Have my 1998 Contour with the 2.0L Zetec. Have recently (2 months ago) replaced the timing belt and tensioner - routine maintenance - been running great ever since.
Go to start-up this past Saturday AM; and it's difficult to start - sounds like either fuel or spark. No problem, pull the VOM and start checking; battery OK; terminals clean and tight. Check for 12VDC signal to the ignition coil - OK there, check for spark at the plugs - OK there too....hmmm. Know the fuel is OK - over half tank worth. Have new plug wires - within the past month - just drove home from work yesterday - no problems then....hmmm??
So, plug in the OBD code reader - and I get a code P1383 'Exhaust Timing Over Retarded' and have pulled the TSB 03-15-14 'Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL) illuminated-diagnostic troble codes (DTCS) P0340, P1380 or P1383 in Memory.
How can I check the VCT solenoid for any issues, and if there is a specific test or problem to be aware of? How can I replace the VCT solenoid - I've already pulled the valve cover and upper timing covers for access to the VCT solenoid - how can I remove or test the solenoid for problems? Are there other tests that can be performed first?
The car is not running at this point, and the TSB describes some tests to perform while the engine is at 2500 RPM.
Go to start-up this past Saturday AM; and it's difficult to start - sounds like either fuel or spark. No problem, pull the VOM and start checking; battery OK; terminals clean and tight. Check for 12VDC signal to the ignition coil - OK there, check for spark at the plugs - OK there too....hmmm. Know the fuel is OK - over half tank worth. Have new plug wires - within the past month - just drove home from work yesterday - no problems then....hmmm??
So, plug in the OBD code reader - and I get a code P1383 'Exhaust Timing Over Retarded' and have pulled the TSB 03-15-14 'Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL) illuminated-diagnostic troble codes (DTCS) P0340, P1380 or P1383 in Memory.
How can I check the VCT solenoid for any issues, and if there is a specific test or problem to be aware of? How can I replace the VCT solenoid - I've already pulled the valve cover and upper timing covers for access to the VCT solenoid - how can I remove or test the solenoid for problems? Are there other tests that can be performed first?
The car is not running at this point, and the TSB describes some tests to perform while the engine is at 2500 RPM.