Understanding the VVT Solenoid and Its Maintenance

 

What is a VVT Solenoid?

The Variable Valve Timing (VVT) solenoid, also known as the VVT oil control valve or VVT actuator solenoid, is a critical component in modern engines that helps optimize engine performance, fuel efficiency, and emissions. It controls the flow of oil to the VVT system, which adjusts the timing of the intake and exhaust valves.

Role of the VVT Solenoid in Engine Torque

The VVT solenoid adjusts the timing of the intake and exhaust valves, which helps improve engine torque and overall performance. By varying the valve timing, the engine can optimize the air-fuel mixture entering the combustion chamber, enhancing combustion efficiency and power generation. This adaptability allows for improved torque at low RPMs and better power at high RPMs.

VVT Components and Terms

• VVT Sensor: Monitors the position of the camshaft and relays this information to the engine control unit (ECU) to adjust valve timing accurately.
• VVT Amps: Refers to the electrical current supplied to the VVT solenoid, which controls its operation.
• VVT Control Solenoid: Another term for the VVT solenoid, emphasizing its role in controlling valve timing.
• VVT Oil Pressure: Ensures the VVT system operates correctly by maintaining adequate oil flow to the solenoid and actuators.
• VVT Pressure Switch: Monitors oil pressure within the VVT system and sends signals to the ECU to maintain optimal pressure.

Specific Vehicle Applications

Dodge, Toyota, and Nissan

• Toyota Corolla and Yaris: Toyota's VVT systems are known for reliability. Regular maintenance includes checking the VVT solenoid for proper operation.
• Nissan VVT Solenoid: Nissan's VVT systems are similar to those in other makes, requiring regular checks and cleaning to ensure optimal performance.

Honda Vehicles

• Honda Accord, Odyssey, and CRV: Honda’s VVT systems, often labeled as VTEC, are crucial for performance. Regular maintenance includes checking the VVT oil control valve and pressure switch.
• VVT Pressure Switch in Honda CRV: Monitors oil pressure and ensures the VVT system functions correctly.

Kia Vehicles

• Kia Forte and Optima: Kia’s VVT systems require periodic cleaning and inspection of the solenoid and oil control valves.
• Kia Oil Control Valve: Regular checks and cleaning are essential to maintain the performance of Kia’s VVT systems.

Jeep Grand Cherokee

• Jeep Grand Cherokee VVT Solenoid: Regular inspection and cleaning of the VVT solenoid can prevent performance issues in the Jeep Grand Cherokee.

Cleaning and Maintenance

How to Clean VVT Solenoid

1. Preparation: Disconnect the battery and locate the VVT solenoid.
2. Removal: Carefully remove the solenoid from the engine.
3. Cleaning:
   • Manual Cleaning: Use a solvent and a brush to clean the solenoid. Ensure all oil passages are clear.
   • Ultrasonic Cleaner: One of the most effective ways to clean a VVT solenoid is using an ultrasonic cleaner. This method can deep clean areas unreachable by hand or brush.
   • Oil Additive: Adding a specialized oil additive can help clean the VVT system from the inside.

Solenoid Maintenance

• Regular Inspections: Check the VVT solenoid and related components during routine maintenance.
• Oil Quality: Use high-quality oil and change it regularly to prevent sludge buildup.
• Professional Service: For complex issues, consult a professional mechanic.

Related Components

• Oil Control Valve Assembly: Includes the VVT solenoid and other components controlling oil flow in the VVT system.
• Oil Control Valve Actuator: Works with the solenoid to adjust valve timing.
• Oil Pressure Control Valve (BMW, Ford F150): Ensures optimal oil pressure within the VVT system.

Conclusion

Maintaining the VVT solenoid and related components is crucial for the optimal performance of modern engines. Regular cleaning, using high-quality oil, and professional servicing can help ensure the VVT system functions efficiently, improving engine torque and overall performance. Using an ultrasonic cleaner is one of the best ways to deep clean the VVT solenoid, ensuring longevity and reliability.

Alza lower arm problems and replacement

The old Perodua Alza model from 2009 to 2022 plays a major role in the suspension area of the car, and in fact, it can have adverse effects on other components such as the driveshaft, braking system, and balancing.

First, let's discuss the driveshaft. For the Alza car, the driveshaft heavily relies on the lower arm to maintain its sturdy balance, especially inside the gearbox. A slight wear and tear to the control arm can result in a serious crackling sound in the gearbox. You might think this is a driveshaft issue and end up changing the wrong expensive part, not knowing that it's actually the lower arm which holds the driveshaft no longer stable. This was once demonstrated when I almost replaced the driveshaft due to a serious crackling sound inside the gearbox hole where the driveshaft is slotted in. The imbalance of the driveshaft's position due to a fault in the lower arm causes the gear inside the transmission to not hold the driveshaft properly. As a result, a very serious crackling sound occurs, and if left untreated, the teeth inside the gearbox might get damaged.

The second problem when the lower arm goes bad is the braking system becoming less effective at the front. This is due to the unstable brake disk, which the lower arm can no longer hold sturdily when it has gone bad. As a result, the braking system will become weak.

The third issue is tire balancing. You cannot have the Alza car balanced when the lower arm has gone bad—no matter what you do with it, when driving, it always feels wobbly. So, replacing it is the only solution to keep the car's balancing stable again.

There is one hidden trick when installing the Alza lower arm; most mechanics will use wire tape or anything to increase the size of the rear bolt of the arm to fit in exactly. The problem with hand winding the tape is that you can never get an accurate size, and sometimes you still have a gap between the bolt and the bolt hole of the lower arm. The result of this may cause random clicking noises to the driveshaft because it is not completely sturdy. This issue is very similar to the first one, but it produces random clicking noises only.

In order to solve this problem, see the picture below to learn how it should be done. Lower arm bolt bushing is the perfect solution, and the lower arm will be 100% guaranteed sturdy. No wobbling and driveshaft sound anymore

Degradation of ground surface area in older cars honda city idsi 2003-2008

The Honda City IDSI 2003-2008 model is indeed a remarkable car, boasting exceptional fuel economy that outshines its counterparts from the same era. Even after 17 years of use, the engine retains its vigor, seemingly capable of enduring another three decades without major issues.

However, with age comes a concerning issue – the gradual decline in the effectiveness of the grounding surfaces around the engine bay and chassis. This decline is primarily attributed to rust, engine oil spills, and the accumulation of dust and grime.

The resulting increase in resistance effectively splits the car's engine bay electrical grounding surface area into two distinct sections. The battery section and the fuse box each have their own grounding, whereas they should function as a unified entity.

Consequently, poor electrical connections have a considerable adverse impact on the overall engine performance of the Honda City IDSI, manifesting in issues such as:

• Delay gear shift.
• Pickup acceleration delay
• Consume a little more fuel. 
• Sluggish engine performance and sometimes very loud
• Car jerking badly when stopping at the traffic light while braking on gear D (Drive)
• Having difficult to start randomly (As if the battery is dead) empty crank.
• Door lock sometimes difficult to open / lock by the remote-control key.

The above problems arise when the engine sensors, solenoids does not have sufficient current flow to communicate with the ECU / ECM / PCM.

• On the transmission there are sensors and solenoids that must have enough current to communicate effectively with the TCM (Transmission Control Module)
• On the engine side
• MAP Sensor (Mass Absolute Pressure)
• MAF Sensor (Mass Air Flow)
• Coolant Temperature Sensor
• IAT Sensor (Intake Air Temperature)
• DDVT Solenoid
• Knock sensor.
• Oxygen Sensor
• ISCV 
• Camshaft position sensor
• Crankshaft position sensor
• Evaporative valve solenoid
• Throttle position sensor.

All engine sensors require an efficient flow of current to communicate seamlessly with the ECU, ensuring prompt operation of injectors and spark plugs for effective combustion within the engine. This assertion holds particularly true, as after the addition of a single high-quality copper wire for grounding, there was a significant improvement observed. This enhancement made it feel as if the engine had been revitalized, akin to the experience of having a new engine.

1. Gear shift delay - solved.
2. Pick up acceleration - improved significantly feeling can chase any high-speed car.
3. Fuel consumption is better.
4. Car jerks reduce significantly when braking on traffic light while on gear D.

What to do when the car feel sluggish and gear jerk

After years of driving suddenly you feel the car becoming sluggish and the gear starting to jerk especially when reverse or braking while on gear D. This is common behavior for most cars when it is getting old. So, what is first thing to check when it happens. 

The most basic thing to look at is the battery connection - make sure nothing loosely tightens and if so, tighten it accordingly. Loose battery connection can be the main culprit in sluggish car as the engine sensos such as.

MAF - Mass Air Flow Sensor

MAP - Manifold Absolute Pressure Sensor

IAT - Intake Air Temperature Sensor. 

TPS - Throttle Position Sensor

ISCV - Idle Speed Control Valve

ECT - Engine Coolant Temperature Sensor

CMP - Camshaft Position Sensor

CKP - Crankshaft Position Sensor

OCV - Oil Control Valve Solenoid

Knock Sensor

As well the spark plugs, fuel injector, fuel pumps

The sensors and components above require efficient electrical signal to communicate them between Engine Control Unit (ECU / ECM / PCM) effectively.

Meanwhile on the transmission side the gearbox solenoids and sensors require efficient current to communicate with the transmission control unit (TCU). 

Therefore, make sure the battery connection is tightly.

Redundant nipple valve on the K3 or 3sz-ve engine block behind the catalytic converter

Earlier I was wondering what the redundant nipple valve, sticking out of the 3sz-ve engine block. Even daihatsu forum has no answer for this so I've searched and found the mechanic manual book for K3 engine and it turns out that is the cooling water drain plug. Not sure what is the common function of the nipple valve since the coolant drain can easily be done via the radiator drain plug and for the record that valve rarely being used by anyone in the lifetime servicing their K3 engine.