Nissan NP300 Turbo Problems and Turbo Upgrade.
The Nissan Navara NP300 Utility.
The D23 Nissan Navara NP300 replaced the highly successful Diesel D22 3.0L and D40 2.5L Ute.
And has been on sale in Australia since around 2015.
Despite earlier success with the D22 and D40, the latest D23 Navara (NP300) has missed out on top 3 rankings to the Ford Ranger, Toyota Hilux and Isuzu D-MAX.
One might wonder if the 2.3L Diesel engine, may be under powered for the highway-driving, caravan-towing Aussie market?.
Whilst developing 140kW and 450Nm of torque, in a world of 3.0L and 3.2L Turbo diesel Utilities, we would say yes, probably.
The Nissan NP300 twin / bi-turbo (YS23DDTT) 2.3L 4 cylinder engine has to push nearly 2 tonnes of bulk (unladen) to start with.
But the bi-turbo (technically not a twin, but sequential) set up does give smoother acceleration, with less turbo lag, thanks to the smaller turbo spooling earlier.
On the other hand, we have the 2.3L YD23DDT single Borg Warner turbo NP300.
A step down, weighing in at 120kW at 3,500rpm and 403Nm of torque between 1,500 to 2,500rpm.
But power aside, you do get better fuel efficiency, and Euro 5 emission standards met, so there is your trade-off.
Has your NP300 experienced Turbo Failure Symptoms?
If you are reading this, you might have experienced Turbo Failure Symptoms.
Aside from other obvious issues, such as excessive blue-grey exhaust smoke (worn turbocharger – replace).
Problems like loss of power and/or noise associated with the Turbocharger operation, are common symptoms.
And usually the ECU will throw a fault code or enable limp mode, with dashboard check engine light illuminated.
If so, check the intercooler pipes and connections.
Some NP300 Turbo Problems are simply an air breach in a failed intercooler hose, or loose connection.
And this is a common issue in the Nissan NP300, so check the easy stuff first.
If you have this issue, you’ll hear it and feel it in degraded performance.
If the problem remains, use an OBD scan tool to extract the associated error code from the ECU.
Any code associated with boost may indicate a problem with the actuator or vacuum system.
The single turbo NP300 is a Variable Vane (VNT or VGT) turbo with a vacuum-operated actuator.
Check for leaks in the vacuum hoses and connections.
And remove the c-clip off the lever that controls the nozzle ring (and vane movement), inside the turbine housing.
That lever should move freely.
If it moves freely, have the Boost Pressure Solenoid Valve checked and replaced if necessary.
If it’s seized, then the turbocharger should be replaced.
Why does the NP300 Turbocharger VNT Assembly seize?
There are a number of reasons, but it all comes back to excessive carbon build up.
Excessive carbon deposits usually accumulate from a lack of scheduled oil service maintenance, or incorrect combustion, or just age.
To a lesser extent, constant stop / start, low rev city driving.
Deposits accumulate through the exhaust manifold, into the turbocharger VNT assembly, through the EGR Valve, and finally the DPF (Diesel Particulate Filter).
The turbocharger VNT assembly in the turbine housing, is the most sensitive component to carbon build up of the above components.
And if the turbo vanes are seized, you should also have the manifold and EGR cleaned and DPF checked.
Does your Nissan NP300 Turbocharger need replacing?
Installation of a new turbocharger, is the best time to have the manifold and EGR Valve checked and cleaned.
If the vehicle has a low odometer reading, the origin of the carbon build up should be investigated, prior to installing a new Turbocharger.
Injectors and seats and engine breather should be checked, air filter replaced, and all air/gas flanges, pipes and fittings checked for breaches.
And for more information on mechanical work at install, see: Best Practice for Turbocharger Installation.
NP300 Turbo Upgrade
We currently stock the Turbocharger to fit the Single Turbo Nissan NP300 with the 2.3L YD23DDT engine.
And we have made replacing that Turbocharger, very affordable.
We stock a quality aftermarket Upgraded Billet Compressor Wheel Turbocharger to fit the Nissan NP300 2.3L YS23DDT.
Additionally, we stock the OEM Original Garrett Turbocharger pair for the NP300 YD23DDTT.
These are a combination of a High Pressure / Primary Turbocharger and Low Pressure / Secondary Turbocharger, set up as a sequential bi-turbocharger arrangement.
You can find these Nissan NP300 twin /bi-turbo pair (YS23DDTT) here.
Our turbochargers (including our listed OEM Turbochargers) have 3 times the warranty (with our Exclusive 36 Month Warranty), of the original Borg Warner and Garrett turbochargers.
And we supply a free installation Gasket Kit (with our aftermarket branded turbos), plus Free shipping Australia-wide.
If you have any other queries on replacing your NP300 Turbocharger, please contact our sales support on: 0490 059 316.