SB-10043941-2058

Reference:

Dat e:

NTB12-040c

June 28, 2012

VOLUNTARY EMISSIONS RECALL CAMPAIGN
2010 ALTIMA SEDAN AND COUPE
ECM REPROGRAM AND MANIFOLD CATALYST
The Claims Information in this bulletin has been amended.
Please discard previous versions of this bulletin.

CAMPAIGN ID #:
APPLIED VEHICLE:

PC129
2010 Altima Sedan and Coupe (C/L32)
with SULEV (California Specification) 2.5 engine

Check Service COMM to confirm campaign eligibility.

INTRODUCTION
Nissan has determined that some 2010 model year Altima vehicles are equipped with an
improperly calibrated Engine Control Module (ECM) that may incorrectly detect engine
valve closure as engine knock. To correct this condition, Nissan is conducting this
Voluntary Emissions Recall Campaign to reprogram the Engine Control Module, and
inspect (and if needed replace) the exhaust manifold and front exhaust tube. This service
will be performed at no charge for parts or labor.

IDENTIFICATION NUMBER
Nissan has assigned identification number PC129 to this campaign. This number must
appear on all communications and documentation of any nature dealing with this campaign.

DEALER RESPONSIBILITY
It is the dealer’s responsibility to check Service Comm for the campaign status on each
vehicle falling within the range of this voluntary emissions 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.

Nissan Bulletins are intended for use by qualified technicians, not 'do-it-yourselfers'. Qualified technicians are
properly trained individuals who have the equipment, tools, safety instruction, and know-how to do a job
properly and safely. NOTE: If you believe that a described condition may apply to a particular vehicle, DO
NOT assume that it does. See your Nissan dealer to determine if this applies to your vehicle.
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IMPORTANT

Attention California Dealers: California law prohibits owners from renewing their
California registration if emissions related recall work has not been performed. California
dealers are now required to issue a proof of correction certificate to vehicle owners upon
completion of emission related recall work. Please fill out one of the campaign completion
forms for each owner that has this campaign performed. Instruct owners to keep this
certificate unless they are requested to mail it to the DMV. A sample of the form is shown
below.

NOTE: These forms are available from Nissan Publications (1-800-247-5321) at no charge
(item number CAEMRC-2/09).

l

T

ehicle Identification Number

CAEMRC-2/09

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Table of Contents
Page
Repair Overview ………………….…………………………..………………….. 4
SERVICE PROCEDURE ………………………………………………………...

5

Exhaust Manifold and Front Tube Leak Check ………...……………..….... 5
Exhaust Manifold Stay Removal ……………………………………………..

10

Front Exhaust Tube Replacement ………………………………………...…

11

Exhaust Manifold Replacement ………………………...……………...…….

13

ECM Reprogram ……………………………………………………...……….. 20
PARTS INFORMATION………………………………………………..…………

28

CLAIMS INFORMATION…………………………………………………..……..

29

OWNER’S LETTER……………………………………….…………………...…. 30

REQUIRED SPECIAL TOOL
Leak Tester – J-50976
•

Additional tools can be ordered from TECHMATE at 1-800-662-2001.

NOTE:
• When using this tool, do not block the
regulator bleed hole with a finger or any other
item.
• Blocking the regulator bleed hole may damage
the tool.

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Figure A

NTB12-040c

REPAIR OVERVIEW
Use Service Comm (campaign ID # PC129) to confirm
the vehicle you are working on is affected by this campaign.
Vehicle has More Than
50,000 miles

Vehicle has Less Than
50,000 miles

Perform Exhaust
Leak Check

Perform Exhaust
Leak Check

NG

OK

NG

OK

Replace only the
leaking part(s)
(Exhaust manifold and/or
front exhaust tube)

Is the front exhaust
tube leaking?
Yes

and

No

Remove the exhaust
manifold stay

Replace only the
exhaust manifold
(Includes removal of
exhaust manifold stay)

Remove the
exhaust
manifold stay

Replace the
exhaust manifold
and the front
exhaust tube
(Includes removal of
exhaust manifold stay)

Reprogram ECM

END

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NTB12-040c

SERVICE PROCEDURE
IMPORTANT: After leak check and any needed part replacements, make sure to
perform ECM reprogram – page 20.

Exhaust Manifold and Front Tube Leak Check

1. Position the vehicle on a hoist ready to be lifted.

2. Turn the ignition OFF.

3. Raise the vehicle on the hoist.

4. WARNING: Wait for the exhaust system to
cool before touching exhaust system
components. Hot exhaust components can
cause severe burns.

Figure P1

Cross brace
5. Remove the cross brace shown in
Figure P2.

Cross brace is held on with 4 bolts,
2 on each side.
Front

•

Figure P2

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NTB12-040c

Front exhaust
tube hanger
6. Unbolt the front exhaust tube hanger.
•

Hanger is held on with 2 bolts.

Front
Figure P3

Front exhaust
tube
Front

7. Unbolt the front exhaust tube from the
center exhaust tube at the flange.
•

Flange

Flange is held together with 2 studs
and 2 nuts.

Center
exhaust tube
Figure P4

8. Attach an elastic strap (or other
suitable support) under the rear of the
front exhaust tube (see Figure P5).

NOTE: The elastic strap should support
the front exhaust tube when it is
disconnected from the center exhaust
tube.
CAUTION: Make sure exhaust tube
has cooled enough not to burn the
elastic strap or other support.

Front exhaust
tube

Front

Elastic strap
Figure P5

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NTB12-040c

9. Disconnect the front exhaust tube from
the center exhaust tube.

Front

Sensor
harness

NOTE: Make sure the rear oxygen
sensor harness is not stretched.

10. Let the elastic strap (or other suitable
support) support the front exhaust tube.
CAUTION: Make sure exhaust tube
has cooled enough not to burn the
elastic strap or other support.

Front exhaust
tube
Figure P6

Special tool
J-50976
Front

11. Attach special tool J-50976 to the rear
of the front exhaust tube as shown in
Figure P7.

CAUTION: Make sure exhaust tube
had cooled enough not to burn the
rubber seal on the tool.
Figure P7

Front

12. Connect a shop air hose to special tool
J-50976.

Special tool
J-50976

Shop air
supply
Figure P8

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NTB12-040c

13. Set the valve on special tool J-50976 to the open position (see Figure P9b).
14. Attach a 19 mm socket with handle to the front crank pulley (see Figure P9a).
15. Position the engine crank shaft at the point of the highest pressure on the gauge as
follows:
WARNING: Make sure the ignition is OFF or the engine may turn on its own.
a. Watch the pressure gauge while slowly turning the engine (see Figures P9a and
P9b).
•

Turn the engine clockwise (as you face the front of the engine).

b. When the pressure gauge is reading at the highest point (most PSI) stop turning the
engine.
•

Highest pressure will be between 5 and 6 PSI.
Valve open

Slowly turn
engine clockwise

Pressure
gauge

Figure P9a

Figure P9b

16. Check for leaks as follows:

Valve
closed

a. Turn the valve to the closed
position.
b. The pressure will start to drop.
c. When pressure drops to 5 PSI,
begin a 20 second count.
d. At the end of the 20 second count,
read the pressure.
Go to OK/NG information on the next page.

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Figure P10

NTB12-040c

OK: Pressure is 2 psi or above; there is no leak in the front tube or manifold.
¾ If vehicle has more than 50,000 miles, go to Exhaust Manifold Replacement on
page 13.
¾ If vehicle has less than 50,000 miles:
•

Remove the exhaust manifold stay – see page 10.

•

Reinstall the front exhaust tube.
Use a new gasket between the front tube and the center tube.
Nuts for the front exhaust tube to center tube; torque to 14 N•m (1.4 kg-m, 10 ft-lb).
Bolts for front exhaust tube hanger; torque to 14 N•m (1.4 kg-m, 10 ft-lb).
Bolts for cross brace; torque to 21-29 N•m (2.1-2.9 kg-m, 15-21 ft-lb).

NG: Pressure is below 2 psi; there is a leak in the front tube, manifold, or gasket.
A. By feel and sound, locate the leak.
NOTE:
• If needed, eliminate any air hiss noise from the air supply hose or the tool
regulator by disconnecting the air hose from special tool J-50976.
• If needed, use soap and water to confirm leak location.

B. Replace only the leaking part (gasket, front exhaust tube, and/or exhaust manifold).
NOTE:
• For all vehicles with more than 50,000 miles, replace the exhaust manifold
even if it does not have a leak.
• Replacement of the exhaust manifold includes removal of the exhaust manifold
stay.
¾ For a leak at the gasket between the exhaust manifold and front tube; refer to
page 11 (Front Exhaust Tube Replacement) and replace only the gasket.
¾ For a leak at the gasket between the exhaust manifold and engine head; refer
to page 13 (Exhaust Manifold Replacement) and replace only the gasket.
¾ For a leak in the front tube; refer to page 11 (Front Exhaust Tube
Replacement).
¾ For a leak in the exhaust manifold; refer to page 13 (Exhaust Manifold
Replacement).

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Exhaust Manifold Stay Removal

NOTE: Remove the exhaust manifold stay from all vehicles affected by this campaign.

1. Remove the exhaust manifold stay and the related attachment parts (see Figures S1
and S2).
•

These parts will not be reused; do not reinstall.

Exhaust manifold stay and
related attachment parts

Figure S1

Remove these parts
Do not reinstall

Figure S2

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Front Exhaust Tube Replacement

NOTE: Replace the front exhaust tube only if a leak is found in the tube during the leak
check on page 8.

1. Raise the vehicle on the hoist.

2. WARNING: Wait for the exhaust system to
cool before touching exhaust system
components. Hot exhaust components can
cause severe burns.

Figure T1

Cross brace

•

Cross brace is held on with 4 bolts,
2 on each side.

Front

3. Remove the cross brace shown in
Figure T2.

Figure T2