Skyline GT-R (R32 / R33 / R34)

1989-2002 / Coupe / Japan

All Skyline GT-R (R32 / R33 / R34) problems All workshop issues

Common Electrical

AFM (Airflow Meter) Contamination

Symptoms

Rough idle, hesitation on acceleration, poor fuel economy, rich or lean running.

Cause

The GT-R uses twin hot-wire airflow meters (one for each turbo). The hot-wire elements become contaminated with oil vapour from the PCV system and general intake air contamination. The contaminated element gives incorrect readings, causing the ECU to miscalculate fuel delivery.

Fix

Clean the AFMs with MAF sensor cleaner spray ($15-20 per can).

Do not touch the hot-wire element with anything, only spray cleaner.

If cleaning does not resolve the issue, replacement AFMs are required: $300-500 each.

Many modified cars delete the AFMs entirely and run a MAP (Manifold Absolute Pressure) sensor-based tune instead.

Cost mentioned in fix

$15-20 per can$300-500 each

Know something we don't?

Owned a Nissan Skyline GT-R (R32 / R33 / R34)? Share your experience with this issue. What worked, what didn't, costs, tips. Help the community.

Submit an update

// More Skyline GT-R (R32 / R33 / R34) problems

Other known issues

Common Electrical

ECU Capacitor Failure (R32)

Erratic engine behaviour, random fault codes, intermittent cutting out, or complete ECU failure.

Minor Engine

Oil Pump Drive Collar Failure (R32, R33, CRITICAL)

The engine loses oil pressure instantly and without warning. The oil pressure gauge drops to zero, the engine seizes within seconds. Total engine destruction.

Critical Engine

Ceramic Turbo Wheel Failure (All Models)

Loss of boost on one or both turbochargers. In severe cases, ceramic wheel fragments are ingested by the engine, causing catastrophic damage to the cylinders and pistons.

Critical Engine

CAS (Crank Angle Sensor) Failure

Engine misfire, loss of power, intermittent cutting out, or complete no-start. The misfire may be random or consistent, and can come and go.

Critical Engine

Head Gasket Failure

Coolant loss, white smoke from the exhaust, overheating, milky oil, and/or combustion gases in the coolant (detectable with a block tester).

Common Engine

Coil Pack Failure

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

View all 16 Skyline GT-R (R32 / R33 / R34) problems