How to Swap Out Your Mercedes’s Problematic VVT Solenoids in Hellertown?
The impeccable performance of the Mercedes vehicle is due to its powerful and efficient engine, where various components, such as camshafts, crankshafts, pistons, etc., work in tandem to produce the engine’s RPM. A timing valve controls the synchronization of these components, and in modern Mercedes vehicles, it comes equipped with variable valve timing (VVT) solenoids. These dynamically adjust the engine timing to accommodate the vehicle’s current driving needs, thereby increasing efficiency and fuel economy.
The VVT solenoid is an actuator that controls the valve adjuster through the hydraulic pressure of engine oil. The adjuster rotates the camshaft, advancing or retracting the valve timing. The engine control unit, or ECU, controls the whole process.
Common Causes of Malfunction of the VVT Solenoid
Contaminated Engine Oil
Contaminated engine oil is the most common cause of VVT solenoid failure. Irregular oil service causes the flow of old, degraded oil in the system. The old oil contains rust, debris, and other contaminants that form sludge and clog the small passages within the solenoid, preventing proper and smooth oil flow. This results in a breakdown of the timing mechanism in the Mercedes.
Electrical Failure
At its core, the solenoid is an electro-hydraulic component. Electrical issues, such as wiring shorts, loose connectors, and circuit damage, can cause the solenoid to malfunction, rendering it useless.
Low Oil Level Pressure
The solenoid rotates the camshaft using the engine oil, particularly the hydraulic pressure of the engine oil. When the oil level is low, it cannot create a sufficient amount of pressure. As a result, the camshaft does not rotate properly, and the valve timing is affected, causing irregularity in the smooth timing shift for which Mercedes is known.
As a result of the malfunction, the vehicle exhibits various signs of malfunction, including a rough idle, poor engine performance, decreased fuel economy, engine stalling, rattling noise, and the check engine dashboard light.
Replacement of VVT Solenoids in Mercedes in Hellertown
When the VVT solenoid malfunctions, the only repair option is to replace the component with a new, OEM-made one. Before initiating the repair, you, as the owner, should consider several factors when it comes to the repair and service of your Mercedes.
Initially, select an auto service facility that specializes in Mercedes models and employs expert technicians for repairs. JCL Automotive offers you this specialized and specialist service for your Mercedes in the city of Hellertown. Then confirm the malfunction by doing a diagnostic scan at the repair facility. If timing or camshaft-related error codes are retrieved, then the Mercedes has a VVT solenoid issue.
The replacement process begins by cooling the engine to room temperature and disconnecting the electrical terminal attached to it. The cylinder heads are located at the very front of the cylinder head cover, with two on the passenger side and two on the driver’s side. Then the electric connectors are disconnected, and the mounting bolts are removed.
The old solenoid is then removed, and the mounting surface is cleaned. Then the new solenoid is installed and the components are reassembled. After the repairs, the Mercedes is taken for a test drive, and the error code is erased from the engine control unit.
VVT Solenoid Replacement near Hellertown
JCL Automotive is the trusted and premier auto service center in Hellertown. Our facility specializes in brands like BMW, Audi, Tesla, and Mercedes. We employ ASE-certified technicians with years of experience working with luxury European vehicles, who are experts in resolving issues such as Mercedes VVT solenoid malfunctions. Our state-of-the-art facility is equipped with factory-grade repair tools and an advanced diagnostic scanner that assist our technicians in delivering the best service to you.
We use OEM-made parts and components, as well as Mercedes-approved fluids, for all our repair and maintenance services. To back our work, we provide a 24-month/24,000-mile nationwide warranty to our customers. In addition to our repair and maintenance services, we also offer our customers amenities such as complimentary Wi-Fi, after-hours drop-off & pick-up, and same-day services. We have been operating in Hellertown since 2005 and also extend our service to the nearby locations, including Allentown, Bethlehem, Easton, and Quakertown.
* Mercedes-Benz GLE Car image credit goes to: jetcityimage.