Silvia (S13 / S14 / S15)

1988-2002 / Coupe / Japan

All Silvia (S13 / S14 / S15) problems All workshop issues

Common Electrical

Coil Pack and Ignition Failure

Symptoms

Misfire on one or more cylinders, rough idle, loss of power.

Cause

The SR20DET uses a coil pack (S13/S14) or coil-on-plug (S15) ignition system. The coil packs deteriorate with age and heat, and the spark plug leads (on S13/S14) develop insulation breakdown. Modified cars running higher boost are more susceptible, as the increased cylinder pressure makes it harder for the spark to jump the plug gap.

Fix

Replace the coil pack and leads (S13/S14) or coil-on-plug units (S15).

Cost: $150-400 for a set.

Aftermarket high-energy coils are available for modified cars.

Replace spark plugs at the same time, use one heat range colder than stock for modified cars.

Cost mentioned in fix

Cost: $150-400 for a

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// More Silvia (S13 / S14 / S15) problems

Other known issues

Critical Electrical

Wiring Harness Deterioration

Intermittent electrical faults, blown fuses, sensors giving incorrect readings, check engine light.

Critical Engine

Timing Chain Stretch and Guide Wear (SR20DET/SR20DE)

Rattling or clattering from the front of the engine, most pronounced on cold start. The noise may diminish when warm but persist at idle. In severe cases, the engine loses power, runs rough, or misfires.

Common Engine

Turbo Oil Seal Failure (SR20DET)

Blue smoke from the exhaust, particularly on boost or on deceleration (overrun). Oil consumption increases. Oil residue visible in the intercooler piping.

Common Engine

Boost Leaks

Sluggish boost response, reduced power, the car feels slow despite the turbo appearing to spool.

Common Engine

Idle Air Control Valve (IACV) Failure

Erratic idle speed, the RPM hunts up and down between 500 and 1,500 rpm. The engine may stall at traffic lights or when coming to a stop.

Common Engine

Coolant Temperature Sensor Failure

The temperature gauge reads incorrectly (stuck on cold, reads erratically, or pegs to hot without the engine actually overheating). The engine may run rich on cold start or overheat without the fans activating.

View all 17 Silvia (S13 / S14 / S15) problems