VVT actuator fault

[domjolly]

got a fault being thrown up with the rs tuner saying VVT actuator fault, did a search but all it said was a solenoid needs changing. would someone please elaborate about what this problem is as the car feels no different to drive, also what part needs changing, where is its home and how hard is it to change? also if someone has the part number that would be much appreciated as well.

hopefully someone can help

cheers dom

 

[MicKPM]

Any codes given begining "DF"? No experience with the RSt i'm afraid

 

[mr.pink87]

I would check the wiring from the ECU to the VVT solenoid (located left from cylinder 4 spark plug well) and the connector on the solenoid first before changing the actuator itself.

 

[domjolly]

yeah the code is DF0063 - Present
an another one DF0063 - Memory

hope that helps. and when you say check the wireing you mean just make sure its all plugged in or what? what difference to engine running would this make?

 

[DannyR]

I've got a spare one if you need it!

 

[domjolly]

Ok mate I'll let you know I have just got to figure out what I'm looking at or what I need to take apart to fix the part/check it

 

[MicKPM]

With DF063 as present its a bit more to go on and its going to be either an open circuit within the component itself or a short circuit to earth/+12v within the wiring... the question now is which. Remove the multiplug from the solenoid and clean them up (You may also want to try slightly bending the pins to). Clear the codes, start the engine and see if they come back.

If they don't - mint, you've cured the connection issue.
If it does - boo, unplug the component and see if it clears the DF063 and replaces it with something else.

Mick

 

[domjolly]

If this solenoid has gone would it cause a really loud noise when you pull away and blip the throttle? My car this morning sounds awful and really lumpy on idle, any ideas?

 

[MicKPM]

No,the F4R isn't in a constant state of VVC like the K4M is so it shouldn't cause this. What kind of "loud" noise are we talking about?

 

[domjolly]

Sounds like a seriously loud metal on metal knocking noise extremely fast as well I'll get a video up later

 

[domjolly]

right this is the noise im getting seems like its coming from the top of the engine. checked oil thats fine. just had the exhaust changed as i thought that may be the culprit till i heard this. have you guys got any idea what it could be?

this video shows that its inbetween certain revs as does the following one but only if you rev it as if your accelerating hard.




and this is roughly where its coming from


any ideas guys. like i said the only fault code thats reading is the one mentioned in my previous posts. also there are no lights on the dashboard or anything.

 

[mr.pink87]

Could be the VVT solenoid not operating as it should resulting in an incorrect oil flow to the dephaser pulley. Solenoid starts operating at 1800rpm which is the moment when the noise appears imo.

 

[domjolly]

Could be the VVT solenoid not operating as it should resulting in an incorrect oil flow to the dephaser pulley. Solenoid starts operating at 1800rpm which is the moment when the noise appears imo.

this is what i thought, as this is the only error code showing. im hoping its only this. it seems to idle fine.

 

[mr.pink87]

Try a new/(used) solenoid and see if it cures this. Should be the cheapest option.

 

[DannyR]

Mate had this problem actually and he just bought a newer lower mileage engine, unsure as to what it was!?

I've got a VVT solenoid here still if you wanna try it

 

[domjolly]

Mate had this problem actually and he just bought a newer lower mileage engine, unsure as to what it was!?

I've got a VVT solenoid here still if you wanna try it

Are you sellingit mate is it a new one?

 

[DannyR]

Yea selling it, not new but know it works

 

[domjolly]

Yea selling it, not new but know it works

How much for mate?

 

[DannyR]

Yhpm

 

[domjolly]

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Renault-Sport-Clio-172-182-VVT-Solenoid-Valve-/280701583151 just checking this is the right part for the car that im after

 

[mr.pink87]

Yeah, that's it.

 

[domjolly]

Quick question before I tackle this but does the inlet manifold need to cone off to reach the sensor struggling to understand where the solenoid is to change

 

[DannyR]

Shouldn't do from memory

 

[sideways danny]

yes, inlet needs to come off or you can't pull the solenoid out or get to the bolt

 

[domjolly]

Cool cheers mate looks like a job for the weekend I hope this fixes the issue other wise I'm stumped as to what it could be

 

[domjolly]

Fitted the new solenoid and it didn't stop the noise (glad I got one from cliospares eBay shop)?!?!? Cant figure out wtf it is. Anyone else got any good ideas as to what to check next? As no new fault codes are coming up or lights on the dash

 

[MicKPM]

Dephaser pulley check, Oil pressure measuring and a proper diagnostic session is next i'm afraid... It needs a CLIP really not a generic code reader putting on it.

Where abouts are you?

Mick

 

[domjolly]

Harlow Essex mate only thing is is that it's now declared SORN as this happened 2 days before the tax was due, so cant take it anywhere, wondering wether or not it's worth calling rac out to see if they can diagnose the fault. Going to do all the fixing myself with help from mates/dad.

Im going to check the dephaser pulley tomorrow should be easy too see if there is any play or movement in that. If not (and I'm not sure where would be best) but how much "roughly" would a full diagnostic check be?

Thanks for all this help and advice Mick much appreciated
Dom

 

[MicKPM]

Honestly, I wouldn't trust the RAC/AA to diagnose this and would start by checking the dephaser for signs of free play at cold and go from there. Personally, to check mechanical oil pressure, diags and insepct the dephaser I'd charge an hours labour which is £35.

 

[domjolly]

Honestly, I wouldn't trust the RAC/AA to diagnose this and would start by checking the dephaser for signs of free play at cold and go from there. Personally, to check mechanical oil pressure, diags and insepct the dephaser I'd charge an hours labour which is £35.

Where snouts are you based mate take it nowhere near Harlow Essex? Lol

 

[MicKPM]

Nottingham so not exactly close no... If you wanna pay my fuel and a day rate I'lll come out

 

[Dan519]

only time I've heard a noise like that is when valves have been hitting pistons very slightly, but it did it when the vvt switched and above.

Timing check, Dephaser check, oil pressure check, and bore scope to check for any contact would be my course of action

 

[MicKPM]

I agree with Danny - the only thing that worries me is that based on the initial video clip, it only seems to rattle/tap on aggressive throttle/load not progressive throttle/load which is why i suspect an oil pressure fault (Blocked or failing oil pump, low oil level, other?)

You reallly shouldn't keep running this engine until it has been correctly diagnosed matey and don't trust the breakdown reps. Get it trailored to a specialist or call someone out cos it will save you cash in the long run, not to mention get it sorted faster!

Times are hard but if it does take the lump out you'll be looking at a serious bill around £1200-1400 for sure

Mick

 

[domjolly]

Thanks for all the help and info guys I'm going to take it to a specialist around my way, just got to find one now that's trust worthy thanks again

 

[MicKPM]

If you have RAC/AA cover call them out and tell them under no circumstances are they to attempt to start the vehicle and that it needs recovery to a local garage of your choosing... It might work

 

[colesy]

Was this issue ever resolved? My 182 turbo is making the exact same noise in the same conditions. Never when it’s cold, only when up to temp. I know the timing is spot as I spent a while getting it right.
After reading this I will do a manual oil pressure check to make sure it’s not dropping pressure when hot.
Up until this point I was putting it down to a fake Dephaser purchased off eBay but maybe it isn’t that.
Any help would be appreciated, cheers!

 

[hopgop1]

Had a quick look through the OP's post history, not entirely clear what fixed it for them, but the below posts may help you:

dumbass question

well the car has been off the road now for several weeks(months) due to a violent knocking noising coming from the engine bay when accelerating in any gear usually from about 1400rpm and onwards to bout 4500rpm. I originally thought it was the dephaser pully as did several people on here, but i...

cliosport.net

Whining with revs...

Hey, My car makes a slight whining noise on acceleration and decelleration over about 3k revs. I thought it was gnocchi related at first, but it does it parked up in neutral, clutch in and out. I've had a quick search and lower idler pulley seems to be likely? Camvelt &auxbelt kit were done...

cliosport.net

 

[colesy]

Had a quick look through the OP's post history, not entirely clear what fixed it for them, but the below posts may help you:

dumbass question

well the car has been off the road now for several weeks(months) due to a violent knocking noising coming from the engine bay when accelerating in any gear usually from about 1400rpm and onwards to bout 4500rpm. I originally thought it was the dephaser pully as did several people on here, but i...

cliosport.net

Whining with revs...

Hey, My car makes a slight whining noise on acceleration and decelleration over about 3k revs. I thought it was gnocchi related at first, but it does it parked up in neutral, clutch in and out. I've had a quick search and lower idler pulley seems to be likely? Camvelt &auxbelt kit were done...

cliosport.net

Cheers will have a read! Thank you.