Repair of a Faulty VVT Solenoid in Your Mini in Jeffersonville

The Variable Valve Timing solenoid, also called the VVT, in your Mini is designed to help you get every bit of horsepower out of your engine as possible. The VVT system was first introduced in the latter part of the 20th century, and was one of the biggest breakthroughs of the time.

When a VVT solenoid wears down with use or from external issues, it may be hard to spot at first, because the VVT is not activated at all times, but only when the engine is under stress or at high RPMs. For this reason, we’ve put together this article to help you spot a faulty VVT solenoid, what to do if you’re experiencing problems and the best place to get your Mini fixed up in the Jeffersonville, Indiana area.

The Function of the Variable Valve Timing Solenoid

The purpose of the VVT system is to make your vehicle as efficient as possible by monitoring and adjusting the intake and exhaust valves. VVT works in conjunction with the engine control module, the brain of your vehicle, in order to make these adjustments.

The solenoid takes the information from the engine control module and uses oil to alter the position of the camshaft. By doing so, the VVT solenoid can adjust the timing of the opening and closing of the valves and how long they stay open and how wide they are open.

The VVT system is typically only activated when your vehicle is under some sort of stress, like carrying a heavy load, going up a hill, or traveling at high speeds.

Warning Signs of a Faulty VVT Solenoid

You will want to catch a bad VVT solenoid in your Mini as soon as possible. If left on its own to continue to malfunction, the timing chain can wear down and break due to the lack of lubrication. Here are some of the common signs of a faulty VVT solenoid:

• Fluctuating RPMs at Idle: We said above that the VVT typically isn’t engaged until at high RPMs, but if it isn’t functioning properly, the VVT solenoid may direct more oil to the VVT gears, resulting in a particularly rough idle and inappropriate changes in RPM.
• Poor Fuel Economy: This is a problem no one wants to deal with: bad gas mileage. Minis are known for having wonder fuel efficiency, but a faulty VVT solenoid can seriously reduce it. The VVT ensures that valves are opened and closed most efficiently, so if you’ve got a faulty solenoid, it’s a cause for inefficiency.
• Check Engine Light: Always keep an eye on your dashboard to make sure that you aren’t being alerted to any potential problems in your car’s engine. While the check engine light may be illuminated for a number of issues, if the check engine light comes on and you’ve experienced one or more of these other symptoms, there may be a problem with your Mini’s VVT solenoid.

The Fix

As the saying goes, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure, and the best way to prevent a bad VVT solenoid is to change your oil regularly to prevent engine oil deposits that can inhibit the solenoid’s work.

However, if your VVT solenoid has gone bad, it will need to be replaced. To replace the VVT solenoid, disconnect the battery, find the old solenoid, located near the valve corner and remove it from its connector. However, a trusted mechanic will be able to get the job done quickly and reliably.

Mike Johns Imports Can Fix the VVT Solenoid in Your Mini

Many people don’t have time to worry about all the problems in their car. That’s what the trusted professionals at Mike Johns Imports are here to do. We will work to know exactly what the problem is with your car, and then use our state of the art facility and expert mechanics to get it back in tip-top shape.

We specialize in Mini and BMW, so you can rest assured that your car is in the best hands possible. Even with decades of experience in the automotive repair industry, we still value every customer like they are our first.

Mike Johns Imports proudly serves the communities of Crestwood, Hurstbourne, Jeffersontown, Louisville, St. Matthews and Jeffersonville, Indiana. We treat all of our customers like family. If you have any issues with your BMW or Mini, stop by Mike Johns for reliable repair and maintenance.