Silvia (S13 / S14 / S15)

1988-2002 / Coupe / Japan

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

Common Engine

Coolant Temperature Sensor Failure

Symptoms

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.

Cause

The coolant temperature sensor, which sends data to both the dashboard gauge and the ECU, corrodes and gives incorrect readings. There are two sensors on the SR20: one for the gauge and one for the ECU. Both can fail independently.

Fix

Replace the coolant temperature sensor(s).

The ECU sensor is the more critical of the two, incorrect readings cause the ECU to miscalculate fuel delivery and fan activation.

Cost: $30-60 per sensor.

The job takes 15 minutes.

Cost mentioned in fix

Cost: $30-60 per sensor

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

Other known issues

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 Drivetrain

2nd Gear Synchro Wear (5-Speed Manual)

Grinding or crunching when shifting into 2nd gear, particularly on quick downshifts from 3rd. May also grind on fast upshifts from 1st. The problem worsens with use.

Common Drivetrain

Clutch Wear and Judder

The clutch slips under hard acceleration (engine revs rise but speed does not increase). Clutch judder (vibration when engaging from a standstill). The bite point moves progressively higher toward the top of the pedal travel.

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