aigle836

Started my 997.2 today and engine started running rough (felt like misfires) and got the engine check light.
Got home and put it on the Durametric and I got the codes:
0301: Misfire detection Upper limit value exceeded
1359: Valve lift control, cylinder in small lift implausible signal

Sensor for the Variocam ? Ideas ?
Thanks.

Martin

Petza914

Yep, sensor or the solenoid itself.

aigle836

Ok thanks.
Even if I only get the code for 1 cylinder (cylinder 1) ?
I found instructions for the solenoid but not how to locate and remove the sensor.
Thanks.

Petza914

If it was just the misfire code on cylinder 1, I'd say no, but since you actually got a valve lift error message, I'm thinking yes.

aigle836

Thanks Petza914.
Before I physically check the sensors, I ran some more tests with the Durametric to look at actual values (cam shaft deviation, etc.) Could not see anything wrong there.
What I find a bit strange is that when I start the engine cold, I get the misfires and check engine when it is at 1200 rpm (high lift), then when it slows down to 800 rpm (low lift) there is no change and I still get the same misfires and check engine light.

Do you still think it could be the Variocam solenoid ?

Thanks.

Petza914

When was the last time you did plugs and / or coil packs. Maybe one of those on cylinder #1 is bad. If it has been 30,000 miles or more, I'd change the plugs and coil packs.

It could certainly be the valve lift solenoid, but I would think you'd see codes for cylinders 1, 2, & 3 if that was it.

aigle836

Well the plugs are due. They were done at 48000 km in mid 2014 and I have now 77000 km. So it's been 4-1/2 years and I had plan to do them next summer. I use the car in winter here which is pretty tuff.
Since I need to get in there I will do the plugs first I think. If I had the misfire on cylinder #1 and nothing else, I would investigate the plug and coil. What is bothers me is the code on the low lift on cylinder #1 only.

Petza914

I would do the plugs and coils now, clear the codes and see what comes back. With things firing correctly, maybe the valve lift error won't come back either.

aigle836

Hello Petza914,

Finally changed the plugs (they were due anyways) and also the coil of cylinder #1. Everything is now fine. Was probably getting the cam code because of the misfire.
Thanks.

Petza914

Aigle, great to hear that resolved your issue. If that one coil pack had gone bad, the others may not be far behind. I probably would have changed all of them while I was in there, but if you get a similar code again a bit from now, you'll know what the likely culprit is and can do the rest at that time. Another test would be to fill a spray bottie with water and while the car is running put it on a mist setting and spray around the backs of the coil packs, listening for any change in the way the engine is running. If the mist creates a stumble or misfire, the insulation on the backs of the coil packs is compromised and need to be changed.