Thread: how do i know if the VVL is stuck?

when i release the gas peddle i hear a strange sound. it sounds like the VVL is still engaged. how do i tell?

if it idles like a bag of spanners

If your car takes flight or suddenly aims for trees/ditches at idle.

ya what he said..


try unplugging the solenoids see if it changes the idle..

The VVL will usually shut off at idle when the engine warms up when oil pressure drops.

It depends, I had one time the cable that activates the VVL got pinched when I tied down the battery hold down nut and it got the VVL activating at idle and it sounded like I had C3 cams lopey idle, It took me awhile to figure it out though.

will it cause the car to backfire while decelerating?

hahaha im not sure on that, but crappy exhaust can do that..

it's a stock VE motor in a P11

in your case there are mainly two ways it can stick.

1) ECU faulty.

2) Solenoids sticking. U can use a couple wires and manualy activate them by connecting to the battery, it should be a clear audible click that will repeat as often as you touch and release to the battery terminals. If this is not happening or the click is faint/intermitent, take out the solenoids and clean them with carb spray or whatever will remove oil sludge. Think its a 22mm spanner or deep socket will be required to remove them.