Spool Valve Operation Inspection

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2009 Mazda 6. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

Remove the OCV. (See OIL CONTROL VALVE (OCV) REMOVAL/INSTALLATION [L5] .)
Verify that the spool valve in the OCV is in the maximum valve timing retard position as indicated in the figure.
- If not as specified, replace the OCV (See OIL CONTROL VALVE (OCV) REMOVAL/INSTALLATION [L5] .)
Verify that the battery is fully charged. (See BATTERY INSPECTION [L5] .)
- If not as specified, recharge the battery. (See BATTERY RECHARGING [L5] .)
NOTE:
- When applying battery positive voltage between the OCV terminals, the connection can be either of the following
  - Positive battery cable to terminal A, negative battery cable to terminal B
  - Positive battery cable to terminal B, negative battery cable to terminal A
Apply battery positive voltage between the OCV terminals and verify that the spool valve operates and moves to the maximum valve timing advance position.

Fig 1: Identifying Spool Valve Maximum Valve Timing Retard Position
Courtesy of MAZDA MOTORS CORP.

Fig 2: Identifying OCV Connector
Courtesy of MAZDA MOTORS CORP.
- If not as specified, replace the OCV (See OIL CONTROL VALVE (OCV) REMOVAL/INSTALLATION [L5] .)
Stop applying battery positive voltage and verify that the spool valve returns to the maximum valve timing retard position.

Fig 3: Identifying Valve Timing Advance & Retard Position
Courtesy of MAZDA MOTORS CORP.
- If not as specified, replace the OCV. (See OIL CONTROL VALVE (OCV) REMOVAL/INSTALLATION [L5] )
Install the OCV. (See OIL CONTROL VALVE (OCV) REMOVAL/INSTALLATION [L5] )