Hi folks,

I have just replaced the 2 cylinder head gaskets on a 2002 2.5ltr S-Type. I have renewed the timing chains, chain tensioners, plugs, and the heads were skimmed.
I followed the workshop manuals to the word, using new head bolts, gaskets etc.

Prior to dismantling the engine, there were no problems with the engine, other than loss of water due to the failed head/gasket. There was no misfire, rough idle or fault codes.

Since the start up, there were no problems. After the first proper drive, I had the engine management light come on with a fault code P1396. This seems to be the right bank VVT solenoid.
There is no misfire, but I have noticed a judder through the transmission when slowing to a stop, almost like ABS activating just before coming to a stop.
If I clear the code, it doesn't show up until a restart after a decent drive, not whilst being driven.

Before I go through the rigmarole of undoing all my work, I was thinking of applying some ATF to the oil then drain and refill... First question - good idea/worth trying ?
OR do I change the solenoid ? If so, (not having a great memory) can I change the solenoid without removing the front cover again ?

Will driving the vehicle (not hard) cause any problems or likely to cause damage whilst running the ATF for a couple of hundred miles ?

Any advice greatly appreciated.

Matt

 

Like most codes it's a 2-trip one so won't normally flag on the first drive (but it'll be pending I think).

You could try the ATF but I rather doubt in your case that it'll work - cheap and easy to give it go, though.

Could it not be a circuit fault, bearing in mind the work you've done? Some wiring/connector could have been upset perhaps.

 

Hi JagV8

I have pulled the connectors and re-made them (even used some WD40 as I had cleaned the engine then used compressed air to dry everything).
My wife is meant to be using the car for a few days, and my concern at the moment is, will it do any damage ? She doesn't drive the car hard...
Thank you again.

 

So far the VVT errors do not cause any damage. We also have had factory techs recommend the ATF in the oil trick so I don't think you are off base doing that either.

VVT problems are usually found on cars with high mileage but we don't know how many miles your car has?

Any chance you can drop the pan and look for sludge? It has also been reported that the timing tensioners came apart and put some plastic pieces in the pan that can get picked up and circulated around the engine.

I would do the ATF first. 1 QT about 500 miles before changing oil. Then report back to the list what changed.


Be aware you might need to change one or both VVT's and they are expensive. So hold off on that for now.
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Tbird6

Thank you for your assistance... It's put my mind at rest...
The vehicle has done 98K miles. The oil was and has always been fine, there was no sludging when the gaskets failed (it pressurised the cooling system and therefore didn't suck water into the oil. With front cover off, I could see the sump looked clean. I also dropped oil through each bank prior to finishing the work and emptied the sump to make sure.
The tensioners were fine and complete on removal, and new guides and tensioners fitted.
I will add the ATF and then change that as recommended.
Should I need to change the solenoid, do you know if I can do that with just removing the cam cover ?
Thank you again.
Matt

 

Sorry I don't know. We get very few questions about the 2.5L because it was never sold in the US. Maybe look at the JTIS for instructions?
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Either way it will have to be done
Many thanks again.

Matt

 

You could check the wiring end to end, though access may be awkward.

You're doing all the right things so don't be worried overall.