P0016 on a 60k mile car

[SLVRSRFR]

I've only used 0w20 in mine since day one.

When the repair was completed last August, I got "the works", so OCV's, cam gear, ECU and all related smaller parts and pieces, but only on the one side.

The light that is currently showing up is not the same, symptom-wise, as when I had the P0018 code. In that instance, the slip light comes on WITH the CEL and stays on permanently, and the car goes into "limp" mode, with a noticeable dip in power.

The light I currently have is JUST the CEL, with intermittent flashing of the slip light, but it does not stay illuminated for more than 5 seconds at a time.

I also am not in "limp" mode even slightly. The car still feels like it has all it's "balls" and all it's power. So I'm confused as to what exactly the hell is happening right now.

Again I really want to get it scanned while the light it still on, cause that is step number one in hoping to diagnose it, but every time I try to get it scanned, the damn light turns itself off again before I have a chance to get the car plugged in (as I do not have an OBD scanner or OFT).

Cheers! Thanks for the reply!

[TheStig85]

Originally Posted by rusty959

I think I'm the only person in this thread who has done the replacement them self, so I suppose I'm the best person to ask. I'll go ahead and say I've been checking this thread less since my problem seems fixed, so feel free to pm me if I don't respond.

The exhaust (bottom) sprockets dont have those flaps, so no need to check/replace them. I only replaced both intake (top) sprockets.

2nd, I assume you are looking at the engine tech manual? (http://www.ft86club.com/files/BRZengine.pdf) It goes over the process in pretty good detail. I spent a significant amount of time going over it to ensure I understood the process, because as you mention, you don't want to mess this up. Once you get the passenger's bank in place and chain off you can safely rotate the crank. I rotated to the indicated position to remove the driver's sprockets, and didn't touch the crank until I had the driver's chain back on. The colored plates on the chain are super useful to ensure the timing is in the right spot putting the chain back on. The crank is tough to spin at certain points when you don't have the passenger's timing chain on, the valves are all closed so the pressure isn't released. I just went slow so pressure could drop on it's own.

Be incredibly careful to not leave any rtv pieces in the engine or timing cover. There have been reports of blown engines from those little bits making their way into an oil channel.

Yes, I am using that manual, but the mistake we made was leaving the car in Reverse when loosening the Crankshaft pulley and then loosening the tensioners. Timing jumped and the crankshaft spun. Not wanting to risk bending anything, I'm having to pull the engine to look down the spark plugs when turning the crank. While I'm at, I'm replacing the plugs, exhaust sprockets, chains, and any other gaskets I find along the way.

I know you don't 'have' to replace the exhaust sprockets but after talking to several mechanics, they all agreed that when replacing any sprocket/chain/etc, you should do all of them. Even if looking perfect, they could have worn, stretched, etc, and it's better to be safe than sorry. Especially since all the work put in to crack it open.

[ermax]

Originally Posted by kinghurl

So I just (this weekend), changed the ECU as well and saw an immediate change in the VVT learning values for the intake VVT(there was previously a 20 degree spread with no change after 3 weeks, now the spread is 4 degrees and I could see it change as the first 2 drive cycles went on).

I'm just curious, what are the "VVT learning values" you are referring to? Where can you view that? I have Techstream setup but don't recall seeing anything in there named like that. Are you referring the spread between VVT Target vs. VVT Actual?

[kinghurl]

The SW used by the dealerships show these values and they're used as guides to check if key engine parameters are within design specs. The learning value is the value of the intake cam when it is most retarded by the ecu.
I used ecutek to read my ecu before and learning values were not part of their SW displayed values. I could only tell vvt angles. So it may be something only visible with special SW.

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[ermax]

Originally Posted by kinghurl

The SW used by the dealerships show these values and they're used as guides to check if key engine parameters are within design specs. The learning value is the value of the intake cam when it is most retarded by the ecu.
I used ecutek to read my ecu before and learning values were not part of their SW displayed values. I could only tell vvt angles. So it may be something only visible with special SW.

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Techstream is that special software though. I guess I will have to look through everything in there again.

[SLVRSRFR]

From what I was told, the "learning values" being off by too much is what necessitates the ECU swap in the first place, as I was told these values "burn in" and cannot be reset.

I believe if they are more than 10 degrees off, they look to replace ECU. I believe mine were 14 degrees apart when I had my P0018 pop up last summer.

[kinghurl]

Yes, that's what I learned this time around. 10 is the threshold. Mine were 15 off this time. Not sure what they were the last time.

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[Jmonty]

Wow, 17 pages on this thread and still not sure after reading it and other threads on what to do

[Si_Chris]

Hi All. Just curious, is there a consensus that this P0016 code issue is more common to the early build (2013-2015) models? Would 2016-current year models have the updated cam sprocket design, and are less prone to these issues? Thanks.

[Ultramaroon]

Originally Posted by Jmonty

Wow, 17 pages on this thread and still not sure after reading it and other threads on what to do

Yes, it's that much of a mystery. I'm looking forward to plugging into your car this weekend if you have time.

[strat61caster]

Originally Posted by Ultramaroon

If anyone has one of these OBDLink doohickeys, their software can now monitor vvt data real time.




I put together this dashboard with all the parameters that I figured were significant. A couple, like the target and actual angles, are intuitive but I don't know what the others mean. There are a couple times in this clip where the actual value seems to lead the target. I think that's aliasing due to the low sample rate. ...I think.

Is there a way to export that dashboard? My OBDlink dongle got trashed, I've got another dongle and have been using Torque but I still have that software maybe it'll work with the different device idk... I'm just being lazy since Torque didn't have those parameters selectable when I was messing with it earlier today but they'll probably show up when I plug in the adapter.

Edit: Ok the OBDlink app doesn't work with other dongles, Torque doesn't spit out the VVT values naturally so I have to go hunting for them and create the PID's manually as quick googling doesn't show them... or buy another OBDlink but I don't wanna spend another $50


The rambling point is that I got P0011 years ago, ignored it, plugged in my OFT this morning and saw that my Intake VVT value was borked reading 100% and 'spiking' down to 0% intermittently. Command values look good and OFT doesn't distinguish which bank is problematic, maybe it's taking an average? idk

Fingers crossed it's just the sensor/shimming and I don't have to take the valve cover off, but I've also got an oil leak that may be the TSB or it may be the cover. I've got a fun weekend ahead. I'd also be a candidate for the 'ECM burn-in' values if I've really been driving around for 3+ years on a bogus sensor.

Originally Posted by Jmonty

Wow, 17 pages on this thread and still not sure after reading it and other threads on what to do

How to fix it isn't a total mystery, investigate sensors -> oil control valve -> camshaft sprocket assy -> ECM

Sensor diagnostics:
S-SB-0033-13 or 11-130-13R
OCV/Camshaft diagnostics:
02-132-12
http://www.ft86club.com/forums/showthread.php?t=21868

[Ultramaroon]

Originally Posted by strat61caster

How to fix it isn't a total mystery, investigate sensors -> oil control valve -> camshaft sprocket assy -> ECM

Sensor diagnostics:
S-SB-0033-13 or 11-130-13R
OCV/Camshaft diagnostics:
02-132-12
http://www.ft86club.com/forums/showthread.php?t=21868

It's a mystery to anyone without a background in controls and intimate knowledge of the source code.

I understand how, for the sake of expediency, the troubleshooting procedures were written. I'm frustrated with the secrecy.

[alxtheoreo]

So after a month on the new ECM, p0016 came back again. I'm going to drop it off at the dealership & complain in a couple of days.

I wonder, if they have to change the cam sprocket this time, will I need to pay for it (the ECM change was covered under the emissions warrenty)

I'm 8k miles over the drivetrain warrenty.

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[kinghurl]

What year is your car?

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