What Does the Oil Control Valve Do? | Symptoms of a Bad or Failing Variable Valve Timing (VVT) Solenoid

What Does the Oil Control Valve Do?

Some classes of motors only alter the timing of the infusion camshaft, while other engines range both the infusion and the exhaust camshafts. Machines (depending on specifications) can have one lubricant command valve to four petroleum command valves.

Lubricant command valves are provided by the motor’s pressurized lubricant, which authorizes or intercepts the fat coursing through them to influence the timing of the camshaft. VVT cams contain a management agency that modifies the cam appointment for the timing chain or timing waistband, counting on how the lubricant outpours hands via the VVT.

The timing of the motor is adjusted internally; you willpower not live competent to catch any distinction to the camshaft by considering the engine from the externals. The lubricant command valve is an actuator (solenoid) that the machine’s Electronic Control Unit governs to steer the VVT approaches in promoting or retarding the valves’ timing by changing the camshaft inclination appointment in correlation to the machine crankshaft.

Riding on the machine’s swiftness and the acceleration pedal assignment, the camshaft function is either progressive or retarded by the motor ECU. The petroleum command valve intention is tight at stable motor jogs, and the cam’s sense produces to their initial assignments.

In overview, the ECU, oil command valve, and the cam’s command tool work jointly to create available valves immediately before or after. This permits the motor to optimize its power creation and fuel consumption. Lubricant managing valves again aid in greasing timing chains and their sprockets.

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Where Is It Located in a Car?

Motorcars that operate VVT typically have the lubricant rule valve beneath the information manifold. Often, you can locate the valve in the facade of the motor on the pulley flank.

If you glance beneath the valve surface, you will be able to identify the lubricant command valve. The VVT solenoid is usually additionally unrestricted, with the fundamental grease management valve linked to it.

Can You Drive with a Faulty Oil Control Valve?

You can move with this valve malfunctioning, whereas you shouldn’t move similarly distant. Bringing to your vicinity repair mart or broker as momentarily as likely is deeply guided. The reason is that the OCV or petroleum mesh may be somewhat or fully barred.

If this transpires, lubrication to the cam sprockets and chains resolves gradually or discontinues. This can guide to immediate cam sprocket and chain wear and then defeat.

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What is a VVT Solenoid?

The automobile’s powertrain managing module (PCM) or the Engine Control Unit (ECU) governs the solenoids, triggering the actuator at the back of the camshaft. An irregular valve timing solenoid normally involves petroleum coercion to activate the VVT agent and alter its timing.

Though every motorcar has its own VVT strategy, most methods operate unstable valve timing solenoids to govern how the VVT method works. Toyota operates VVT-I and VVTL-I, Audi employs Valve lift, BMW operates VANOS, and Ford operates Ti-VCT/VC. Although utilizing extra acronyms, Hyundai, Volvo, and KIA use CVVT the procedure of how the VVT solenoid outcomes are identical.

How Does the VVT Solenoid Work?

Some pipes guide to the camshaft phases owned by petroleum discharge from the solenoid. Based on the information, the lines dub offers the periodic valve timing solenoid leads. The solenoid functions using oil tension, and this is how it changes the trajectory of the camshaft.

The ECU, the PCM, or the automobile’s computer, as multiple somebody direct, Can slow or quicken the information valve doorway. Every tube receives a particular message from the solenoid. This indicates the valves are unrestricted and consolidated, established on the transmission of the tubes, which call from the solenoid at every juncture.

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Symptoms of a Bad or Failing Variable Valve Timing (VVT) Solenoid

In the early to mid-1960s, American automotive goliaths Chrysler, Ford, and General Motors oversaw the lanes and pulled stripes across the ground. With every unknown motorcar built, the “Big Three” understood better machine interpretation and how to scrape every ounce of horsepower out of their machines by manually modifying valve lash and ignition timing. One of the biggest breakthroughs was the product of variable valve timing (VVT).

This different approach employed cutting-edge (for the time) electronic technology to involve irregular electronic alerts from the ignition procedure through an irregular valve timing solenoid. Today, a VVT method can exist in nearly all exhibit automobiles peddled throughout the United States.

Apiece automotive factory has its own individual VVT strategy. However, most of them depend on a usable variable valve timing solenoid to maintain the discharge of petroleum to the VVT design as it is committed. This method generally triggers when there is a considerable hurdle against the motor.

Some instances of this comprise while an automobile is bringing added significance, touring up ridges, or when acceleration is expedited via throttle management. When the VVT solenoid catalysts, lubricant is transmitted to grease the unstable valve timing chain and supplies group. If the VVT solenoid dies or is intercepted, the scarcity of good lubrication can force the timing chain and gear to wear prematurely or break entirely.

Several other situations may appear when a VVT solenoid is modeling out or has forgotten that may involve terminating machine defeat. In demand to decrease the prospect of these strict circumstances, listed downward are periodic alarm signs to be mindful that force demonstrates a problem with the VVT solenoid. Here are a few manifestations of a tattered-out or harmed VVT solenoid.

#1. Rough Idling

The VVT plan is developed to exclusively reach live at higher RPMs or fill some backpacks in the motorcar. The VVT plan choice again boots in when the automobile is moving harshly. When the solenoid reaches sinful, excessive lubricant will be presented to the VVT equipment, forcing the motor to have an inoperative barbarian. You intention detect the RPM fluctuating whenever the VVT method is triggered.

The uneven idling of the machine can render some elements to sport out prematurely. United with other symptoms, suggesting the hazard to the VVT solenoid should be leisurely.

#2. Misfiring When Under Heavy Load

Another manifestation of a failing VVT solenoid is machine misfiring. This happens mainly when the motorcar is beneath a weighty burden. The trouble reaches back because the dismissal of the energy still needs to be completed.

#3. Check the Engine Light ON

Your automobile plant has inaugurated an Engine Control Unit (ECU) and a powertrain managing module (PCM), which caution you whenever there is a situation. The VVT solenoid contacts its sign from the ECU or the PCM, leaning on the make of your automobile. When the solenoid is not operating appropriately, the ECU yields an error principle and mails this statement to the motorist through the examination motor daybreak (CEL).

When the check machine lamp is on, it is time to utilize a diagnostic apparatus to advise you about the situation. Counting on your automobile’s make and sample, you intention acquire a detailed mistake principle for a faulty VVT solenoid. Your technician should understand the required measures to repair this situation.

#4. Decreased Fuel Economy

The variable valve timing solenoid is an immediate party that ensures the system works efficiently. The valves closing and opening at the right time ensures that combustion happens right without wasting fuel. A malfunctioning solenoid intention presumably leads to insufficient power efficiency.

If you see the assessment motor dawn and learn that the motorcar is swallowing more additional power than average, it is a moment to see a technician to review the automobile. The diagnostic apparatus intentionally makes a solenoid regulation mistake if it’s the one malfunctioning.

Though there are multiple explanations for why power scrimping can drastically decrease in your automobile, matching it with the diagnostic apparatus is the most secure way to notice the situation before it escalates.

#5. Dirty Engine Oil

The VVT solenoid performs agreeably when the machine’s petroleum is sterile. When the lubricant has trash or has failed some of its consistency and lubricity, the solenoid can form creating situations. When the machine grease has a mess of waste and contaminants, it yields its thickness, guiding the clogging of the solenoid.

This clogging additionally pushes the load and the chain to clog. Dirty oil is more of a cause than a symptom of a malfunctioning VVT solenoid. To avoid this problem, you should change the engine oil as the manufacturer of the vehicle has recommended.

Remember also that very common lubricant groups may compel solenoid troubles. Regularly open the auto’s hoodlum and stem the oil groups before you form your automobile at sunrise.

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Oil Control Valve Functions and Malfunction Symptoms

A single control valve will handle the supply of petroleum to a designated VVT hub to promote or retard the timing by varying the camshaft angle assignment. Headed by the ECU, the OCV obtains electrical alerts, teaching it to modify the grease outpour as needed, in agreement with everyday driving circumstances.

The Oil Control Valve is necessary for every machine with irregular valve technology (VVT). FAI recommends studying the Oil Control valves when embarking on a TCK substitute, as these are frequently ignored and a probable causality of the initial defeat.

Because VVT hubs trust on a held and pressurized lubricant release to use precisely and constantly, if a replacement TCK is worked and the ancient OCV is not operating perfectly, the VVT hub cannot use it perfectly, rendering an avoidable defeat.

Function Principle of Oil Control Valve in the Car System

The PCM/ECM will handle the valve and let it understand the proper actions established on the motor’s routine markets. A machine command module handles it and is again comprehended as a machine grease solenoid valve. This valve holds the discharge of petroleum into the motor’s camshaft.

This segment is important in any motorcar downy function if the lubricant accomplishes no unsuitable contact share. It may impede the expected functionality of the motor. Consequently, the oil command valve must fan and complete at a respectable duration to grease the camshaft. In particular, it chooses when to prevent the lubricant from joining or escaping the oil.

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Signs and Symptoms of a Bad Oil Control Valve

If your auto is depicting one or all of these indications and manifestations, the probability is the lubricant rule valve isn’t operating appropriately. If this is the matter, you should bring your motorcar to your technician instantly.

#1. Check the Engine Light

As with most motor parts, your assessment machine lamp will reach on if your lubricant command valve evolves faulty. If this occurs, you immediately comprehend that something is not operating as it should and be competent to bring your automobile to a machinist, who can substantiate the problem.

#2. Rough Idle

An insufficient lubricant rule valve won’t handle the portion of petroleum your motor obtains. It may offer you the identical quantity of lubricant your engine needs to push up an abrupt elevation while idling. When this occurs, your motor will communicate more audibly, and the available arrangement will get more harmful.

#3. Poor Acceleration

When your grease management valve is inaccurate, your strength is affected by revving. Your automobile intention abides elongate than usual to get up to pace and energy, not be competent to get to the gait you enjoy. For illustration, if you’re endeavoring to give on a single-lane route, you are not qualified to rev enough to hand another automobile safely.

#4. Burning Smell

When your machine is functioning wrongly, its strength emits a searing fragrance. This fragrance reaches from the scarcity of proper lubrication when your motor is under strain. A deficiency of lubrication can indicate that your lubricant command valve is not acting as it should.

#5. Rattling Noise from the Engine

A flawed petroleum power valve may occasionally prevent the VVT actuator from acquiring adequate lubricant tension. This can result in the machine driving rattling blusters. Some factories provide technical assistance bulletins (TSBs) to manage this topic.

#6. Poor Gas Mileage

Your VVT solenoid can support the timing of your information and exhaust valves. When you do elongate, having a functional lubricant command valve could influence the timing of your power valves. When the timing is out, it intentionally decreases your power efficiency, making your motorcar employ more power than expected, resulting in poor gas mileage.

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How to Fix a Bad VVT Solenoid

When you locate that the solenoid is the situation, it is advisable to return it instantly. Carrying your automobile to an experienced technician would be best, but you can replace the solenoid at your residence. If you intend to return the solenoid, you will require a lengthy list of agencies and additions, such as the user manual.

Neglect to repair a faulty VVT solenoid can guide to advanced wear and slash of motor positions and the power thrift choice control deteriorating. Fit with your broker and user manual whether the VVT solenoid defeat is shielded underneath the guarantee.

The most reasonable stake when it reaches the reserve of the solenoid is sourcing from the automobile’s works. Nevertheless, some reasonable aftermarket solenoids provide the manufactory ones a run for their banknotes. Confer your machinist on the most suitable substitute solenoid to establish in your motorcar.

What Is a Variable Valve Timing Solenoid Replacement?

A dependable machinist can clutch a glance at your motor and irregular valve timing method to resolve whether you require a VVT solenoid reserve. The moniker might display a portion, while what the VVT method does is rather concise. When it performs as it should, your automobile intention idles smoothly, and you’ll hold more additional machine authority and more reasonable gas mileage.

The irregular valve timing solenoid holds the trend of the motor’s camshafts, which handle exhaust information and outtake. Individually, camshaft has a VVT solenoid, which alters lubricant coercion to adapt to your motor’s inconsistent operational pace and pack requirements.

If your assessment machine lamp is on and your motor has formed, acting poorly, it could be a signal that a VVT solenoid control ceased functioning.

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How to Test a Variable Valve Timing Actuator

Employing an actuator difficulty, a machinist can actuate an irregular valve timing solenoid and celebrate a transformation in the loud message of the motor and a difference in machine swiftness. Periodically automobile’s intention mourns from drivability problems and responsibility principles connecting to valve timing. Such situations can be challenging to analyze without the proper gear.

The objective of irregular valve timing (VVT) is to sustain and raise the motor’s volumetric efficiency and restrict the exhaust gasses built by the automobile. By varying when the valves are unrestricted and tight, you can optimize the machine’s commission.

Employing an actuator difficulty, a machinist can actuate an irregular valve timing solenoid and celebrate a transformation in the loud message of the motor and a modification in machine swiftness.

To explain, allows carrying a glance at an instance. This distinct Toyota Auris (Corolla) with a 1NR-FE motor has irregular valve timing on both information and exhaust camshafts. For the objective of this essay, the exhaust camshaft timing command solenoid has existed.

Conclusion

A bad VVT solenoid can yield all methods of concern in your motorcar. Though you can resume pushing your automobile, you intend to subject it to additional harm. The actuator is one of the VVT segments that can damage due to driving utilizing a bad solenoid.

Moving your automobile with a spoilt VVT solenoid is, thus, a foolproof method to entice a giant account from the assistance interior since it is not solely the solenoid whose intention must exist returned.

As celebrated overhead, a poor VVT solenoid intention reaches with all signs secure for no birth. The automobile not forming has not existed attributed to a sinful solenoid. This is because the VVT solenoid comes freedom behind the motor and has reached energy. This suggests that the solenoid does not meddle with how the ignition outcomes.

As mentioned before, an evil solenoid intention pushes uneven idling, but sense does not cause your automobile to fall to form. It is worth noting, however, that the persistent benefit of your automobile, while its solenoid is malfunctioning, can guide to additional deterioration of motor segments.

These segments of energy be necessary at the start of the car. Suitable fixing of a defective VVT solenoid contains injury to different machine regions, which power directly to the automobile, delaying or not beginning.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What Is the Function of the Oil Control Valve?

The oil control valve (OCV) is a critical part of every engine fitted with variable valve technology (VVT). A single control valve will regulate the supply of oil to a designated VVT hub to advance or retard the timing by altering the camshaft angle position.

Oil Control Valve

A single control valve will regulate the supply of oil to a designated VVT hub to advance or retard the timing by altering the camshaft angle position.

Symptoms of Bad Oil Control Valve

If you have oil control valve problems, then there are certain symptoms you can look out for. Some of them include slow acceleration, poor brake performance, and a strange burning smell in the car. Before it gets this bad, the computer in your vehicle should give you some warnings first on the dashboard.

Can a Bad VVT Solenoid Cause Stalling

But with a faulty oil control valve or VVT solenoid, excess engine oil may be introduced into the VVT system which can result in rough idling, stalling, or just poor engine running in general.

Can a Bad VVT Solenoid Cause Low Compression

It will not cause bad engine compression, but if the Valve guide to the valve stem is badly worn and loose, the valves may not seat, meaning the compression will be poor and the stem seals will be worn out also- that repair means removing the head for a rebuild.

What Causes a VVT Solenoid to Go Bad?

The most common cause of failure for both the VVT switch and the VVT solenoid is a lack of basic maintenance. If your oil is dirty, sludge can clog the screen on the solenoid, causing a failure. If the engine oil level is low, you will also experience problems with VVT operation.

VVT Solenoid Location

Locating the VVT solenoid. It is located at the front of the engine, typically near the front of the valve cover.

VVT Solenoid Replacement Cost

The average cost for a VVT solenoid replacement is $50 to $400, depending on whether you perform a DIY project or take it to a mechanic. This price range reflects the national averages for all vehicles, does not factor in any taxes or fees, and does not include estimates for a specific make or model.

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