the scanner I used says it's variable valve timing solenoid. Can someone help me with this? where is it? what does it do?

I had a misfire code for #3 cylinder and found a broken spark plug. I replaced all the plugs. In doing so some oil that had leaked around the plugs went into the cylinders. Other than that the car has never run better since I have owned it for a few months. Just FYI

THANKS FOR ANY HELP

 

Timmey:
what year and model? It matters.

 

Part of the system that controls the variable valve timing system.

 

1999 xj8 base model

 

dont know if it matters but I hear pinging under hard accerlation or up hills

 

https://www.jaguarforums.com/forum/x...-1396-a-26334/

had timing chain tensioners done recently by any chance?

 

No timing chain tensioner work... I have read many threads about this. Don't know how it may apply to my situation... I'm in the dark

 

maybe the wrong person to ask, I remove problematic VVT systems from these engines and replace the parts with non vvt parts.
Crappy fuel can give pinging - maybe try a tank of high octane fuel at next fill up. But if that was the case, maybe a knock sensor would report the pinging?

If you look thru the thread I posted there's a problem tree from Jaguar posted on likely causes of this code.

For more information on the vvt system, have a butchers at this...(kindly supplied by Sinister1)

 

Say Sean, 'ave you got more than page 1 of that document?

And Timmey, the VVT is the device that controls the cam timing. So, If the chain jumped a tooth, I THINK that code is a possible result on AJ 27 engines (like yours). I think someone should have a look at the tensioners SOON.

 

The car is running perfectly, like a top.... I put some octane booster in the fuel and only been putting premium gas in it and I don't notice the pinging... really has never run better... ?????

 

Well, "never run better" is sortta subjective. The possible consequences of a bad tensioner, the connection with the VVT fault, and the proclivity of these cars to that problem, make it seem like a good idea to have it checked.

The manual lists "Possible Causes" as :
VVT solenoid valve to ECM PWM drive
circuit fault
VVT solenoid valve to ECM ground circuit
fault
VVT solenoid failure
VVT oil flow fault
VVT / camshaft mechanical failure

Note #5, which was added for the AJ27 engine.

BTW, What broke the spark plug?

 

good question about what broke the spark plug????? I know the previous owner never changed them...(NOW, cus I asked him) the other plugs had an enormous amount of build up of ? on them... like sand and a few of them were almost solid grounded out because of it.... the car smokes at start up more than half the time, not all.... I'm guessing bad valve guides with 168,000 miles... It really runs good but I'm noticing the odometer pulsing on and off like there is a loose connection somewhere.... I did just go through the main electrical connections and clean them. I found a fried wire coming out of the passengers side bulk head extension. I cut off the wire back to where the wire was clean and in good condition and hook the connection back up with a steel bolt and nuts to allow it to go through the hole in the bulk head connection so I could replace and seal that area to protect the computer... I'm thinking that may be causing the pulsating in the odometer??? asap I will replace that with the proper connectors but I'm inclined to think that should not be a problem.... however I'm surprised at the sensitivity of electrical input, output in this car that I cannot be sure.... any thoughts???

 

@ timmey - Jaguar's respond to good, high octane fuel - Premium car, premium gas. Period.

What is the colour of the stray wire? does it come from a connector, a pic would be good?

 

Sean:
I think you only got page one of the pdf posted. I would sure appreciate the complete document for my library, if you have it.

 

@Ross, Sinister pasted this when I inquired about resetting vvt units.

I've a pdf on the V8 engine somewhere that page came from, p.m. me your email. Surprised you haven't got it.

 

what part was broken on the spark plug? if it was the metal that creates the gap over the diode, i am thinking there was a piece of metal then floating around in the cylinder , and as result , may have been "passed" out of the exhaust valve. however , in the process may have thrown that valve and cam out just enough to cause a VVT code. if its running fine, you may have lucked out, did you try clearing the code, and how soon does it return?

 

I recently replaced the timing chain, tensioners and guides on my 98 xj8 base and now I'm getting p1396 reading: ignition coil power stage cylinder 6 short circuit to ground. (There were no codes before the timing work.) Replaced all plugs, getting ready to replace a loose cam position sensor CONNECTOR. I don't really feel a misfire. Fuel mileage is good. There is some loss of power compared to before the work but idles smooth and steady @ 925 rpm. Also I have done a hard reset as well as performing the ECM reset per a technical bulletin re driveability concerns post DTC pepair. Still this code returns along with p0172: system too rich bank one.

Anyone have experience with this sequence of events?

 

It is likely that you dislodged something while you were doing the work so look at
the plug wire but if you see nothing amiss, try the following as possible causes for that code:

Faulty spark plug 6
Clogged or faulty fuel injector 6
Faulty ignition coil 6
Fuel injector 6 harness is open or shorted
Fuel injector 6 circuit poor electrical connection
Ignition coil 6 harness is open or shorted
Ignition coil 6 circuit poor electrical connection
Insufficient cylinder 6 compression
Incorrect fuel pressure
Intake air leak

I would start with the most probable cause at the top and work your way down.

 

Betting you have crimped or in some way grounded out a thin wire to #6 coil: check your work, from six's coil, check each thin wire in the loom