First Drive - CEL - Cam Sprocket Fix

[OmarGC]

I'm currently having the issue, will post in the other thread in this section.

[mact]

Originally Posted by ahausheer

Do we know what the actual problem is? We know what parts are being replaced and what the CEL indicates, but what is causing the root of the issue? Is it a clogged VVTi actuator (whatever that is)?

Boy would I love the answer to this. Could be spmething as simple as dirty break-in oil with new engine "shavings" or a bad ECU.

[TanMan]

Originally Posted by mact

Boy would I love the answer to this. Could be spmething as simple as dirty break-in oil with new engine "shavings" or a bad ECU.

Originally Posted by ahausheer

Do we know what the actual problem is? We know what parts are being replaced and what the CEL indicates, but what is causing the root of the issue? Is it a clogged VVTi actuator (whatever that is)?

Coming from a maintenance perspective (planes, not cars ), I was wondering the same thing.

60000 miles ago, the Hyundai beater commuter I have had the exact same problem: would throw a CEL and just didn't give the smoothest acceleration off the line. It was drivable regardless. Took it in to a dealer I trusted and same thing happened to me- car in the shop for days, they did all sorts of checks, couldn't find anything remotely wrong, reset ECU, cleaned out injectors and replaced spark plugs for precautionary, send me on the way.

2 days later, CEL came back on, so car went back in for a whole week this time. A Hyundai Engineer was even flown over to troubleshoot the damn thing because the shop had done everything they could for troubleshooting.

Turns out, the timing belt had been installed a tooth or two out from TDC by my "mechanic" co worker. They never would have thought of this because I specifically asked for them to leave out the timing belt (they were charging me an arm, leg and my newborn at the dealership) during the 60k maintenance prior to all this. CEL subsequently cleared and never came back since. Needless to say, I never asked my mechanic friend for any help again.

So long story short, perhaps this is a similar situation during line assembly for certain batch numbers? Just my 2 cents.

[@Art_Mighty]

Originally Posted by SkullWorks

not to mention I got a call from a friend that works at the toyota dealership several blocks from where I work, asking my if BRz's were having the same "chips in the pan" problem as FRs's...I told him I had heard of no such issue, he said they have 2 FRs's in to get something changed in the motor because there were chips in the pan "or something"

It was the first I had heard of it...this thread marks the second, and they couldn't be less related occurrences, my friend doesn't know about this forum, and is not a FRs guy he just noticed the cars and asked because he knew I had one and was keeping an eye out...

CHIPS IN THE PAN?!?! (H0LY S#!T)

...could someone take some pictures?

[mact]

Originally Posted by @Art_Mighty

CHIPS IN THE PAN?!?! (H0LY S#!T)

...could someone take some pictures?

Interesting. Is the oil pan coating/paint chipping, thus causing the cam gear issues by clogging/blocking the OCV's????

[TeamSweet86]

Got a call that my car is ready for pickup, ahead of schedule. However, I am going on vacation tomorrow morning and don't have time to get it. Figures...

[illmatic2349]

I got my cel light on, but I can't my car in till next monday. Does anybody know if it is ok to keep driving my car?

[privfaith]

This is definitely making me uncomfortable. I put the money down and im just waiting for my car to come in. Considering cancelling my deposit after hearing about this stuff.

[nutzy]

This just happened to mine at about 1700mi. When I brought it in for the dealer to look at they claimed the part needed (cam sprocket) is on backorder until November 5th now. Perhaps they are re-engineering it or modifying it and have put it on ship-hold? Either way I am extremely unhappy if I have to lose my car for 7 weeks if they can't get it sooner. Especially since I would be getting it back just in time to put it away for the winter...

[172amd]

Originally Posted by privfaith

This is definitely making me uncomfortable. I put the money down and im just waiting for my car to come in. Considering cancelling my deposit after hearing about this stuff.

I did cancel my order and had my deposit refunded. Will look into buying after these issues are resolved.

[TeamSweet86]

Sorry it has been a while since I updated this. I'm sure there are a few of you who would like to know what happened. I picked my car up from the dealership last Tuesday, 9/18/12. Cam sprocket and ECU replaced. Dealership returned the car to me dirty after putting 60 miles on the odometer. Also they scratched up the front fenders while making the repairs I assume. But I am going to have our so-cal detail professional CU2MIKE take care of those issues.

I think the car is running the way it was meant to now. Engine chirps a little, rpm dips with the AC on, but I think that is normal? SOA would like to compensate for my troubles, just waiting it out a little bit to make sure my car doesn't surprise me with any new problems. My insurance lady, credit union, co-workers, friends and family, and my boss are all awaiting the outcome of my car problems because in some way it has affected all of them.

Really hoping to put this all behind me and start enjoying my car. Time for sleep, Happy Monday.

[Dezoris]

Originally Posted by TeamSweet86

Sorry it has been a while since I updated this. I'm sure there are a few of you who would like to know what happened. I picked my car up from the dealership last Tuesday, 9/18/12. Cam sprocket and ECU replaced. Dealership returned the car to me dirty after putting 60 miles on the odometer. Also they scratched up the front fenders while making the repairs I assume. But I am going to have our so-cal detail professional CU2MIKE take care of those issues.

I think the car is running the way it was meant to now. Engine chirps a little, rpm dips with the AC on, but I think that is normal? SOA would like to compensate for my troubles, just waiting it out a little bit to make sure my car doesn't surprise me with any new problems. My insurance lady, credit union, co-workers, friends and family, and my boss are all awaiting the outcome of my car problems because in some way it has affected all of them.

Really hoping to put this all behind me and start enjoying my car. Time for sleep, Happy Monday.

Thanks for the update. I will drive the car until it explodes before bringing it to a dealer that has no idea what to do. Sorry you had to be a guinea pig.

[FRiSson]

Originally Posted by Dezoris

Thanks for the update. I will drive the car until it explodes before bringing it to a dealer that has no idea what to do. Sorry you had to be a guinea pig.

Actually, the service manager at my dealership said that some FR-S had actually exploded (the engine). Something about the cams, but he wasn't very clear.

[Dezoris]

Originally Posted by FRiSson

Actually, the service manager at my dealership said that some FR-S had actually exploded (the engine). Something about the cams, but he wasn't very clear.

Good then the dealer can get their monies worth on a 10k overhaul.
And Toyota/Subaru can add it to the cost of poor quality control.