What is a VVT actuator?
What is the Variable Valve Timing Actuator (VVT) all about? The variable valve timing actuator is one of several critical components, and is located on the camshaft. It receives a signal from the engine control module to advance or retard the timing in small increments.
How does a VVT actuator work?
Basically, it varies the valve timing by shifting the phase angle of camshafts. For example, at high speed, the inlet camshaft will be rotated in advance by 30° so to enable earlier intake. This movement is controlled by engine management system according to need, and actuated by hydraulic valve gears.
What are the components of the VVT system?
The primary components within the VVT system are the camshaft actuators (also known as phasers) and the VVT solenoids (also known as camshaft position actuator solenoid valves). The camshaft position actuator solenoid valve controls the oil flow to the actuator, which in turn, advances or retards the camshaft.
What is the OBD code for Variable Camshaft Timing?
It’s a generic OBD-II code that relates to the variable valve timing (VVT)—also known as variable camshaft timing—components. Issues with variable valve timing (VVT) components can trigger code P0013. In a traditional engine, valve timing is fixed. But in an engine with VVT, the camshaft position can be adjusted, thereby altering valve timing.
Why is valve timing fixed in a VVT engine?
In a traditional engine, valve timing is fixed. But in an engine with VVT, the camshaft position can be adjusted, thereby altering valve timing. The result is improved performance, increased fuel economy, or both.
What causes a bad camshaft position actuator circuit?
A bad camshaft position actuator solenoid valve control circuit often comes with symptoms that you should never ignore or prolong. To resolve the P0013 error code, you’ll need to determine its exact cause, which can prove challenging.
How does a vane type VVT system work?
The vane type VVT system utilizes the camshaft position solenoid actuators to manipulate oil pressure to the cam phasers. The Camshaft Position Actuator Solenoids are sent a 12v signal which is pulse width modulated.
What does variable valve timing ( VVT ) do?
Variable Valve Timing (VVT) is used to vary engine performance and enhancements. On dual cam systems, the PCM controls the amount of variance on both cams separately. There are two actuators in the system; one for the exhaust cam and one for the intake cam.
How does the camshaft advance actuator system work?
With the signal received from the PCM, the solenoids actuators open allowing engine pressure to enter either one of the two passages; camshaft advance or camshaft retard. Since the solenoid is pulse width modulated, the system can vary camshaft position between its two limits (25 or 50 degs depending on system).
What does it mean when your VVT is not working?
It’s obvious that most VVT failures will affect intake manifold vacuum and result in a loss of low- or high-speed engine torque. When the camshaft is not responding to the positions commanded by the PCM, the PCM should store a camshaft-related timing P0340-series error code.