Spool Valve Operation Inspection

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Disconnect the negative battery cable.
Remove the Oil Control Valve (OCV).
Verify that the spool valve in the Oil Control Valve (OCV) is in the maximum valve timing retard position as indicated in the figure.
- If it exceeds the specification, replace the Oil Control Valve (OCV).
Verify that the battery is fully charged.
- If it is less than specification, recharge the battery.
Apply battery positive voltage between the Oil Control Valve (OCV) terminals and verify that the spool valve operates and moves to the maximum valve timing advance position.
- If it exceeds the specification, replace the Oil Control Valve (OCV).
  
  Fig 1: Identifying Spool Valve In Maximum Valve Timing Advance Position
  Courtesy of MAZDA MOTORS CORP.
NOTE:
- When applying battery positive voltage between the Oil Control Valve (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
Stop applying battery positive voltage and verify that the spool valve returns to the maximum valve timing retard position.
- If it exceed the specification, replace the Oil Control Valve (OCV).
  
  Fig 2: Identifying Spool Valve In Maximum Valve Timing Retard Position
  Courtesy of MAZDA MOTORS CORP.