Replace the oil control valve as soon as you find a problem with it. An oil control valve repair could cost as much as $350. While the cost of labor ranges from $80 to 160, the cost of the parts is between $100 and $200.
In This Article...
What happens if your oil control valve isn’t replaced?
The VVT solenoid and OCV work together as a single unit. This device might break down. When it does, any one or more of these signs may serve as a warning sign for issues:
#1Rough Idle
The VVT system normally engages at higher RPMs or during load-bearing situations, such as while climbing a hill. However, a defective oil control valve or VVT solenoid may allow too much engine oil to enter the VVT system, which can cause rough idling, stalling, or just generally poor engine performance.
#2Poor Acceleration
The engine’s acceleration will be slower than usual. There won’t be enough energy to accelerate swiftly or climb hills. Even though you might not think this is a huge concern, there might be moments when you have to floor it to avoid an accident. There isn’t much you can accomplish without that power.
#3Poor Gas Mileage
Variable valve timing has several advantages, one of which is improved fuel efficiency. However, if the oil control valve is broken, this advantage is lost because the intake and exhaust valves could open or close at the wrong times. You will observe an increase in gasoline use over time.
#4Check Engine Light
The check engine light (CEL) will always come on. The onboard diagnostic system will set a code (OBD2). This code will let you know if the issues you’re experiencing are linked to the OCV and its associated VVT solenoid. These two DTCs, P0014 and P0017, are both connected to VVT.
The automobile may be driven for a short distance, as with all CEL “on” events, but a service specialist must quickly inspect it for repairs.
How much does a VVT solenoid replacement cost?
There are many factors to take into account before changing this component. For starters, it’s possible to change the VVT solenoid and the oil control valve (OCV) simultaneously. This is due to the fact that when this part malfunctions, both pieces typically require replacement.
There is no defined cost for either element when replacing just one component. This is due to the fact that costs vary depending on the engine being repaired and the parts that may be found nearby. Depending on whether a new oil control valve is required, the cost to repair a faulty variable valve timing solenoid can range from $325 to over $700 on average.
However, the average price ranges from $400 to $1,300 when all the parts are replaced at once.
Depending on the make and model of the car, the price range for replacing both parts is between $400 and $700. According to customers, replacing these parts with OEM (original equipment manufacturer) parts cost them up to $800. When customers used non-OEM brands or aftermarket replacement parts, the average cost was about $550.
What occurs when VVT malfunctions?
The valve timing may not advance or retard as required if the VVT solenoid isn’t working properly. The engine may consequently display performance issues, such as jerky running and slow acceleration.
What malfunctions a VVT solenoid due to?
The variable valve timing system, in large part, makes it feasible for modern cars to operate with the performance and fuel efficiency standards they have today. The VVT is not engaged when a car, truck, or SUV is operating under regular driving circumstances. However, this mechanism is activated if the car is moving at a faster pace, towing a trailer, or carrying more weight in the trunk. The variable valve timing switch is the specific device that transmits data from the VVT to the car’s computer.
The engine of your car, truck, or SUV will get instructions from the ECU to advance or retard the ignition timing after being turned on by the variable valve timing switch. In order to boost engine efficiency, this instructs the cylinder valves to open or close earlier or later than usual as well as when to fire the ignition system. The VVT solenoid controls the system, and the VVT switch gives the car’s computer useful feedback it may use to instantly modify the timing.
The VVT switch is susceptible to deterioration or full failure, just like any other mechanical or electrical component. The signs of a failing VVT switch and a failing VVT solenoid are very similar. Lack of routine maintenance is the most frequent reason for both the VVT switch and the VVT solenoid to fail. Sludge can clog the solenoid’s screen if your oil is unclean, which will result in a failure. You will have issues with VVT operation if the engine oil level is low.
The following are some typical signs of a faulty VVT switch:
How durable are engine valves?
As you might have anticipated, some of these effects can be rather costly because they not only harm the valves but also other important engine components. There are a few things you can do to lessen the risk of some of these undesirable effects, though. One is having the timing belt (or chain) examined and replaced as the manufacturer directs. This information can be found in the original owner’s handbook or in any of the numerous model-specific repair books that are sold in auto parts stores and online. The other thing you can do, which shouldn’t come as a surprise, is to have routine oil changes and to look out for anything out of the ordinary, such oil spilling or burning.
Therefore, the topic of how long an engine valve should survive remains unanswered. Engine valves, in reality, don’t have a fixed lifespan. Theoretically, if driven long enough, any valve will eventually wear out. It all depends on how well it is manufactured, how difficult it is to use, general auto maintenance, and how it interacts with other engine components, such as the timing belt, for example.
Describe OCV valve.
For multi-function management of non-corrosive, non-abrasive fluids, Oil Capitol Valves (OCV) valves are hydraulically driven and diaphragm actuated. These completely automatic valves, which come in globe or angle configurations, run off line pressure or, if preferred, from a separate power source.
Because there are so many different control pilots available, combination models can be provided to meet almost any need for fluid handling. The fundamental Series 65 valve has just one moving component. This straightforward design encourages dependability, lowers downtime, makes repair easier, and increases valve life.
Pump control valves, pressure relief and safety valves, and flow control valves are only a few of the automatic and self-actuated system applications for which control valves are supplied.
For application quotations, contact your Total Control Systems sales representative right away!
Indicating Check Engine Light
The Electronic Controlled Unit (ECU), which all current new cars are equipped with, allows you to detect any unexpected activity in your car by turning on the check engine light.
Any activity occurring in your car is compared and reported by your ECU monitors. The check engine light illuminates if one of the existing circumstances is incompatible with the predefined parameters.
As a result, when the VVT solenoid is malfunctioning, your dashboard’s check engine light will turn on.
Rough Idling
When your car is idle, the VVT solenoid adjusts the camshaft timing. This is due to the fact that idling need to be as seamless as feasible. It will be quite difficult for the engine to avoid stalling if the camshaft timing is substantially delayed.
Your automobile may experience weird idling issues as a result of a malfunctioning VVT solenoid.
Rough Acceleration
The primary function of the VVT solenoid is to modify the camshaft timing so that the engine runs efficiently and smoothly at all RPMs. If it malfunctions, you might notice that your acceleration becomes jerky and that it even leads to misfires.
Rough acceleration coupled with a check engine light on the dashboard may very well be the result of a malfunctioning VVT valve.
Increased Fuel Consumption
The timing of the valves’ opening and shutting is controlled by the VVT solenoid to maintain efficient fuel use.
Therefore, any VVT solenoid issue will undoubtedly lead to efficient fuel usage. As a result, it is highly likely that your variable valve timing sensor is broken if you observe a noticeable decrease or increase in your average fuel consumption as well as the smell of unburned fuel.
Low Engine Performance
The VVT solenoid was developed to boost engine performance at higher RPMs while maintaining a constant RPM range for the engine. As a result, if the VVT solenoid fails to advance the camshaft timing during acceleration, performance may suffer greatly.
What other name would you give an oil control valve?
An essential part of a car with a variable valve timing (VVT) system is an oil control valve, often known as a VVT solenoid. The system’s existence seeks to regulate the engine’s performance by using two techniques to advance and retard camshaft angle. You’ll encounter issues if your oil control valve malfunctions.
Variable valve timing must first be understood in order to comprehend oil control valves.
What location does the VVT solenoid have?
The camshaft’s position is changed by the action of the sprocket, which is controlled by the variable valve timing solenoid (VVTS). According to computer directions, the position is changed to advance or retard the engine’s valve timing.
At the front of the engine, often close to the front of the valve cover, is where you’ll find the variable valve timing solenoid.
Will a broken variable valve timing solenoid cause the check engine light to come on or have an impact on how the car runs?
Yes, a failing VVTS can result in several codes being set off in addition to the check engine light being illuminated.
Low engine oil levels, oil sludge clogs, irregular engine oil and filter changes, and/or other factors can cause VVTS to malfunction.
How to check if the variable valve timing solenoid is broken:
An illuminated check engine light, engine noise and/or stalling, rough idling, and generally subpar performance are potential signs of a failing or malfunctioning VVTS.
- For both local and foreign applications, the Holstein Parts Variable Valve Position Sensor series offers outstanding coverage.
- Warranty on all Holstein Parts VVT Sensors is 3 Years / 36,000 Miles.
- For an aftermarket product that is actually designed to equal or surpass the original equipment part, Holstein Parts concentrates on using only the finest quality materials and manufacturing to rigorous standards.
- covering 98% of the North American market with more than 330 SKUs
- Materials that have been reinforced guard against sludge buildup and oil leaks.
- To ensure proper flow and oil pressure and to maximize performance, units are tested.
- To extend the lifespan and dependability of products, premium O-rings and gaskets are employed.
What signs might point to a failing VVT solenoid?
The Check Engine Light turning on, dirty engine oil, a rough idle, and poor fuel economy are typical symptoms of a bad VVT solenoid.