Error code P1564 on Nissan X-Trail: interpretation, causes and repair

Error P1564 on Nissan X-Trail is one of those diagnostic puzzles that can unsettle even experienced car owners. This code is related to engine control system (ECU), often appears on the dashboard paired with other errors (for example, P0300 or P0335), but has unique features. Unlike typical sensor failures, P1564 directly indicates problems with signal timing between the control unit and mechanical engine components, which requires an integrated approach to diagnosis.

Owners X-Trail T31 (2007–2013) and T32 (2013–2021) encounter this error most often after replacing the timing belt, unqualified chip tuning, or when using low-quality fuel. In 80% of cases, the problem lies not in the ECU itself, but in the power circuit or mechanical adjustments. However, it cannot be ignored: long driving with P1564 may lead to misfires, increased fuel consumption and even damage to the catalyst.

What does error P1564 mean on Nissan X-Trail

Code P1564 in the diagnostic system Nissan stands for "ASC (Active Speed Control) - control circuit malfunction". In practice this means that Engine ECU fixes the discrepancy between:

• 🔹 Actual camshaft position (signal from sensor CMP)
• 🔹 Crankshaft position (signal from sensor CKP)
• 🔹 Commands sent to actuators (eg valve VTC or intake manifold flap)

B X-Trail with engines MR20DE (2.0 l) and QR25DE (2.5 l) this error is often accompanied by:

• 🚨 Floating speed idling
• 🚨 Jerky during acceleration at speeds of 60–90 km/h
• 🚨 The "Check Engine" light comes on 5–10 minutes after launch

Feature P1564 is that she can be like primary (independent malfunction), and secondary - a consequence of other problems (for example, a stretched timing belt or a faulty knock sensor). B Nissan service manuals this code belongs to the category "Critical"It's dangerous to ignore it.

The main causes of P1564

Diagnostics P1564 made more difficult by the fact that the code may indicate problems on different systems. According to Nissan Technical Service Bulletins (TSB), in 60% of cases mechanical faults are to blame, and in 40% electrical faults. Let's look at the key reasons:

Reason	Frequency of occurrence	Symptoms
Camshaft Position (CMP) Sensor Malfunction	35%	The error appears during a cold start, disappears after warming up
Stretched or incorrectly installed timing belt	25%	Accompanied P0011 or P0021, power loss
Variable valve timing (VTC) valve is dirty	20%	Noise under the valve cover, jerking during acceleration
Problems with ECU wiring or connectors	15%	The error appears periodically, other codes are possible (for example, U1000)
Malfunction of the ECU itself or the firmware	5%	Numerous errors, unstable operation of all systems

Deserves special attention chip tuning. If the error P1564 appeared after flashing the ECU, the problem may lie in:

• 🔧 Firmware incompatibilities with the hardware version of the ECU
• 🔧 Calibration errors ignition timing
• 🔧 Conflict with immobilizer (relevant for X-Trail T32 2014–2017)

⚠️ Attention: If the error P1564 appeared after replacing the timing belt, immediately check the marks on the camshaft and crankshaft. A discrepancy of even 1–2 teeth can lead to collision of pistons with valves and engine overhaul.

How to diagnose error P1564 yourself

For diagnostics P1564 you will need:

• 🔧 Diagnostic scanner (For example, Launch CReader or ELM327 with the program Nissan DataScan)
• 🔧 Multimeter for checking circuits
• 🔧 Endoscope (optional, for VTC valve inspection)

Step-by-step diagnostic algorithm:

Pay special attention checking shaft synchronization. To do this:

1. Connect the scanner and go to Live Data.
2. Compare sensor readings CKP And CMP when idling.
3. If the difference between the angles exceeds ±5°, the problem is in the mechanical part (belt, gears).

For X-Trail T32 with the system VTC additionally check:

• 🔹 VTC Solenoid Resistance (normal: 6–10 ohms)
• 🔹 Voltage at solenoid connector (should be 12V when ignition is on)
• 🔹 VTC valve clearance (when worn, metal shavings appear in the oil)

How to check timing marks without removing the cover?

Remove the upper part of the timing belt cover and check the alignment of the marks on the camshaft gear and the cylinder block. On MR20DE the mark should be at the top point, on QR25DE — coincide with the protrusion on the cover.

Step-by-step instructions for eliminating P1564

The repair algorithm depends on the identified cause. Below - step by step solutions for the most common cases.

1. Error after replacing the timing belt

If P1564 appeared after replacing the belt:

1. Check tag match on the crankshaft and camshaft (even if the master claims that everything is correct).
2. Make sure the belt is tight 20–25 Nm (for MR20DE) or 30–35 Nm (for QR25DE).
3. Turn the engine by hand 2 turns and recheck the marks.

2. CMP sensor malfunction

To check the sensor:

• 🔹 Measure the resistance between the contacts 1 and 2 (normal: 800–1200 Ohms).
• 🔹 Check the voltage at the connector (with the ignition on there should be 5V).
• 🔹 Inspect the sensor for the presence of metal shavings (a sign of camshaft wear).

If the sensor is faulty, replace it with the original (Nissan 23731-4M015 for MR20DE). Analogs (for example, Bosch) may give false signals.

3. Problems with the VTC system

To clean the VTC valve:

1. Remove the valve cover.
2. Remove the VTC solenoid and clean it with pure gasoline (do not use solvents!).
3. Check the filter mesh for contamination.
4. Reinstall after lubricating the O-ring.

If the valve is damaged, replace it with a new one (Nissan 13810-4M01A). After replacement necessarily reset adaptations via the diagnostic scanner (command VTC Learn Procedure).

4. Problems with the ECU or firmware

If the error is accompanied by other codes (for example, U1000 or B1500), possible:

• 🔹 Oxidation of contacts on the ECU board (clean contact fluid, not alcohol!)
• 🔹 Damage to the memory chip (reflashing or replacement of the unit is required)
• 🔹 Immobilizer conflict (you need to synchronize the keys via Nissan Consult)

⚠️ Attention: If you suspect a faulty ECU, don't throw errors without diagnostics. Reappearance P1564 after reset may indicate short circuit in the circuit, which will lead to failure of the unit.

Reset error P1564 and adapt systems

After eliminating the cause of the error, you must:

1. Reset codes via scanner (command Clear DTC).
2. Execute adaptation procedure for systems:
• 🔹 Throttle Position Learn (throttle learning)
• 🔹 VTC Learn (training the phase change system)
• 🔹 Idle Air Volume Learn (idle learning)

Drive 10–15 km to gentle mode (without sudden accelerations) so that the ECU records the new parameters.

For Nissan X-Trail T32 with the system Start/Stop Additionally, resetting the battery adaptations is required (command Battery Registration). Without this, the procedure may not produce results.

If the error returns after a reset, check:

• 🔹 Fuel quality (impurities in gasoline can confuse sensor readings)
• 🔹 Spark plug condition (wear or incorrect clearance)
• 🔹 Vacuum leaks in the intake manifold (check hoses and gaskets)

Preventing error P1564

To minimize the risk of P1564, follow the recommendations:

• 🔧 Change the timing belt every 90–100 thousand km (for X-Trail T31 - once every 60 thousand km under difficult operating conditions).
• 🔧 Use approved oil Nissan KE900-90042 (for VTC systems, the absence of deposits is critical).
• 🔧 Flush the VTC valve every 50 thousand km (especially when using low quality fuel).
• 🔧 Avoid "chip tuning" with dubious firmware - This is a common cause of conflicts in the ECU.

For diesel X-Trail (M9R) additionally:

• 🔹 Monitor your condition diesel particulate filter (DPF) - its clogging can lead to false errors P1564.
• 🔹 Use only original glow plugs (Nissan 22401-JK00B).

Regularly (every 10 thousand km) read errors with a scanner, even if the “Check Engine” is not on. P1564 in the early stages may appear as "pending code" (inactive error), which is not visible without diagnostics.

Frequently asked questions about error P1564

Is it possible to drive with P1564?

Short driving is possible, but not recommended. Long-term operation with P1564 may lead to:

• 🔹 Damage to the catalyst due to incorrect composition of the fuel mixture.
• 🔹 Wear of timing parts (if the reason is a stretched belt).
• 🔹 Increased oil consumption (if VTC is faulty).

Maximum permissible mileage with error - 200–300 km (before visiting the service).

How much does it cost to repair a P1564 at a service center?

The cost depends on the reason:

Type of repair	Cost (RUB)
Replacing the CMP sensor	3,000–5,000 (with work)
Cleaning/replacing the VTC valve	6 000–12 000
Replacing a timing belt with rollers	15 000–25 000
Diagnostics + ECU flashing	10 000–20 000

At official dealerships Nissan the cost may be 30–50% higher.

Could P1564 be caused by bad gas?

Yes, but indirectly. Low quality fuel leads to:

• 🔹 Knock sensor contamination, which throws off the CMP readings.
• 🔹 Carbon deposits on the VTC valveblocking his work.
• 🔹 Detonation, which disrupts the synchronization of the shafts.

If the error appears after refueling, try:

1. Top up high octane gasoline (AI-98) and drive 50–100 km.
2. Add to fuel injector cleaner (For example, Liqui Moly).
3. If the error does not disappear, carry out a full diagnosis.

How to reset error P1564 without a scanner?

A temporary reset is possible by disconnecting the battery:

1. Disconnect negative terminal Battery for 15–20 minutes.
2. Press the brake pedal 3-5 times (to discharge the capacitors in the ECU).
3. Reconnect the terminal and start the engine.

Important: This method will reset all adaptations (idle, VTC, throttle). After it the following are possible:

• 🔹 Floating speed for the first 5-10 minutes.
• 🔹 Deterioration in dynamics before traveling 50–100 km.

For a full reset scanner required with function ECU Relearn.

Could P1564 be caused by a faulty immobilizer?

Yes, but only in Nissan X-Trail T32 2014–2017 release. In these models, the engine ECU is integrated with the system NATC (immobilizer). Signs of conflict:

• 🔹 Error P1564 appears along with B210E or U1000.
• 🔹 The engine stalls 2-3 seconds after starting.
• 🔹 Flashing on the dashboard red key.

Solution:

1. Check key synchronization via Nissan Consult III+.
2. Update the immobilizer firmware (relevant for cars with chip keys).
3. As a last resort, replace the block NATC (Nissan 285E1-JM00A).