What is variable valve timing?
Variable valve timing (or VVT) is a feature that is present in almost every modern engine. It changes the way your engine’s valves open and close, allowing for better engine performance, reduced emissions and increased fuel efficiency. Variable valve timing is generally controlled by a VVT solenoid.
Variable valve timing is activated when a certain level of engine power is required. This will often happen when you are driving up hills, towing a heavy load or when the accelerator is pressed right down. When the engine detects these changes, the variable valve timing solenoid will activate.
Learn more about how variable valve timing works >
Causes of Variable Valve Timing (VVT) problems:
Faulty Variable Valve Timing / VVT solenoid – The main cause of VVT problems is the variable valve timing solenoid. If the solenoid wears out or becomes damaged, it can affect the rest of your engine, reducing the necessary flow of oil to other components and affect the flow of air through your engines valves.
Dirty/contaminated oil – The variable valve timing system works best with clean oil. If the oil is dirty and due for a change, the passage between the VVT solenoid and the rest of the system can become blocked, resulting in damage to parts and reduced performance.
Variable Valve Timing / VVT sensors – if the variable valve timing (VVT) sensors become faulty, or give incorrect readings, then the variable valve timing control can be affected, meaning the variable valve timing (VVT) can be too advanced or the variable valve timing (VVT) can be too retarded. This will often bring on the Check Engine Light on your dash.
Symptoms of Variable Valve Timing (VVT) problems:
Check engine light – A faulty Variable valve timing (VVT) system may cause the check engine light to come on. In this case, you should have your vehicle scanned immediately so that the fault can be identified.
Decrease in fuel efficiency – Variable valve timing can help to improve the fuel efficiency of your vehicle, especially at higher RPM. A failing VVT system can cause valves to open at incorrect times, causing a massive decrease in fuel efficiency and engine power.
Decreased performance – A failing VVT system can decrease the performance of your engine when it is under load. This can be caused by the variable valve timing not activating when it should.
Increased engine exhaust smoke and exhaust emission – incorrect valve timing can lead to incomplete combustion, which can lead to increased exhaust smoke and vehicle green house gas emissions.
Variable Valve Timing (VVT) Diagnostics in Hamilton
At Grimmer Motors, our qualified, skilled and friendly mechanics can inspect your engine’s variable valve timing system to diagnose faults. We can then provide you with fast, reliable, high-quality services which will allow your engine to function normally again. If necessary, we can replace your Variable valve Timing VVT solenoid, Variable valve Timing VVT sensors, and Variable valve Timing VVT system, equipping your car with new ones that functions correctly.
For the best quality and service for variable valve timing replacement, servicing and diagnostics in Hamilton, contact Grimmer Motors today!