Anytime the Check Engine Light comes on, you should always contact a local mechanic to inspect the car, diagnose the problem and fix what is broken. When it fails or is sending inaccurate data, this will alert the car’s computer to a potential problem and light up the Check Engine Light on the dashboard. Since the VVT switch is an electrical component, it is constantly monitored by your car’s onboard computer. The Check Engine Light is activated anytime one of multiple warning codes has been produced by the vehicle’s ECU. If you notice that the engine has a rough idle, specifically if the engine RPM rises and falls from 100 to 300 RPM at idle, contact a local ASE certified mechanic as soon as possible. Even though this unit is supposed to only work under non-normal driving conditions, it can cause the vehicle’s engine to run rough.

However, when the switch is not working properly, its ability to send accurate data is compromised.

When the vehicle is under load, the VVT switch will monitor the engine and send information to the computer to adjust the valve timing as needed. Proper ignition timing is crucial to ensuring that your engine runs smooth and efficient. Here are some common symptoms that hint towards having a bad VVT switch: 1. If the engine oil level is low, you will also experience problems with VVT operation. If your oil is dirty, sludge can clog the screen on the solenoid, causing a failure. The most common cause of failure for both the VVT switch and the VVT solenoid is a lack of basic maintenance. In many ways, the symptoms of a failing VVT switch are similar to the symptoms of a VVT solenoid. Just like any other mechanical or electrical component, the VVT switch is prone to wearing out or breaking completely. The VVT solenoid operates the system while the VVT switch provides the valuable feedback to the car’s computer to adjust the timing on the fly.

This tells the cylinder valves to open or close sooner or later than normal and also tells the ignition system to fire at a designated time in order to increase engine efficiency. Once activated by the variable valve timing switch, the engine of your car, truck, or SUV will receive input from the ECU to advance or retard the ignition timing. The specific device used to relay information from the VVT to the vehicle's computer is the variable valve timing switch. However, if the vehicle is driving with extra weight in the trunk, pulling a trailer or at higher speeds, this system is activated. When a car, truck or SUV is driving in normal driving conditions, the VVT is not active. The performance and fuel efficiency established by today's modern cars is possible thanks in large part to the variable valve timing system.

Variable valve timing sensor