Diagnosis & Repair (Using OBD-II Scan Tool)
WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2003 Lexus SC 430. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.
- Check valve timing. Check for loose and jumping teeth of timing belt. Adjust as necessary. If okay, go to next step.
- Start engine. If engine speed is normal when disconnecting OCV connector, then idle is rough or engine stalls when applying battery positive voltage between terminals of the OCV, go to next step. See Fig 1. If engine speed is not to specification, go to step 4.
- Clear DTC by operating the hand-held tester to erase the codes or disconnecting the battery terminal or EFI and ECTS fuses. Start and warm up the engine. Drive the vehicle around for 10 minutes or more. Read output DTC using OBD-II scan tool. If no DTC is output, VVT system is okay. If DTC is output, go to next step.
- Using oscilloscope during idle, check waveform between terminals E2 (OCV+ and OCV-) and E4 (OCR+ and OCR-) at ECM connectors. Waveform frequency is lengthened as the engine speed becomes higher. See Figure. If okay, go to next step. If not okay, check and replace ECM.
- Check oil control valve filter. Replace as necessary. If okay, go to next step.
- Check camshaft timing oil control valve assembly. See VARIABLE VALVE TIMING (VVT) SYSTEM OPERATION in SYSTEM & COMPONENT TESTING - GS300, IS300, GS430, LS430 & SC430 article. If okay, go to step 8. If not okay, go to next step.
- Replace camshaft timing oil control valve assembly. See REMOVAL & INSTALLATION article. Go to next step.
- Check camshaft timing tube assembly (VVT controller assembly). If okay, go to step 10. If not okay, go to next step.
- Replace camshaft timing tube assembly (VVT controller assembly). Go to next step.
- Check for blockage in OCV, oil check valve and oil hole. Repair or replace as necessary. If okay, go to next step.
- Clear DTC by operating the hand-held tester or disconnecting the battery terminal or EFI and ECTS fuses. Start and warm up the engine. Drive the vehicle around for 10 minutes or more. Read output DTC using the hand-held tester. If no DTC is output, VVT system is okay. If DTC is output, check and replace ECM.