Nissan Pathfinder/Infiniti QX60 VVCS Disable! Low voltage issues solved!

Рет қаралды 6,739

3 жыл бұрын

There's lots of info out there about regulated "smart" alternators and how to increase the charging voltage, but I couldn't find anything specific to my QX60, and it turned out to be quite different from what I was finding, even info that was specific to Nissans. I hope you find this helpful!
IMPORTANT NOTE: I am *NOT* responsible if you perform this modification incorrectly and damage your car. The info, as I understand it, is valid ONLY for one generation of Pathfinder/QX60 and will be different on other models/years. Alterations made to your car's electronics are made AT YOUR OWN RISK.

Пікірлер: 60

@barrett9631 Жыл бұрын

Thankyou big life for the video, how is the alternator fix working now. I need to do the same fix and I'm curious about long term effects on charging system.

@BigLifeWithLitlJay Жыл бұрын

100% of issues and gremlins, even petty electrical issues that I didn't directly associate with the VVCS, have cleared up with **ZERO** negative effects. The car now has almost 200K miles on it and you would never guess that it is north of even 100K at first glimpse. The best example I can think of is the power windows. Motors get tired on high-mileage cars and the windows get slow. My driver's window is still slow, but it positively ZIPS up and down compared to before I disabled the VVCS. Likewise, the stereo and sub (the car is completely optioned out, besides AWD) sound better than ever because the amps are getting cleaner and more consistent power. If I had aftermarket amps with unregulated internal power sections it would positively boom, but it's still amazing. I can not urge the value of this modification enough to anyone with a car that has VVCS or a similar power-robbing system! I'm also very likely to take Mr. Madsen's advice from below and do a follow-up video after I finish editing and uploading the 3 or 4 I have shot lately, so be sure to subscribe.

@barrett9631 Жыл бұрын

OK! Thank-you Biglife. Our Nissan batteries never Last full 36 months and has needed a jumps occasionally. I checked the voltage and it reads about 13volts. I'm a little anxious about shorting the wire on the car but your video and another video by a gentleman named Joe has convinced me to give it a try. My 2004 crown vic. Is on the 4th year on a 36 month battery and still going strong. As a matter of fact I drive older vehicles and always go way over warranty period on the batteries. I just learned today that most newer vehicles have this gas saving alternator mode. I can imagine the 100s or thousands of dollars it has costed consumers for unnecessary repairs. All in the name of fuel efficiency. 🤨 again thank you.🫡

@joshualebouef80 Жыл бұрын

Having low/dead battery issues, after being parked for a few days. A spot check always showed acceptable voltage(13-14+ volts). It was not until yesterday that I was able to monitor it long enough to realize the voltage output steadily fluctuated and typically remained in the 12 volt range. Yesterday the battery took a charge and passed a load test. This morning I was getting ready to go purchase an alternator. Based on the knowledge you shared, and knowing that I just recently had to jump start a few other vehicles, it all makes sense. Thank you sir! If correct, you’ll have saved me a few hundred dollars and another day of hunting down a ghost in my charging system.

@BigSkidMedia 11 ай бұрын

Did you do this on your QX60?

@SA-hk8xj Жыл бұрын

22 Frontiers have same issues. Plenty on the forums hv either disconnected the VVCS plug or sniped the wire like you. Has saved many the pain to get another battery, alternator, or deal with the electrical gremlins associated with the irregular voltage supply to the sensitive technology. Techs at dealers have mentioned TSBs associated with this BS and that they themselves are disconnecting the VVCS too to correct electrical issues too. Great video and helpful still today 👍😎

@joelgarcia5702 3 жыл бұрын

Outstanding video!!! You sir have solved my problem I've had now for a few months. Dealership was no help, many thanks to u sir!!

@WeakestofWeeks Жыл бұрын

Very informative and well explained! Thank you for taking the time to share!!

@Jabid21 Жыл бұрын

I’m getting occasional/intermittent voltage drops to 12V while the car is running, causing the red battery light on the dashboard to flicker then voltage goes back up to 13.8V-14.2V I’m suspecting VVCS is having issues. I was on the verge of replacing the alternator. I’ll try to do this first and report back Update: I cut the wire. The voltage drops are gone. Thank you so much.

@jackharding98 Жыл бұрын

Thank you for taking the time to share your knowledge and experience on this issue. I really appreciate it. I have a 2016 QX80 that I bought three years ago. I'm on my second regular wet cell/flooded battery. My SUV is in stock condition, no extra accessories or dual batteries and not AGM. About every six weeks my battery gets low enough that I have to charge it with an external battery charger. My current battery is only a year and a half old. Startup voltage in the vehicle is good a little over 14 volts. Auto parts store did a test on the battery and said it is good, they did a test on the alternator and said it is good too. I plugged a scan tool (OBDII) into my vehicle and monitored the voltage (live data mode) while driving to work today and noticed that my battery voltage drops to 11.8V - 12.0V running down the road with no load on. When I turn on headlights and accessories my voltage goes up to 12.8V and stays there rock steady. I suspect I am seeing exactly what you've described. I'm thankful for your video. I couldn't understand why my alternator appeared to work at startup and respond to a load but wasn't outputting the correct 13.8V - 14.4V operating voltage like a normal car. I was about to spend several hundred on a new alternator or take it to the dealer. You saved me a bunch, I really appreciate it. I'll figure what wire I have and try your solution.

@BigLifeWithLitlJay Жыл бұрын

It makes my day to read this kind of comment. My channel is so tiny and I have so little reach. It really makes my efforts feel like they have paid off when even ONE person has an experience like this. Thank you for the kind words, and I hope you are able to find the right wire to disable your VVCS.

@BigLifeWithLitlJay Жыл бұрын

Also, be sure to include the Nissan Armada in your research for the right wire. Just like the QX60 shares a platform with the Pathfinder, the QX80 is on the same platform as the Armada.

@jackharding98 Жыл бұрын

@@BigLifeWithLitlJay Thanks for the suggestion. My local library offers the online Chilton auto repair manual via thier website. I used them to learn again all that you shared about the VVCS and to get electric diagrams. My connector is E13 and a red wire at pin 33. I cut the wire last night and monitored Voltage on my way to work this morning. IT WORKED! I had 14V the whole 25 mile commute, no more dropping to 12.0V. I might add a switch so that I can enable/disable with discretion for long road trips. Thanks again for your help.

@grady.stu.8300 2 жыл бұрын

I have an 09 maxima with a 390 amp alternator and 2 agms. While driving im at 14.8. at idle im at 13.5. everything is hooked up correctly. I unplugged my vvcs too and still drops. Alternator is fine. Mine is terminal F10 wire 76. Ill be doing what you did this weekend. I didn't pay $600 for a high output alternator and around $475 for 2 agms to have my car drop the voltage. Thanks for posting this video

@BigLifeWithLitlJay 2 жыл бұрын

That's a lot of juice for a Maxima! What are you powering, a stereo?

@phsouzabr Жыл бұрын

I have a 2018 Altima with 55k miles. First battery lasted only 2 years. Replaced it with an expensive AGM like you, and it lasted 2.5 years. Just replaced it with another AGM, warranty covered half of it. Puzzled why this car eats batteries for lunch, I installed a voltmeter on the cigarette lighter and bingo! This stupid thing turns the alternator on and off constantly, 12.2V when I'm on the gas and 13.4 when I take my foot off. It's ridiculous. I'm gonna look for the correct wire on my Altima and unplug it like you did. Thank you!

@diyathome8631 10 ай бұрын

I'm not getting power to the light green wire on the alternator. Should it be safe to assume that the IPDM screwing with the alternator output since the LG wire comes from the module?

@ovarus 11 ай бұрын

Thank you big life for the video. I have the same QX60 from 2015...i already change 2 alternators, OEM but with specs for this car, ...and I have also 2 AGM battery...1st 1 year old, 2nd 1 month. I perform the operations...i isolated vvcs from de "-" chord and disrupt the little cable fron relay box, exactly like in your video. Unfortunately, when i install the batt and do all the wiring...the only source of electricity in the car is the batt. No charging from alternator size. What can i do more. The electrical diagram is differit maybe in relation with VIN? I don't know what can i do more. Appreciate any help!

@NelsonZavala-c6h 20 күн бұрын

No, it didn’t work but I was told by other owners that the feature was not added to 2017 or newer models. Unfortunately, it was my alternator and my car was totaled last month.

@Bobarik001 Жыл бұрын

Thanks man!!🤝

@Hidden_Destinations 5 ай бұрын

Excellent, thanks.

@vjportillo 2 жыл бұрын

Thanks for sharing

@protasiophoto 6 ай бұрын

I have a 2020 qx60 and the green wire is not present there. Only purple to the left and white to the right. Having the same issues with short trips and battery not charging.

@aldopicariello9834 Жыл бұрын

nissan kicks 2019 with the same issue. I did disconnected the LIN cable to the alt. What botuers me is that check engine comes ON

@BigLifeWithLitlJay Жыл бұрын

I can not speak with any authority about the Kicks. The only thing I know about it is its name. Considering that this mod has been done on numerous models and generations with no reports of the check engine light (which, according to ODBII specifications, actually only reports faults related to emissions), my suspicion is that you disconnected the wrong wire. That is strictly conjecture though, and I can't offer more advice than to dig deeper. My video is intended to address Pathfinders and XQ60s of a very particular vintage and nothing else. If you live in one of the 36 US states that don't require annual emissions inspections, the check engine light is of little relevance.

@EnjoyTravelUSA 2 жыл бұрын

Does this issue happens with AGM batteries only?

@BigLifeWithLitlJay 2 жыл бұрын

No. It can cause problems in dual-battery systems, even if they use conventional flooded batteries. The ECM also isn't infallible. Problems with stock batteries and other flooded batteries are not unheard-of and probably caused by the VVCS.

@scottythompson4667 2 ай бұрын

Would you mind letting me know what year model your QX 60 is? I have a JX 35 and it just tried this fix and now the alternator is not charging the battery at all. Maybe the wire is different on the JX 35 2013? Anyways, I don’t expect you to fix my issue, but it would be nice to know what your model your QX 60 is as the JX 35 is essentially the same same car.

@yuhfiknowtv 2 жыл бұрын

I HAVE A 2011 INFINITI G25 WITH SAME CHARGING ISSUE, REPLACED BATTERY AND ALTERNATOR STILL NO FIX

@BigLifeWithLitlJay 2 жыл бұрын

I can't say for certain if they were using VVCS in 2011, but I would not be surprised. I WOULD NOT take the wire locations and colors in my video as valid for your car. They are probably different. I would confirm obvious and easy things like the engine ground strap, but any car will benefit from disabling the "smart" alternator, even if it isn't the source of your particular problem. Just be sure to find out the wire locations, pin numbers, wire colors, etc for YOUR car. I can not be responsible if you damage your car. Caveat emptor!

@yuhfiknowtv 2 жыл бұрын

@@BigLifeWithLitlJay I got a u1001 code

@BigLifeWithLitlJay Жыл бұрын

@@yuhfiknowtv That's a CANBUS error code. Either you have major ECU problems or an adjacent wiring fault. If this is accompanying your charging issue, you may have an important ground that has gotten weak or disconnected. CANBUS errors can come from a bad ground to the ECU or another device on the bus, and may also cause charging issues (along with other odd electrical problems). Confirm that the cable from your battery to chassis ground is secure and solid and that any ground straps adjacent to the ECU/IPDM/etc are good, then go to someone specifically qualified in vehicle electronics if that doesn't fix it. You're starting to get out of knuckle-buster depth.

@yuhfiknowtv Жыл бұрын

@@BigLifeWithLitlJay K I WILL CHECK FOR CURROSION ON THE CONNECTORS TO THE ECM

@jeffreybuidens2276 Жыл бұрын

This should be a class action lawsuit! Im dealing with this issue too. Battery dies while driving!

@AnthonyShaw-ty9pi 6 ай бұрын

Absolutely!!!👍😞👌 My wife's 2018 Nissan Armada, having the same issue. I just unplugged the sensor from the negative battery cable, and that worked. But, eventually I'm going to cut that ipdm red wire, which is #33, I believe. 😊

@dannysimfannyofgod6737 2 жыл бұрын

Bery Intelligent

@nelzavala26 Жыл бұрын

I’m having the same issue with my 2017 pathfinder, your harness is a little different from mine and I can’t find info on which color wire I need to cut. Any idea which wire I have to snip?

@BigLifeWithLitlJay Жыл бұрын

The manuals I used were for 2013-2020(+) Pathfinder, JX35, and QX60. Your wiring SHOULD be the same. Perhaps you are looking at the wrong harness? I would link to the manual for you here, but YT doesn't allow external hyperlinks in the comments. Do some patient googling and you should find it. I may add it to the video description as a sort of bibliography to back up my statements.

@nelzavala26 Жыл бұрын

@@BigLifeWithLitlJay ok, I’ll take a pic f my harness. I have nothing next to the purple wire like yours and three green wire in the lower harness. Two dark green and 1 light green. I’ve been googling for three hours and you’re the most on point video. The harness looks the same but the wires are in different locations, as in the bottom row.

@BigLifeWithLitlJay Жыл бұрын

@@nelzavala26 I dug around my archive and, unfortunately, I did not save the link that I used. I only have the screenshots I took to make the images you see in the video @8:42 and you can see those already. I did google around for pathfinder service manuals and found a pretty comprehensive list up to the 2016 Pathfinder at nicoclub dot com slash nissan-service-manuals. Grab the one for the charging system and see how that compares to your 2017. I hope that points you in the right direction!

@nelzavala26 Жыл бұрын

I snipped the light green wire that looked like yours but was on the bottom row. Not the right wire so now I’m not gonna just snip wires blindly. I have searched high and low for a diagram for my pathfinder wiring and there’s no mention for a 2017 pathfinder vvcs wire.

@nelzavala26 Жыл бұрын

@@BigLifeWithLitlJayok, so here’s another idea that just popped in my head sense I can’t identify the vvcs wire , Maybe you can help me out with this. The alternator has 3 pins. C, S, and L. Computer, sense, and light. 1. Can the alternator run without the computer wire being connected? 2. The sense wire and the light wire enough to run the alternator? 3 if I clip the computer wire shouldn’t that be enough to disable the VVCS.

@diyathome8631 10 ай бұрын

I have been through 5 battery's, 3 alternators and I did this and still nothing. Might have gotten the wrong wire... 😅😢😅

@AnthonyShaw-ty9pi 6 ай бұрын

Probably....

@BigSkidMedia 11 ай бұрын

What year QX60 is this?

@BigLifeWithLitlJay 11 ай бұрын

2015. Thanks for watching!

@BigSkidMedia 11 ай бұрын

I have a 2016 and it has a straight black battery connector without the sensor. My IPDM looks different as well. @@BigLifeWithLitlJay

@chancey1979 7 ай бұрын

hahahaha Thank You Al Gore!!!!

@LarryWebb-gv8dz 7 ай бұрын

I know a easy way to solve the problem , leave the cars electrical system alone and just add a battery and don't connect it to the car , wire all your added electronics to the Xtra battery , charge the Xtra battery with a battery charger once per day , done It will make your car repairs cheaper too if you ever have to take it to a shop because if you take your car to a mechanic with a bunch of after market electronics hooked up to your car there not going to like to work on it and they'll charge you Xtra or refuse to work on it at all.

@robertmadsen8687 2 жыл бұрын

Now update video with the wire connected and show us the battery voltage. A before and after video.

@BigLifeWithLitlJay 2 жыл бұрын

That is an excellent idea. It would be short, but useful (in case anyone doubts the stupidity of VVCS). I don't do YT full-time and have a few other videos that I have shot and still need to edit, but I'll see if I can get a quick one shot and posted for this purpose.

@BigLifeWithLitlJay Жыл бұрын

kzfaq.info/get/bejne/l5yUmcygt7W7hYk.html

@mdpatrick2225 10 ай бұрын

3 types of batteries are what?? Flooded, AGM, and lead acid?? Huh?? Aren't flooded and lead acid practically the same? Think u meant lithium not lead acid bro

@BigLifeWithLitlJay 10 ай бұрын

I was actually referring to common automotive battery types (and wish I had said that) but yes, you are correct that flooded and lead acid batteries are close cousins. Lithium also covers a lot of ground and you don't often find them powering a car unless it's an EV.