Variocam control replacemant

[petrulio]

Hello all,

We have been chasing down a CEL cause and have determined that the #1 cylinder bank timing is off by a steady 9.5 degrees. I'm trying to get a gusatimate on the time and $$ needed to replace a Variocam control valve. Your thoughts are appreciated.

Leon

[Loren]

Fault codes please?

[petrulio]

Hello Loren,

It's a P1340. The problem first showed up a s a misfire #3 cylinder. I cleared that to see if it reappeared. After driving for less than 5 miles the CEL illuminated again and now reads as the P1340. The car starts and runs very smoothly. I'm out of the country and the car is at my Indy shop and were trying to work through this.

[Loren]

Before you spend a lot of money have you tried resetting the fault and seeing if it comes back?

[petrulio]

Before you spend a lot of money have you tried resetting the fault and seeing if it comes back?

I had reset the cylinder 3 misfire. When light came back on, it was the 1340, which I did not rest and try again. My mechanic said that appears as though the cam timing for bank 1 is running at a steady -9.20.

[petrulio]

Before you spend a lot of money have you tried resetting the fault and seeing if it comes back?

I had reset the cylinder 3 misfire. When light came back on, it was the 1340, which I did not rest and try again. My mechanic said that appears as though the cam timing for bank 1 is running at a steady -9.20.

Talked to the mechanic today. When variocam is activated on the right side, the engine runs rough etc. As expected. When he activates the left side, there is no change at all. It seems as though the control valve is not operating. Is it easy to check the electrical connection to the valve? Also, assuming that the valve must be replaced, any ideas on how long that would take to accomplish (2000, C2, Tip)

Thanks,

Leon

[Richard Hamilton]

It might just be a bad connection to the solenoid coil, or the coil itself. (ie you may not need the complete valve). You should also check the cables to the solenoid, as I have heard of a couple of cases where they have chafed through. The coil can be changed relatively easily from the outside (if you know what you are doing) but the valve is under the cam covers, so more tricky.

I'm surprised your indy hasn't told you all this.

[petrulio]

Richard,

Those seem to be excellent ideas. I will be sure to check those items before jumping into the valve replacement.

Thank you,

Leon

[logray]

You can also apply 12v or 9v battery directly to the solenoid with the engine idling. If you don't hear a click then it is probably the solenoid. If you hear a click but no change in idle, it could be the actuator.