ECM-61 Camshaft Reset Valve. Faulty Signal. Permanent Faul

[pierremcalpine]

Hi gang,
I've got this error code. 2 years ago I replaced my VVT gear and all codes went away. Earlier this year, I replaced my sparkplugs and in the process was a bit rough with the wiring in and around the coil packs. Two days later, this code shows up. I then did an inspection of the wiring leading to the solenoid and fixed what I thought were some damaged/worn wires. Code came back.

So I took all the electrical tape off the wires leading to/from the solenoid and inspected for wear/damage. A little wiggle on my part broke the lead for the little capacitor that is connected to the wiring in line with the solenoid so went to the breakers and fitted a replacement.

4 days later code came back. I inspected some more and replaced all the crimp connectors I had installed with good old soldering. No dice - 4 days later the code comes back.

I then replaced the solenoid. You guessed it, 2 days later code is back.

I have now removed the plastic cable protectors and electrical tape from all wires in the surrounding area and the only thing I can see that might be a problem is some very cracked wires leading to the last coil to the point where the copper is exposed in some areas. These were wrapped together in electrical tape but the electrical tape seems to almost have melted due to heat in some spots as it was very hard to take off.

Long shot here but could some fraying of the coil wires have actually interfered with the signal to the solenoid?

VIDA suggests the following as causes:
- low oil pressure
- blocked ducts for the camshaft reset valve
- defective camshaft reset valve

Skyship007: my oil is clean, recently changed, and I'm the original owner and am somewhat obsessive about changing on schedule.

Any other thoughts. Engine is running fine - so at this point this is really about getting rid of the stupid CEL.

[pierremcalpine]

Screw it - I've ordered a new ignition harness part #30864977. If that doesn't do it, I'm putting electric tape over the CEL.

[pierremcalpine]

For those of you who were losing sleep over my CEL, the new harness didn't help. I cleared the CEL and it was good for a week and now it's back. Runs better than ever though!

I hate to say it, but I'm back to thinking about oil and blockages in VVT. I switched to a "high mileage" oil about 18 months ago and have gone through two changes without issue. Wondering if the high mileage oil was a bad idea.

I've now taken the big risk of switching to full synthetic 5/30 after 180,000 miles. Not sure this is a good idea but I'm hopeful that this Hail Mary move may pay off.

[v40alex]

I was getting camshaft reset valve errors on my T4 when I first got it, turned out one of the sparkplug caps had a tiny hole in it that was shorting to the cylinder head and causing the code. I'd say keep checking for electrical leaks, I spotted mine from the arc mark on the spark plug well.

[pierremcalpine]

Very interesting especially since the code started coming up a week after I replaced my sparkplugs...thanks for the tip! What did you end up having to replace?

[v40alex]

I replaced the whole coil pack with a good second hand one - stopped the shorting and error went straight away.

[pierremcalpine]

Thank you, Alex. My coil packs are about 5 years old so I would be disappointed if they turn out to be the issue. If when the code comes back I will pop them off and take a peek.

[pierremcalpine]

Originally Posted by pierremcalpine

For those of you who were losing sleep over my CEL, the new harness didn't help. I cleared the CEL and it was good for a week and now it's back. Runs better than ever though!

I hate to say it, but I'm back to thinking about oil and blockages in VVT. I switched to a "high mileage" oil about 18 months ago and have gone through two changes without issue. Wondering if the high mileage oil was a bad idea.

I've now taken the big risk of switching to full synthetic 5/30 after 180,000 miles. Not sure this is a good idea but I'm hopeful that this Hail Mary move may pay off.

At the risk of jinxing myself, I'm now a month in with fresh (synthetic) oil. No CEL. To be fair the weather has warmed up considerably also. Finicky engine this one.

[pierremcalpine]

Originally Posted by pierremcalpine

At the risk of jinxing myself, I'm now a month in with fresh (synthetic) oil. No CEL. To be fair the weather has warmed up considerably also. Finicky engine this one.

...and I've jinxed myself. CEL is back.

[TEEKIZZLE]

Originally Posted by pierremcalpine

...and I've jinxed myself. CEL is back.

Mines been gone since our last exchange also ::fingers crossed::