Hey guys, I could use a little help. So I recently has the bottom end of my engine replaced after it blew up. Also while they had it they replace the clutch, serpentine belt and high pressure fuel pump (again). The top end of the motor (head, cams, fuel rail, ect.) are all the same from before the blow up.

So when I picked up the car it ran totally fine the whole ride home, started up fine. Next day when I started it up it took 2-3 times more cranking than usual, and the limp mode light came on and stayed on, but the car did not go into limp mode. It runs totally fine, I just have this yellow light beaming in my face the whole time I'm driving. I check the codes and have no active codes, so no check engine light. The only code there is a pending code P1338: Camshaft Position Sensor Error. I changed both sensors and it didn't help the issue, and I can't clear the codes for whatever reason, my code reader just sucks I guess. Plus I don't think it actually has anything to do with my issue.

Any ideas?

 

Perhaps the vanos got dirt from the work that was done on the engine. Can you pull them ot and see if the filters are dirty? Also, can you check the timing?

 

VANOS solenoids were cleaned when they had the engine apart. I can't check timing myself.

 

Your generic scan tool doesn't have the capability to read manufacturer codes, which are what you need to read to fix what is going on. You need to find a qualified indy shop, or someone with a quality scan tool.

 

if the car drives fine, right? just let it go through the cycle of system checking by driving about 30 or more miles and see if other codes come on. I was in NY over the weekend, i could've done a full system scan for you. if you ever come down to philly PA or bordentown NJ, i could scan your car, free for the first time

 

Seems like I'm just going to have to bring it back to the shop that swapped the engine. I'm their favorite customer now :P

 

If there is no debris in the vanos control solenoid I'd pull the valve cover and check the cam timing. IRC this code is caused when the intake cam phase angle is outside the tolerance limits in the DME. So it sounds like the cam may have slipped after installation or the Vanos is sticking.

 

I'll pass this onto my mechanic. Checking timing is a bit beyond my comfort level with my car.

My main theory is that a bit of metal may have just gotten into the oil either from the detonation or new engine break in and clogged up the VANOS.

 

Well, my shop officially has no clue. They seem to think its not mechanical. They reset the timing, it runs good for a while, then the light comes on and they have an issue. I'm not sure how much I believe that because why would they need to reset the timing if it's not mechanical?