# 2004 Nissan Sentra P1138 code, need to get smog done

**URL:** <https://community.cartalk.com/t/2004-nissan-sentra-p1138-code-need-to-get-smog-done/93224>\
**Category:** Maintenance/Repairs\
**Tags:** nissan, sentra\
**Created:** [May 7, 2016, 4:25am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/2004-nissan-sentra-p1138-code-need-to-get-smog-done/93224 "2016-05-07T04:25:22Z")\
**Posts on this page:** 5\
**Page:** 1

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**Author:** ![patelmike2002](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/c68b51/32.png) [@patelmike2002](https://community.cartalk.com/u/patelmike2002)\
**Post date:** [May 7, 2016, 4:25am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/2004-nissan-sentra-p1138-code-need-to-get-smog-done/93224/1 "2016-05-07T04:25:22Z")

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Hi,  
I have a 2004 Nissan Sentra that has check engine sign coming on. It has about 85,000 miles on it and I need to get smog done to renew the registration. I took it for smog check but the smog guy told me that he will not test since there is a check engine sign on. He also plugged in his machine to find out check engine sign code. It showed to be P1138. I did google search and it looks to be swirl valve. I am looking to find out what the cost should be to fix this? Also most article say that if drivability is not affected I don’t need to fix it, but then I need to have the smog test to pass. Will I be able to get smog test passed with out fixing it or will it not pass with check engine light on?

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**Author:** ![BillRussell](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/user_avatar/community.cartalk.com/billrussell/32/3179_2.png) [@BillRussell](https://community.cartalk.com/u/BillRussell)\
**Post date:** [May 7, 2016, 4:31am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/2004-nissan-sentra-p1138-code-need-to-get-smog-done/93224/2 "2016-05-07T04:31:59Z")

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Depends on the state, but usually you cannot pass with the check engine light on. And did not the “smog guy” already tell you that?

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**Author:** ![Tester](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/user_avatar/community.cartalk.com/tester/32/15976_2.png) [@Tester](https://community.cartalk.com/u/Tester)\
**Post date:** [May 7, 2016, 4:34am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/2004-nissan-sentra-p1138-code-need-to-get-smog-done/93224/3 "2016-05-07T04:34:52Z")

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If the Check Engine light is on, the vehicle will fail the smog test.

Here’s the details on the swirl valve sensor.

> **[2010-10-17\_125612\_2005\_Sentra\_P1138\_Chapter.pdf](https://ww2.justanswer.com/uploads/fixurnissan/2010-10-17_125612_2005_Sentra_P1138_Chapter.pdf)**

Tester

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**Author:** ![Barkydog](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/user_avatar/community.cartalk.com/barkydog/32/2470_2.png) [@Barkydog](https://community.cartalk.com/u/Barkydog)\
**Post date:** [May 7, 2016, 4:35am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/2004-nissan-sentra-p1138-code-need-to-get-smog-done/93224/4 "2016-05-07T04:35:25Z")

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It will not pass as far as I know while throwing a code. It might be something a dealer might be the best bet for proper diagnosis and repair.

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**Author:** ![patelmike2002](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/c68b51/32.png) [@patelmike2002](https://community.cartalk.com/u/patelmike2002)\
**Post date:** [May 7, 2016, 5:15am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/2004-nissan-sentra-p1138-code-need-to-get-smog-done/93224/5 "2016-05-07T05:15:01Z")

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Thank you guys. I’ll see if I can take it dealership and get it looked at.