4 Symptoms of a Faulty Oil Control Valve
The VVT solenoid valve and OCV are integrated into one unit. This may cause the unit to fail. In this case, some or all of the following symptoms may indicate a problem:
1) Rough Idling
Under normal conditions, the VVT system will engage under load conditions, such as when driving at high speeds or going uphill. However, if the oil control valve or VVT solenoid is defective, excessive amounts of engine oil can enter the VVT system, which can result in rough idling, engine stalling, or overall poor engine operation.
2) Poor Acceleration
The engine will accelerate slower than normal. You lack the power to accelerate quickly or climb hills. Even if you don’t think it’s a big deal, there may be situations where you have to rest your foot to avoid an accident. Without that power, there’s not much you can do.
3) Lower Fuel Economy
As mentioned earlier, one of the benefits of variable valve timing is improved fuel economy. However, if the oil control valve is defective, this benefit is lost because the intake and exhaust valves may open and close at the wrong time. Over time, you will notice an increase in fuel consumption.
4) Check Engine Light
The Check Engine Light (CEL) will be illuminated constantly. The On-Board Diagnostic System (OBD2) will set a code. This code will indicate if the issue you are experiencing is related to the OCV and its associated VVT solenoid. DTC P0008, DTC P0014, DTC P0017, and DTC P06DD can all be considered related codes. As with all CEL events, the car may continue to be driven for short distances, but will require immediate inspection by a service technician to take corrective action.
What can cause a VVT solenoid or OCV to fail? The VVT solenoid valve is electrically operated by signals from the ECU. Any abnormality in this system or circuit can cause the VVT solenoid valve to malfunction. Additionally, the solenoid valve itself can suffer an internal electrical failure, causing it to function intermittently or not function at all.
The OCV uses engine oil and therefore requires clean oil to function properly. If oil and filter changes are not performed regularly as instructed in the owner’s manual, sludge and varnish (a sticky deposit) can build up inside this valve.
This contamination can reduce or block its function. Although this valve is relatively simple, internal mechanical failure can cause it to stop working.
Many OCV installations include an in-line oil strainer before the valve oil inlet. This strainer can become partially or completely clogged with dirt and mud. This blockage can restrict flow to the OCV and cause malfunctions. Again, clean oil is key. Changing your engine oil and filter regularly will help prevent this type of failure.
Can I drive with a broken oil control valve? You can still drive with this valve malfunctioning, but excessive driving should be avoided. We strongly recommend visiting your local repair shop or dealer as soon as possible.
This is because the OCV or oil strainer may be partially or completely clogged. When this happens, lubrication of the camshaft sprockets and chain is slowed or interrupted. This can cause rapid wear on the camshaft sprockets and chain, leading to failure.
