timing VVT Solenoid. This caused the clanking to approximately be reduced to half.

Took VVT Solenoid out of car, measured resistance to be about 8 Ohms, which is as expected. Applied voltage, and the switch action seems OK, if on the mellow side. Power supply sent about 1.5 amps at about 12.3 V, which agrees with the approximate 8 Ohms of resistance.

Measured Pink/Purple lines at the VVT Solenoid with car on, engine not running, and it measures about 12.3V. Seems about right, but it doesn't explain why the clanking reduces when connecting about 12.3V from my power supply directly to the Solenoid. The wiring may have some resistance, but didn't measure for this.

Ordered a replacement VVT Solenoid from Amazon for about $18.

Wiring Diagrams for 2012 Nissan Altima

Right now, thinking that the VVT camshaft gear is the cause, but don't have proof of this.

[8/30/2025