VVT Solonoid malfunction

[Spivey]

2001 XK8 with 44,000 miles.  Just had timing chain tensioners and guides replaced.   On the way home check engine light comes on.  Code reads VVT Soloniod malfunction.  There was no check engine light prior to the work.  Replaced VVT solonoid, but light still comes on.  Does anyone have a suggestion as to what could cause this?

[LairdScooby]

Silly question but is the solenoid plugged into the electrical system? Also check a patch lead hasn't been used by the factory (to extend a shorter, common loom so it reaches the position of the VVT solenoid on your engine) and wasn't disconnected by the people that did the timing chain work.

Also try resetting the codes, it may have been the garage forgot to reconnect when they did the timing chains and because the fault code didn't show immediately, didn't clear it - a historical fault can sometimes show later and cause problems.

[JOE-DOT-COM]

hi

would check all the wiring, odds it a break in the wiring, at a guess at the back of the head

the wiring loom can go hard, due to the heat in the engine bay and the wire can snap

also check the connectors inside the plug to the vvt, they can come out and get pushed back

cheers

Joe

[Spivey]

Thanks, but all wiring has been checked.  Shop doing work is blaming Oil flow for problem, but states that they inspected VVT while inside engine  and they looked OK.  Still the want $3500 to go back in and replace.

[JOE-DOT-COM]

hi

you could try using some engine Oil flush, as ive seen this work before, to clear the vvt Oil ways, but usually when they block up, they rattle when you first start the engine first thing in the morning.

what are the actual codes your getting

cheers

Joe

[LairdScooby]

1 hour ago, Spivey said:

Thanks, but all wiring has been checked.  Shop doing work is blaming oil flow for problem, but states that they inspected VVT while inside engine  and they looked OK.  Still the want $3500 to go back in and replace.

I know a lot of the UK Honda owners use 1 pt of synthetic ATF (eg Valvoline Maxlife ATF, NAPA NVA) addded to the engine Oil to help keep the VVT (VTEC) valves/solenoids clear, might be worth a try. Also works well on sticky hydraulic lifters/tappets.

[Spivey]

1 hour ago, JOE-DOT-COM said:

hi

you could try using some engine oil flush, as ive seen this work before, to clear the vvt oil ways, but usually when they block up, they rattle when you first start the engine first thing in the morning.

what are the actual codes your getting

cheers

Joe

Code 1396.  I do not hear any rattle.

[JOE-DOT-COM]

hi

[Spivey]

Thanks to Joe and Dave!!  Tried the ATF flush and solved my problem.

[LairdScooby]

Glad to hear you're all fixed up now! 😉 😄

[JOE-DOT-COM]

The VVT does seem to get sticky, the flush seems to work well on these

wonder how many people have replaced the VVT units when they just needed flushing

would probably do another one, when you next change the Oil. can recommend the Archoil products for this

Glad your sorted

cheers

Joe