AutoCodes – Infiniti – P1138 Infiniti

P1138 Infiniti Code - Swirl Control Valve Control System Performance

Quick Answer

While idling and during low engine coolant temperature, the swirl control valve closes, Thus the velocity of the air in the intake passage increases, promoting the vaporization of the fuel and producing a swirl in the combustion chamber. Common causes include Faulty Swirl Control Valve Control Position Sensor, Swirl Control Valve Control Position Sensor harness is open or shorted, Swirl Control Valve Control Position Sensor circuit poor electrical connection. Severity is High - diagnose this code as soon as possible. Driving is not recommended if the warning light is flashing, the engine runs poorly, or safety-related symptoms are present.

What it means: P1138 Infiniti indicates Swirl Control Valve Control System Performance.
Common causes: Common causes include Faulty Swirl Control Valve Control Position Sensor, Swirl Control Valve Control Position Sensor harness is open or shorted, Swirl Control Valve Control Position Sensor circuit poor electrical connection.
Severity: High - diagnose this code as soon as possible.
Can I drive?: Driving is not recommended if the warning light is flashing, the engine runs poorly, or safety-related symptoms are present.

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Code Popularity 4,684

How popular is this code, among other codes? Low

Repair Importance Level

Urgent (Diagnose now) (3 / 3)

Repair Difficulty Level

Intermediate (2 / 3)

What is this?

Table of contents Created and updated by William Orellana on Apr 30, 2019

Description
Possible Causes
How To Fix
Cost to Diagnose
Comments
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Code P1138 Infiniti Description

While idling and during low engine coolant temperature, the swirl control valve closes, Thus the velocity of the air in the intake passage increases, promoting the vaporization of the fuel and producing a swirl in the combustion chamber.
Because of this operation, this system tends to increase the burning speed of the gas mixture, improve fuel consumption, and increase the stability in running conditions.
Also, except when idling and during low engine coolant temperature, this system opens the swirl control valve.
In this condition, this system tends to increase power by improving intake efficiency via reduction of intake flow resistance, intake flow.
The swirl control valve is operated by the Engine Control Module (ECM).

OBDII Code P1138 Infiniti - Swirl Control Valve Control System Performance - AutoCodes.com — P1138 Infiniti Code - Swirl Control Valve Control System Performance

What does this mean?

What are the Possible Causes of the DTC P1138 Infiniti?

Faulty Swirl Control Valve Control Position Sensor
Swirl Control Valve Control Position Sensor harness is open or shorted
Swirl Control Valve Control Position Sensor circuit poor electrical connection
Faulty Swirl Control Valve

How to Fix the DTC P1138 Infiniti?

Review the 'Possible Causes' above and visually examine the corresponding wiring harness and connectors. Check for damaged components and inspect connector pins for signs of being broken, bent, pushed out, or corroded.

What is the Cost to Diagnose the Code?

Labor: 1.0

To diagnose the P1138 Infiniti code, it typically requires 1.0 hour of labor. Rates vary by location, vehicle, and shop. Many shops charge between $80–$150 per hour; dealerships and metro areas may be higher, independents may be lower.

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About the author: William Orellana is a Master Mechanic and Mechanical Engineer with over 30 years of experience diagnosing and repairing vehicles. Learn more about his background.