Function of the Oil Control Valve and How It Works in Cars
Currently, cars with VVT-i features are evenly marketed in Indonesia. For those of you who have a car with this feature, you need to understand the function of the oil control valve and its working mechanism. To satisfy your curiosity, let's take a look at the following review.
Function of the Oil Control Valve in Cars
Here are some functions of the control valve in cars that you need to know.
- To close or open the fluid flow in the engine piping system that has been previously stored.
- Controls the hydraulic pressure directed to the retarding chamber and advance chamber. This pressure is controlled by the VVT-i controller to open and close the flow. The VVT-i controller will change the position of the spool valve so that the intake valve moves to open and close according to the signals given by the ECU.
How the Oil Control Valve Works in Cars
Now that you understand the function of the control valve, you need to know how the oil control valve works in cars. Here is the complete working process.
1. Timing Advance
In the timing advance process, the car's ECU will send a strong command signal (duty ratio) that shifts the spool valve to the left position. As a result, oil will flow into the open advance chamber towards the VVT-i mechanism. Additionally, the retard chamber closes the oil flow, leaving no oil residue at all.
This condition boosts the performance of the VVT-i in the intake camshaft to accelerate the opening process of the intake valve. The closure of the oil occurs simultaneously with the oil flow in the advance chamber.
Read Also: Differences Between VVTI and Non-VVTI That You Should Know
2. Timing Holding
Timing holding can be referred to as the second stage of the oil control valve mechanism in cars. Timing holding usually occurs when the duty ratio signal is stable. In this condition, the opening timing of the intake valve does not change at all. This condition occurs because the spool valve is held in the middle of the VVT-i.
3. Timing Retarding
The final stage of the oil control valve mechanism is also called the timing retarding stage. This condition usually occurs when the ECU's duty ratio signal is in the light (low) position. This condition will move the spool valve to the right, allowing the oil flow to pass through the retarding chamber and towards the VVT-i mechanism.
How to Check the Oil Control Valve
After you understand the function and working mechanism of the oil control valve in cars, you also need to know how to check this component to see if it functions properly. Here are the complete methods.
1. Using an EFI Scanner
The first method is to use an Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI) scanner to check if the oil control valve is functioning properly. The method is easy; you just need to activate the test actuator in the EFI scanner menu when the engine is idle. The engine will automatically test the oil control valve.
2. Without Using an EFI Scanner
The second method is to check the oil control valve without using an EFI scanner. The method is simple; first, disconnect the oil socket. Then, use a 12 Volt battery to supply electricity to the valve. If the oil control valve is in good condition, the engine will vibrate and then stop after receiving the electrical flow.
Thus, here are some functions and methods you can follow when checking the oil control valve. Don't forget to regularly take your car to a workshop or the nearest Daihatsu dealer. Regular maintenance can keep your car's performance at its best.
