Spool Valve Operation Inspection

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2005 Mazda 6. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

Disconnect the negative battery cable.
Remove the plug hole plate. (See PLUG HOLE PLATE REMOVAL/INSTALLATION .)
Remove the OCV. (See PLUG HOLE PLATE REMOVAL/INSTALLATION .)
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.
Verify that the battery is fully charged.
- If not as specified, recharge the battery.
  
  Fig 1: Identifying Spool Valve
  Courtesy of MAZDA MOTORS CORP.
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 2: Identifying OCV Terminals
Courtesy of MAZDA MOTORS CORP.
- If not as specified, replace the OCV.
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
    
    Fig 3: Identifying Valve Timing Advance Position
    Courtesy of MAZDA MOTORS CORP.
Stop applying battery positive voltage and verify that the spool valve returns to the maximum valve timing retard position.
- If not as specified, replace the OCV.
Install the OCV. (See OIL CONTROL VALVE (OCV) REMOVAL/INSTALLATION .)
Install the plug hole plate. (See PLUG HOLE PLATE REMOVAL/INSTALLATION .)