I have a 2002 s type with 90,000k miles. Right after I purchased it the CEL came on with a P1383 code. Hey there Jagv8. After one jag dealership did a reflash and changed the oil to 10w40 the lught came back on Just came back from another Jag dealership who basically said it was definitely a VVT issue and said they could do one of two things other than what they've already done 1) change the selanoid, which they didn't recommend as it wasnt guaranteed to fix the CEL or 2) replace the engine. The head mechanic said the cause was wear on the engine and that it would be fine to drive on despite the CEL being on. he also said to make sure I buy a code clearing machine so that I could reset it before I took an emissions test as it won't pass otherwise. Im more afraid its a ticking time bomb Any thoughts?

 

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Be sure to find out the exact requirements re OBD for your local emissions/inspection laws. They may make or break that idea. If you post them I can try to explain but I can't go looking through your state laws

Generally, you'd have to clear a while before an inspection so that the monitors Complete (aka Set) - look up the law about those too (same law I expect).

For a bit more on monitors read the first 10 or so pages of the codes PDF. (Then google if you want more.)

The solenoid may be DIY - try a Search as I think someone did it.

 

its useally not a solenoid, but the VVT unti itself. there are very small passages and engien oil gunk can restrict and cause issue. ON the other spectrum, oil clearances that have opened up with mileage and time can lead to insuficient pressure to preoperly operate the VVT's(this is why I too would have recommended a thicker oil to offset clearances since a thinker oil will not go out the bearing as easily. You may want to try adding a can of STP oil thickener and see if that does anything). Also there are 2 digit codes after the code ie P1383-13 that 2 digit code refers to additional info as to what may be the cause even more. electrical, mecahnical, range/performance etc....
Past these items i would replace the VVT for that side, the unit not the solenoid

 

Wow that's not great news but thanks to both of you for the advice. Is it dangerous to drive with this issue?

 

no, nothings gonna hit, my Nissan has done it for a couple years now

 

I had a constant P1388 issue on my 2000 Jagaur S Type V8 - Most VVT issues are due to oil sludge blocking the VVT passages. Good test - un twist your oil filler cap and run your finger down the oil filler shaft - if you have gunk on your finger - good bet there's gunk in the VVT unit/solenoid. Here is what I did - I used engine flush - ran the motor for 20 - 25 minutes and drained the oil. Use a new oil filter and either 0W20 or 5W20 oil - good brand like Castrol - substitute 1 quart of oil with 1 qt - automatic transmission fluid. Run your engine and drive it normally - transmission fluid is highly detergent - it takes a while to work through the VVT unit - It's worth a try if your going to drive around for a while. It took 2 oil changes with the 1 qt transmission fluid substitution to finally clear the P1388 code. Hope this suggestion helps.

 

Thanks for the advice!

 

No problem, glad to share my experience. I was on the verge of getting a new VVT unit installed for big bucks and tried the thinner viscosity oil and trans fluid as a last resort. I also forgot to mention - I also had a P1383 code as well in addition to the P1388. The first oil change cleared that P1383 code up right away - the P1388 was the challenge. Good Luck.

 

For those with the 3.0 note TSB S303-09 (False flagging of P1383/P1388) - cured by a reflash but if that's been done then read the above LOL.

 

Also note that abonano's signature shows 196,000 miles on his S-Type. That's the highest mileage I recall being reported here on this forum....

 

Trust me Jon89, it has taken a lot of "blood, sweat, tears" and mostly $$$ and beneficial feedback (Thanks Google - but time to finally join the party) from this great forum to keep my Jag rolling. I just ran outside and checked the odometer - I am at 195,906 miles as of this morning. (I rounded up) I will get some pics up eventually...

 

I have a customer with over 220K miles on her 2001 S-Type 4.0.

I replaced the gearbox (5R55N) at around 90K miles with a local trans shop rebuild.

Replaced the ignition coils and some front suspension work.

She still has the original plastic tensioners and no noise or problems. I told her she should change them but she won't spend the money!!

bob gauff

 

When u had this issue did the c/h thing come on like over heating?

 

Man 220K miles on the origianl plastic tensioners!!! She must be one lucky lady!


That is the record as far as I have heard. I have seen piles of broken tensioner plastic at 60K miles before.
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Just a heads up, but if you do need a new VVT, Mine for 2000 4.0 was 900 + tax here in Ontario

Mis diagnose made them replace that but what I needed was a Cam. :\

 

rarely do the VVT's go but then again, if they get gummed up w/ oil sludge - that's a different story an yeah, they're expensive!!

 

Would anyone recommend ATF, or some other additive that would keep sludge from accumulating in the first place?

 

Adequate oil changes probably are fine but once in a while add the ATF 500 miles before the next change. The cars have mostly got to about 15 years old with no ATF so the VVT problem is only affecting some cars some of the time. May even be those where oil changes have been neglected or too thick an oil used.

 

Did this really flush/atf procedure really work for you? I recently opened a new thread on the VVT flushing concept (check my most recent post). The most recent post recommends a thicker oil, but using a thinner oil with ATF (temporarily) makes more sense to me. How long would you drive it before draining that AFT mixture and filling with fresh oil? Thanks. - Mike

 

The tech Brutal recommended it I think but it may have been another tech. About 500 miles before oil change.