Spool Valve Operation Inspection

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2017 Mazda 3. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

Disconnect the negative battery cable. (See NEGATIVE BATTERY CABLE DISCONNECTION/CONNECTION .)
Remove the OCV. (See OIL CONTROL VALVE (OCV) REMOVAL/INSTALLATION .)
Verify that the spool valve in the OCV is in the maximum valve timing advance position as indicated in the figure.

Fig 1: Spool Valve Maximum Valve Timing Position Location
Courtesy of MAZDA MOTORS CORP.
- If not as specified, replace the OCV. (See OIL CONTROL VALVE (OCV) REMOVAL/INSTALLATION .)
Verify that the battery is fully charged. (See BATTERY INSPECTION .)
- If not as specified, recharge the battery. (See BATTERY RECHARGING .)
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 2: Oil Control Valve Connector Terminal A And B
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 retard position.

Fig 3: Moving Spool Valve Timing To Retard Position
Courtesy of MAZDA MOTORS CORP.
- If not as specified, replace the OCV. (See OIL CONTROL VALVE (OCV) REMOVAL/INSTALLATION .)
Stop applying battery positive voltage and verify that the spool valve returns to the maximum valve timing advance position.
- If not as specified, replace the OCV. (See OIL CONTROL VALVE (OCV) REMOVAL/INSTALLATION .)
Install the OCV. (See OIL CONTROL VALVE (OCV) REMOVAL/INSTALLATION .)