vvt solenoid disconnect

cogs · Dec 6th, 2022, 12:29

Can anyone help with this problem and how to fix.
Car is a 2002 2litre v40 petrol.
I had a problem with it running really rough on start up, this seemed to appear whether it was hot or cold start but would not be there all the time. 50% of the time it started and run fine the other 50% it would start ok but then either cut out straight away or it would run almost on the point of cut out unless you increased the revs.

I found the problem seemed to be related to the vvt solenoid. I took it off and cleaned it very well and fitted it with a Volvo gasket, I also cleaned the galleries leading into it, checked the wiring and voltage o/p, everything seemed fine and the solenoid triggers OK when a voltage is applied.

The car only has the above problem when the solenoid is connected, I've been running it with it disconnected for over 2000mls and it has been fine, running and starting lovely and giving me 32 -34 mpg but as soon as I reconnect the solenoid the rough running starts.

Other work done:
All pipes fuel and air checked for leaks, cleaned the MAF sensor, new plugs all gabbed correctly, checked the ignition wiring and coil packs. All new filters and oil. Several doses of Redex run through.

I'd happily leave it disconnected but it triggers the malfunction warning light.
Does anyone have any ideas to the cause and fix?
I'd also like to know what is the point of the vvt when it runs sweet without it working is it for emissions?
Thanks.

cogs · Dec 15th, 2022, 11:17

Can no one offer advice on the above, I have seen posts regarding cleaning the vvt pulley, I wonder if this would help?

magnuz · Dec 16th, 2022, 21:53

The VVT pulley is prone to wear on these engines. Are you familiar with the noise that the VVT makes when it is worn ?
It also may be worth checking the timing is correct on the belt, if the belt is 1 or 2 teeth out on a sprocket, then that may explain why the problem exists with the solenoid connected ?

cogs · Dec 17th, 2022, 09:07

Thanks, I'm not familiar with the sound a worn Vvt makes but I am familiar with general engine noise and nothing seems out of place. The cars do 120kmls, I am changing the cam belt within the next few days so will check timing.

I'm still not sure what purpose the Vvt serves, my old Avensis had Vvt engine but it never gave me any trouble so never really had to learn much about them.

cogs · Dec 17th, 2022, 09:26

I found this on you tube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cmRv7esoKxo
and my engine sounds nothing like that.
My engine runs lovely and quiet, well engine quiet anyway no unto wards noises at all and runs lovely with the solenoid disconnected, its just this rough idle I get with the solenoid plugged in that causes trouble.

Dec 6th, 2022, 12:29	#1
cogs Member Last Online: Apr 25th, 2024 10:51 Join Date: Sep 2012 Location: Lincs.	vvt solenoid disconnect Can anyone help with this problem and how to fix. Car is a 2002 2litre v40 petrol. I had a problem with it running really rough on start up, this seemed to appear whether it was hot or cold start but would not be there all the time. 50% of the time it started and run fine the other 50% it would start ok but then either cut out straight away or it would run almost on the point of cut out unless you increased the revs. I found the problem seemed to be related to the vvt solenoid. I took it off and cleaned it very well and fitted it with a Volvo gasket, I also cleaned the galleries leading into it, checked the wiring and voltage o/p, everything seemed fine and the solenoid triggers OK when a voltage is applied. The car only has the above problem when the solenoid is connected, I've been running it with it disconnected for over 2000mls and it has been fine, running and starting lovely and giving me 32 -34 mpg but as soon as I reconnect the solenoid the rough running starts. Other work done: All pipes fuel and air checked for leaks, cleaned the MAF sensor, new plugs all gabbed correctly, checked the ignition wiring and coil packs. All new filters and oil. Several doses of Redex run through. I'd happily leave it disconnected but it triggers the malfunction warning light. Does anyone have any ideas to the cause and fix? I'd also like to know what is the point of the vvt when it runs sweet without it working is it for emissions? Thanks.

Dec 15th, 2022, 11:17	#2
cogs Member Last Online: Apr 25th, 2024 10:51 Join Date: Sep 2012 Location: Lincs.	Can no one offer advice on the above, I have seen posts regarding cleaning the vvt pulley, I wonder if this would help?

Dec 16th, 2022, 21:53	#3
magnuz Ancient Last Online: Apr 23rd, 2024 20:31 Join Date: May 2012 Location: chesterfield	The VVT pulley is prone to wear on these engines. Are you familiar with the noise that the VVT makes when it is worn ? It also may be worth checking the timing is correct on the belt, if the belt is 1 or 2 teeth out on a sprocket, then that may explain why the problem exists with the solenoid connected ?

Dec 17th, 2022, 09:07	#4
cogs Member Last Online: Apr 25th, 2024 10:51 Join Date: Sep 2012 Location: Lincs.	Thanks, I'm not familiar with the sound a worn Vvt makes but I am familiar with general engine noise and nothing seems out of place. The cars do 120kmls, I am changing the cam belt within the next few days so will check timing. I'm still not sure what purpose the Vvt serves, my old Avensis had Vvt engine but it never gave me any trouble so never really had to learn much about them.

Dec 17th, 2022, 09:26	#5
cogs Member Last Online: Apr 25th, 2024 10:51 Join Date: Sep 2012 Location: Lincs.	I found this on you tube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cmRv7esoKxo and my engine sounds nothing like that. My engine runs lovely and quiet, well engine quiet anyway no unto wards noises at all and runs lovely with the solenoid disconnected, its just this rough idle I get with the solenoid plugged in that causes trouble.

Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 members and 1 guests)