Variable Valve Sensor Error

[Craig]

Good afternoon all.

I took my girlfriends car into a garage (Toyota Yaris, 02, Auto) after the engine warning light came on. The plugged it in, and came back to say that the error code it threw up means that it is something to do with the Variable Valve Timing. They have told me that they need to replace both the Variable Valve Pump and the Variable Valve Pump Sensor, at a cost of £200 plus labour. Howevey, when pressed, they also admitted that this may not clear the fault, so I should also consider changing oil and oil filters. :iono:

I am reluctant to pay in excess of £500 for them to do work which may or may not fix the problem. :eyebulge:

Surely they can give me a better diagnostics than this, something a little more concrete than "probable... maybe" etc.:thumbdown:

Has anyone else had this problem, is it dangerous to drive the car whilst this error code appears?

I am a complete novice when it come to repairs, diagnostics etc so any help / advice would be greatly appreciated.:bow:

Kind regards,

Craig

[CTScott]

Can you find out what the actual error code was?

Also, which engine does your Yaris have (1.0L, 1.3L, or 1.5L)?

[markweatherill]

The main components associated with the variable valve timing are the 'oil control valve' and its associated filter which would be the things to look at first. And inside the engine, the camshaft sprocket. I'm concerned about the terminology the garage has used as it doesn't sound like they are familiar with this system!
(on various forums I've been reading that a simple clean of the OCV filter may be all that's needed in similar cases. I've been reading up on the subject recently)

[Tamago]

did you hit the oil control valve with a hammer while installing a lightweight pulley? ;)

[yaris2010RS]

did you hit the oil control valve with a hammer while installing a lightweight pulley? ;)

u did it too?

[Tamago]

u did it too?

nope, but i've had dozens of people ask me to sell me one, right after they installed their awesome-super-power pulleys...

[aruester]

nope, but i've had dozens of people ask me to sell me one, right after they installed their awesome-super-power pulleys...

LMAO! That would be me! Retensioning the belt and SNAP.... oops.

[yaris2010RS]

LMAO! That would be me! Retensioning the belt and SNAP.... oops.

yep same thing i did..... i sent a few ppl these that i had cleaned out from the local junkyards

[auxmike]

Is this it?
It's real easy to bust off the black connector when fooling with the waterpump or alternator.:cry:

[yak]

I realize this is an old post but...
I'm replacing my OCV for typical the reason, yep; dinged it changing the alternator belt.
When I attempted to remov the OCV the solenoid and the actuator separated...bugger...poor design in my opinion looking at the head there is flange which I cant get a grip on but I can remove the plunger that is inside the actuator dya think an easy out (screw extractor) will work to remove it ?

cheers & thanx
yak

[YarisSedan]

Something as simple as low oil or incorrect oil can cause this fault. I would try a oil change first and clear the fault and see if it comes back

[jcboy]

i suggest always try with the cheapest possible culprits first. look at the factors of vvti error throwing a CEL. it can be as complicated as the sensor, a bit simpler a stuck valve, or as simple as wrong oil viscosity.

yes that means an oil change would be cheapest.

[yaitsme]

Welcome to the club. I did the same thing when I went to tighten the belt for a squeal sound when starting the engine. The solenoid is very easy to replace, the picture that auxmike posted above is the part. 1 bolt and it comes right out. Try to get it from local junkyards like yaris2010rs did. Its very expensive from the dealer.

[yariseggvvti]

Is this it?
It's real easy to bust off the black connector when fooling with the waterpump or alternator.:cry:

Found oil leak from this valve. It seems like the O-ring is bad.

Has anyone replace this valve?

Thanks!