What Are Signs Of Volvo Variable Valve Timing Unit Failure?

High-end cars, such as Volvos, come equipped with a host of components that help maximize the car’s performance. The Variable Valve Timing (VVT) unit is one such component in your Volvo that plays a crucial role in enhancing the engine’s performance while controlling emissions from your car.

Essentially, the VVT system in your Volvo controls the timing of the valves’ opening and closing in your engine, adjusting according to driving requirements. However, issues with the functioning of the VVT unit can compromise the performance of your Volvo. Below, we will discuss the signs associated with VVT unit failure, so you can initiate remedial measures immediately.

Signs of Variable Valve Timing Unit Failure

Drop in Performance

One of the first noticeable signs associated with the failure of the Variable Valve Timing Unit in Volvo is when you notice a sudden drop in the performance of your car. Volvos are known for their powerful performance, and a lot of it depends on the optimal functioning of the VVT unit in your car.

Whenever the VVT unit malfunctions, you will notice a lack of power while trying to accelerate or when driving uphill. Most of the time, the problem is caused due to the VVT unit’s inability to advance or delay the valve timing as per the engine’s requirements & this is when you experience a lack of power from your vehicle while driving.

Initially, you might be surprised when you get a sluggish response from your high-end car, and the engine fails to deliver the higher speeds you require. This is a sign that your VVT unit needs to be inspected by our certified auto repair shop located near you in Herndon, VA.

Unusual Engine Sounds

When you are driving under normal circumstances, you are never going to hear anything unusual coming from under the hood of your high-end car. This is because Volvo’s are well known for their quiet engine operation; however, with a malfunctioning VVT unit under the hood of your car, you are going to hear strange noises from your car.

In fact, the noises in the form of rattling, ticking, and clattering sounds might not be discernible in the beginning. Still, as the problem worsens, you will be able to hear them clearly, especially during cold starts or when your Volvo is idling. These sounds originate from the front portion of the engine, which is the location of the VVT phasers.

Upon inspection, we find that the weird sounds you hear from your engine are caused by wear & tear of the internal components present in the phaser, inadequate oil pressure in your VVT unit, or complete malfunctioning of the VVT unit.

Starting Problems

Another hard-to-miss sign associated with the failing VVT unit in your Volvo is when you face a lot of challenges in starting your car. The problem becomes particularly profound, especially during cold start conditions, as the faulty valve timing completely disrupts the air-to-fuel ratio required for optimal combustion, which is crucial for starting your car.

You will observe that your engine cranks for a very long time before starting, and it takes several attempts to start the car. In certain cases, the engine completely fails to start. However, most of the time, Volvo drivers think the starting issues might be caused by a bad battery in the Volvo.

One of the best ways to discern this is by getting your Volvo inspected by a Volvo specialist who can help pinpoint the exact reason behind the starting issues in your luxury car.

Engine Misfires & Stalling

Now, if you are ever faced with an engine misfire while driving, it may be caused by a faulty VVT unit in your car. This is because a malfunctioning VVT unit leads to an inconsistent combustion cycle, leading to misfires when your Volvo is running.

In fact, the misfiring might be happening at a specific RPM in your car, which means that the VVT unit is failing to keep up with the increased in demand for more power. Besides that, some Volvo owners also complain about facing stalling issues, which is often linked to a problematic VVT unit in high-end cars.

Get in Touch With Auto Scandia Near Herndon

Driving with a malfunctioning VVT unit under the hood of your Volvo will never let you harness the true potential of your high-end car. This is when you must reach out to us at Auto Scandia, located near you in Herndon, VA, to get your VVT unit inspected by our team of ASE-certified technicians who will fix it accordingly.

Call or contact us at Auto Scandia to schedule an appointment, and we will ensure that your Volvo is completely free from any issues when it rolls out of our garage.

* Blue Volvo Car image credit goes to: Artistic Operations.