Bad CVVT solenoid?

s10lowrider1994 · Post by **s10lowrider1994** » 06 Mar 2018, 19:34

Trying to track down the course of my rough idle, I think I have it narrowed down to the cvvt solenoid but wanted to run it by the pros. I haven’t driven this car in a while, it was having intermittent ETM issues and I finally bit the bullet and went the XeMODeX route. I’m wanting to drive it more now that the ETM is fixed but I’ve had this on again, off again idle issue. The first time it happened, I was able to smack the cvvt solenoid, it made an odd noise and the idle smoothed right out. Worked fine for a few weeks, did it again today. I’ve tried cleaning it with brake cleaner, soaked it in brake fluid, blew out the passages, nothing. Even tried wiring it right to the battery as a few suggested to see if it functioned, not so much as a click. Is there a 100% positive way to pinpoint it before I go spend money on a new one? It’s not throwing a code but it runs like poo at all rpm and it’s identical to the first time it happened, only I can’t convince it to work with a smack this time.

Post by **Ozark Lee** » 06 Mar 2018, 21:26

The lack of a code is troublesome. If the CVVT is the slightest bit out of spec it will throw a code. My experience with a wonky CVVT is that the car just lacks it usual punch but it otherwise runs smooth.

Perhaps smacking the CVVT solenoid is clearing up an otherwise loose connection. A couple of suspects come to mind.

There are coil grounds on the top of the cam cover that have been known to come loose and it causes the associated coils to misfire. The other electrical connection in the area is the ECT sensor but I think that it would take wiggling its pigtail directly to get it to reveal a fault. The coil grounds are black wires that are bundled to a common lug and they are bolted directly to the cam cover.

...Lee

Post by **RickHaleParker** » 06 Mar 2018, 21:33

What is the condition of your oil? Poor oil conditions can cause problems with the CVVT.

I suspect sludge or other oil contaminants are causing the problem. This is based on the fact that it worked fine for a couple of weeks after you cleaned it out. A through cleaning of the oil delivery system and the PCV system may be in order.

s10lowrider1994 · Post by **s10lowrider1994** » 07 Mar 2018, 12:21

Did an oil change today and ran it for a bit, nothing changed. The idle isn’t jumping up and down or erratic, it’s just rough, like the timing is off. Checked the grounds up top for the coil packs, everything is clean and there isn’t any damaged wiring underneath the cover. Also has new plugs just for good measure. As of now no CEL, no pending codes, no ETS light. One thing I noticed while messing around today is that if I unplug the ETM and plug it back in, it runs perfect for about 3 seconds and then goes back to how it was. I’m assuming if a rebuilt XeMODeX unit was faulty, it would at least trigger the ETS light or throw a code, I was also having the idle issue before I replaced the ETM so I doubt it’s related. Ordered a cvvt solenoid, we’ll see what happens I guess.

Post by **abscate** » 07 Mar 2018, 13:44

You cannot test stuff like that. Codes come from Sub- routines that are run and logic conditions that are met, in addition disconnecting electronics that are energized is a good way to add to your woes.

The CVVT solenoids have a spec of about 30 Ohms DC resistance but can fail mechanically while still meeting electrical specs

Post by **wizechatmgr** » 08 Mar 2018, 18:39

From what I've seen on the forums - the CVVT solenoids don't go bad that often but are often replaced because they're relatively cheap and easy to get to.

On the '99+ V70's I believe you can actuate that solenoid provided the car is turned to on but not running utilizing VIDA. Then you listen for it to click. If it clicks than more likely than not it is mechanically free and electrically intact.

If it were me, I'd buy a new gasket for it, remove it and blow some solvent through it - such as carb cleaner. After clean, oil it and reinstall.

Post by **abscate** » 08 Mar 2018, 19:12

I think I have a spare known-to-be-good one for sale, but I got a freebie paid forward to me. If your in a garden of green nest I can send for a test . If money is tight , paying it forward is right

PM and let’s check part numbers.

s10lowrider1994 · Post by **s10lowrider1994** » 09 Mar 2018, 10:44

wizechatmgr wrote: ↑08 Mar 2018, 18:39 From what I've seen on the forums - the CVVT solenoids don't go bad that often but are often replaced because they're relatively cheap and easy to get to.

On the '99+ V70's I believe you can actuate that solenoid provided the car is turned to on but not running utilizing VIDA. Then you listen for it to click. If it clicks than more likely than not it is mechanically free and electrically intact.

If it were me, I'd buy a new gasket for it, remove it and blow some solvent through it - such as carb cleaner. After clean, oil it and reinstall.

I’ve tried cleaning it, but had no success. It’s the original solenoid and the car has almost 300k miles, it’s lived a fulfilling life. I ordered a used one from ebay that’s supposed to be here tomorrow, hopefully it works.

s10lowrider1994 · Post by **s10lowrider1994** » 09 Mar 2018, 10:47

abscate wrote: ↑08 Mar 2018, 19:12 I think I have a spare know now go back s good one for sale, but I got a freebie paid forward to me. If your in a garden of green nest I can send for a test . If money is tight , paying it forward is right

PM and let’s check part numbers.

I’ve got a used one from ebay that’s supposed to arrive tomorrow. I appreciate the offer though, there’s some good people on this forum.

Post by **erikv11** » 09 Mar 2018, 20:13

I'm late to the party but FYI: When my car had a bad CVVT solenoid, the only symptom was rough idle. I think replacing it the right call, let us know.