Find the Signs of a Bad Variable Valve Timing in Mini Cooper by Dallas Mechanic

Find the Signs of a Bad Variable Valve Timing in Mini Cooper by Dallas Mechanic In a Mini Cooper, the variable valve timing or VVT solenoid is used for changing the position of the camshaf in the engine to provide better performance. It is also known with several names such as the oil control solenoid, camshaf actuator solenoids, and VANOS solenoids.

Thus, the VVT solenoid is providing the right amount of oil for lubricating the VVT chain and gear assembly and activates the mechanism for adjusting the valve timing.

When the system is failed, you will notice premature wear of the timing chain and gear due to the lack of proper lubrication.

Moreover, the VVT solenoid is wearing out or damaged for several reasons. To prevent the complete damages of the VVT solenoid, you have to go through a few of its warning signs in Mini Cooper.

How does the VVT solenoid work?

To increase the performance and fuel mileage of the Mini Cooper, it has an advanced VVT solenoid. Moreover, it is providing you several benefits such as change the valve timing of the engine, increasing fuel mileage and enhances its performance without affecting its driveability on lower RPMs. When the solenoid is open and adjusts the timing of the camshaft, then the ECU is sending power to the solenoid for controlling the oil flow to the camshafts. The VVT system contains many components in which the VVT solenoid applies oil pressure for activating the actuators to change the camshaft position and valve timing.

Causes behind the failed variable valve timing Basically, the variable valve timing is providing the right amount of oil to run the engine efficiently and conserve fuel by altering the valve lif events. Moreover, like other components, the VVT system also failed in your Mini Cooper for many causes such as:   

Lack of required maintenance Clogged solenoid due to contaminated oil Low engine oil level

Signs of bad variable valve timing When the variable valve timing of the Mini Cooper is failed, it will show different signs while driving it on the road.

Rough engine idling When your Mini is running at an idle condition, the VVT solenoid is adjusting the camshaft timing for providing you a smooth idling. If the engine has a higher RPM or having a load-bearing situation, then the VVT system activates automatically.

But, the failed VVT system is increasing the flow of engine oil to the VVT gears and cause rough idling of the engine with the fluctuated engine RPM. At this point, the camshaft timing is causing difficulty for the engine to manage the RPM and stall.

Neglecting the issue for longer may prematurely wear out the engine components.

Reduce engine performance For keeping a steady engine performance at lower RPMs, the VVT solenoid in your Mini is increasing the engine power. When the VVT solenoid is failed, you will notice a sudden drop in engine performance due to a lack of advanced camshaft timing as needed.

If you notice the reduced engine performance in your Mini while driving, then consult a reputed mechanic for inspecting the VVT system as soon as possible.

Activated check engine light All the components of modern cars are monitored by the engine control unit. If any problem is found in any of the components, then the ECU will store a trouble code that will help the mechanics to determine the problem in the car by using a scan tool.

Like the other damages, the failed VVT solenoid will also activate the check engine light on the dashboard. When the VVT system is not working efficiently, the ECU will determine the problem and inform the sensors to trigger the check engine light.

Dirty engine oil Thus, the VVT solenoid of the Mini Cooper is working efficiently by using the engine oil which is clean and free from outside debris. But, when the engine oil is contaminated by outside debris, it will lose its viscosity or lubricity. Moreover, the dirty engine will not only clog the VVT system but also the VVT gears and chain.

For preventing damages to the VVT solenoid, gear drive, and the VVT chain, you have to change the engine oil on a regular schedule by a recommended manufacturer.

Reduce fuel mileage The variable valve timing of your car is opening and closing at the right time for maintaining the engine performance and fuel mileage efficiently. When it is failed,

the entire system of the engine is compressed and may open and close the intake and exhaust valves at the wrong time.

Avoiding the issues for longer may reduce the fuel mileage suddenly. So, when you will notice the quick drop of fuel mileage in your Mini with an unburned fuel smell, then make sure that your car has a failed VVT sensor that needs the immediate attention of a mechanic.

Conclusion If you notice any of the above-defined signs in your Mini Cooper while driving it on the roads of Dallas, then contact a certified mechanic for inspecting the variable valve timing and replace it to keeps it running effectively.

References: https://findanyanswer.com/what-does-the-variable-valve-timing-solenoid-do https://www.autoblog.com/2016/01/13/symptoms-of-a-bad-or-failing-variablevalve-timing-vvt-solenoi/ https://mechanicbase.com/engine/bad-vvt-solenoid-symptoms/ https://www.carparts.com/blog/bad-vvt-solenoid-symptoms-what-you-need-toknow/