How to test Intake Valve Control Solenoids (codes P0028, P0082) - Subaru

[@joemikos900]

Your consistentcy of putting out these videos, all these years has been amazing. You're always enthusiastic, articulate and go that extra step which is obviously time consuming to make sure students get everything from the smallest detail to the big picture. Just wanted to share my appreciation. Your premium channel is worth the fee many times over, I enjoy it very much. Thanks for caring and sharing the passion Paul.

[@nicolesherburne]

I don't think I'm going to test through the ECU because I'm not willing to risk frying it, but I'm learning a ton from this video. Thank you for posting it!

[@jeremyshanks6937]

I have been troubleshooting electronic engine controls for 18 years, and I feel the same way on flow charts. You take a simple, and effective approach to trouble shooting and relay the system in a very understandable way. Keep up the great work. The younger guys starting out in this technical field, will certainly benefit from your knowledge and use of the scope as a major tool in troubleshooting. Great videos.

[@scottfirman]

I saw this exact same thing on another Subaru with the same issue. The oil was low and dirty. It caused the SAME codes. Car owners that do NOT check their oil are asking for more issues than they can imagine. I hammer this into my kids heads and my wifes head. Changine oil and maintaining it is the CHEAPEST insurance for a great running car. This told me TWICE now that this vehicle is reliant on proper oil level for proper operation on that oil pressure switch. Wow! Great method for checking it too. Your test works and as you said saves time. Great job!

[@zbynekm2918]

Nice one Paul. What you showed in this example is, one should not overthink it, always start with the basics.

[@Drunkis1337]

If you follow that flow chart you'd end up putting in a new oil switching solenoid valve giving it back to the customer and then they'd seize their motor because it had no oil. Great video I've learned many things in the short time since I found your channel.

[@ScannerDanner]

I didn't notice any other lights indicating low oil level. This thing was 2.5 quarts low!!

[@haruherrera1179]

Bought an '07 Outback for my son and it threw a P0028. Having an electronics background I found your video really good. I am getting a burning smell and found the oil pressure switch that seems to be leaking by. I hope this is the problem but with your video, I really have a good sense of where to go. Thanks!

[@ScannerDanner]

thank you!

[@TRcustomengineering]

Great video once again Paul! I could not agree more on how poor the OEM flowcharts are. The very first thing they should have said to check when that code is set is OIL LEVEL. Thanks.

[@brendanlovetisha]

Great wrap up at the end with the flow chart, I totally agree that it's about time we start getting the respect we deserve for the knowledge we have. I just got your e-book last week and as the youngest guy in a workshop of old school mechanics I'm really enjoying going through it since I had no one to teach me these methods previously. Really appreciate your videos and work, keep it up!

[@prmayner]

About the flow chart, Thank you Thank you Thank you. Sometimes i think the engineers have stock in the parts industry. And your right some of us and i do say some of us , well maybe most of us have a least a 3rd grade education and can read. WHY NOT tell us how the circuit works and leave the flow chart to us. Very good my man, very good indeed.

[@GeorgeJFW]

I got a P0028 last week and ran into this flow chart I was shocked. The thing that saved me is the passenger bank uses the same system I tested the known good then made my comparison. Great work as always

[@NatHan-mi2lj]

Great educational video, as always. It was the rant on flowcharts at the end that earned a big LIKE though! This code's flowchart was a great example of how bad they can be. Truly awful! Flowcharts can be worth skimming through for some quick spec's and function, but often waste a lot of time. Thank you for trying to reach out and get these fixed for all of us!

[@ScannerDanner]

thanks man

[@Discretesignals]

You wanna read something strange. I haven't used a trouble chart in ages. All I want is the circuit description in detail and a nice wiring schematic. I wholeheartedly agree with you on that one Paul.

[@daniels98]

You are a freak! I have degrees in mechanical, electrical, and industrial engineering and you amaze me. Your logical reasoning is what is needed in the fundamentals of engineering. I consider myself very good at logical reasoning and very much appreciate your skill level. You need to simply forward a video to the headquarters of Subaru and wait for a call. I have a lot to learn from you in vehicle electrical systems. Thank you for taking the time and effort to teach us!

[@ScannerDanner]

Wow what a compliment coming from someone with your background and knowledge. Thanks so much! I'm just a guy who barely passed high school who found his calling in electronic classes at the tech school i went to. Then I went into the field for 8 years before coming back to teach at the same school (Rosedale Technical College) and have been teaching on this subject for over 19 years now while still troubleshooting cars both in the live shop at our school and for different garages. So I've just had a lot of practice on teaching certain subjects. More from a mechanics mindset though. I know some of my theories are off but if I can say to someone 100% of the time if you have this problem then it will be this solution. Who cares if my theory is off a bit 😉

[@SteveRobReviews]

Paul that was fantastic. I suspect the OEM'S are not sharing the correct diagnostic repair procedures to 3rd parties. I would suggest that the dealer network repair flow chart differs from what you have. Auto manufactures are required to produce specifications on their vehicles and you see what they are sending. The right to repair bill is being challenged by OEM'S. That flow chart was an insult. Glad to hear your thoughts on a subject that seems to be getting worse. Well done !!

[@ScannerDanner]

That is awesome man! I think it will do you good to have your background and I couldn't agree with you more about being proud of it!

[@josealers67]

Mr.Danner.Your more of an Engineer than they are...Great video

[@ScannerDanner]

Good question. The digital voltage reading is an average of the on/off duty cycle. It increased in voltage because the on-time increased. If this was ground side switched the voltage average would drop as on-time increases.

[@sAmiZZle82]

"Why are they doing it this way? I can't answer that.... Obviously it's for circuit monitoring that they're doing it this way." ROFL. I'm joking though man, seriously good video and people like you are very kind for taking the time to capture and share this stuff!

[@robsefton4952]

Observation of the ECM schematic would explain it

[@Vl7248]

I’m in awe. Dan is a certified car guru

[@ScannerDanner]

Paul Danner 😉, thanks V!

[@Valkelek]

Why would they give you the information you need, when every misdiagnosis means an extra part sold for them? Thanks for the video and the explanation of the electrical system. Hopefully I can get more insight into my recurring P0028 fault by performing these tests.

[@dizastaman]

Great video man! Wish there were more guys out there like you!

[@pabloarevalodelaguila8767]

Tiene usted toda la razón señor Paul, existen métodos mas rápidos y prácticos para diagnosticar que con conocimiento y cuidado pueden llegar a ser mucho mas efectivos que un diagrama de flujo elaborado por los ingenieros. Gracias maestro.

[@NabilChouchany]

Great diagnosis as always!!! I couldn't agree more on the flowchart... it's horrible... i had the same problem today (p0028), and the oil pressure switch turned out to be the culprit... they don't even mention it...

[@faustogonzalez8397]

Hey Paul I'm an electrical engineer and completely agree with you about engineering flow charts. These flow charts do not "promote" the understanding of basic electrical principals of ECM sensor operation and processing as well as ECM control methods of solenoids. So was it the fact that the "oil pressure" switch was not being activated by proper oil pressure (due to a lack of oil) or was it the Cam sensors did not detect a change in engine timing that generated the error code. Great work Paul, keep it up , you are a great teacher, wish some of my Professors taught the way you do !!🙂

[@ScannerDanner]

Great question! To be honest I'm not sure, it's been along time. I suppose the arguement could be made for either. Thanks so much for the encouragement!

[@Caradonia]

Another good one, Paul. Thanks!

[@ScannerDanner]

Thanks again, correction made. I am grateful that you caught that early for me. I owe you one.

[@ScannerDanner]

You are correct, but if done properly it is THE tool to use. Remember my test light was connected to B (+) and it was finding a ground through the solenoid winding when plugged in. Unplugged the yel/grn wire did not light. Plugged in it did because it was finding a ground through the solenoid winding and the other wire that was a constant ground.

[@danmoyer4341]

I am using this video to trick an 07 ECU into thinking my non-VVL engine is running VVL. These are exactly the voltage readings i needed to see to wire the relay.

[@dasmiissoufa3669]

Great teachings you are giving out bro scannerdanner. Thanks so much

[@ScannerDanner]

It certainly can be dangerous but only if you are using the wrong polarity and the driver happens to be "on". If the correct polarity is used, even with the driver "on", there is no danger as there would be equal potential across the emitter, collector circuit. Equal potential = no current flow through the driver.

[@jerryjean3043]

Mr danner where can i get a copy of your book

[@alabalanutnbolt]

your comments in the last minute of video are spectacularly correct. lets have some sense instead of bulls#it. I get sick of reading a flow chart that ends with substitute known good ecm. I don't have a cupboard full of them to swap and code. good video again

[@ErsinGokay]

Awesome troubleshooting techniques my man, absolutely very informative, in terms of the diagrams and etc you need to understand this is a very much money driven industry and those vendors purposely make it that way so they can secure their own jobs, sorry but it is just the way it is. Nowadays many industries are operating that way unfortunately.

[@ScannerDanner]

I'm not sure, but certainly that is a valid argument. The 20% duty command could also be simply for diagnostic purposes?

[@sivucit]

hi, at 11.14 in ur video you said that test light is lighting because the resistance of the solenoid is high, but i think it is lighting because resistance of the test light is high and because of that you were not able to pass enough current. if the resistnace of test light is low, then u pass more current to solenoid and it works. higher the resistance lower the current and viceversa. It worked fine with your jumper wire because it has less resistance.

[@MrJgonzalez2]

Paul, Nissan uses a similar system 'cept is a different code P0011 ivt control. It is a pulse width ecm controlled two wire solenoid, at idle you have 14 volts on both wires and off idle you have control on one wire. Had a car the other day with low oil setting that code, look for it. Excellent video btw.

[@ScannerDanner]

Never used the powerprobe 3 so I don't think I could comment on that. I just like my old fashion test light.

[@PineHollowAutoDiagnostics]

My favorite part starts at 20:50...Epic.

[@rebeccameans1003]

motoYam82

[@fmbfla]

Flow chart should start with #1* Check engine oil level and quality😁

[@stargazer9172]

yep.. that will set a vtec code

[@leecarter9525]

Amen Brother...give us INFORMATION to properly repair these vehicles.

[@I2ELOAD3D]

Good vid, defiantly a good case for p.s.s and pull downs -Brandon

[@franciscovera5980]

good video,2 things one is bypass to monitor a reaction and two polarity to determine jumpwire placement. polarity a little confusing because testlight will show different readings based on harness connected or harness disconnected.

[@ScannerDanner]

Yes, which is exactly what my ebook is all about teaching.

[@kkoo4284]

ScannerDanner hi . In the video you keep saying will cook the ECM if you touch the ground wire and you were using test light .and you already touched ground wire when you try to identify positive or negative switch . Why test light 12v supply goes through solenoid then ground back ecu will be fine . What is Rule s for avoiding damaging ecu . Thank you paul

[@classic4drchevy188]

The last minute of this video describes perfectly what every other Auto Technician thinks of engineers. I doubt if even half of these people even know how to check the oil level in their cars.

[@emanuelamolo9118]

I love your T pin tool..thanks for the video..i learned a lot.

[@michaelovitch]

like you wrote step 1 should be : check the oil level it make sense on a oil pressure working system..... moreover i guess there is certainly a pressure valve upstream to avoid spreading oil in all the system under a specific pressure no ? not low oil pressure idiot light or sender connected to the ecu ?

[@njpowerstroke]

That's was the best way to end that video great video..flow charts are a joke

[@spike1n1]

good video, and fancy computer tool you have there. the skills you used were some basic multimeter skills that everyone should know, but very many do not. Measuring Resistance (in ohms) would show if you had a short or break in your wiring to harness. I can see why their flowchart mentioned to do this. You were measuring Voltage of the two circuits which could have shown correct voltage but if you had a break or short, it might not have been grounding out unless the vehicle was shaking underload

[@justinmcclaren5339]

main you couldn't have done it better thts Absolutely correct

[@ScannerDanner]

I just looked it up, it is exactly the same format as the one I showed. Did you go under "system diagrams" then "engine performance"?

[@2slofouru]

The duty cycle at idle may be to monitor the solenoids / make sure they are connected, it may be a current monitoring signal.

[@ScannerDanner]

You know, I didn't even check. I guess I just wanted to show the manual method. I should have though. Sorry about that.

[@AlexM-wt1bx]

Thank you for all the information this is the best video on you tube . Im definitely subscribing to your chanel.

[@ScannerDanner]

I did misspeak there didn't I. The test light was bright because it was a low ohm coil, not a high ohm coil. I'm going to put a note in the video. Thank you and sorry for the misinformation.

[@johnmckamy6398]

I just watched motoyam82 on the Subaru , love all these vids from scannerdanner south main and motoyam82

[@SuperGanggang]

hey... that is some nice troble shoting. following your videos all the way from denmark i europe :)

[@steveguest8028]

Great diagnosis as usual Paul 👍🏻

[@Mario241]

Amen brother!!!!! We need proper info for proper diagnosis!!

[@ScannerDanner]

thats awesome Edmar! thank you

[@smitt9]

This engineer problem has been around since 1980 when the first computer was installed in a car

[@benharris5620]

G johan- because when the plug is connected the component in this case the switch is consumping the voltage and keeping the switch closed.

[@nutsandbolts7407]

I'm getting closer and closer to buy your premium!

[@killer2600]

The tests he did proved circuit integrity, an ohm test on the wires wouldn't have shown better results than his tests because he's not only doing voltage measurements but also voltage drop tests. Engineers write in ohms tests because it's what they are accustomed to, for them the system isn't mounted in a car and interacting with other components. For them it's on a test bench with a note saying it doesn't work.

[@ScannerDanner]

Awesome, you sound like me! I couldn't agree with you more, thanks

[@ranahamayun9919]

You doing very good job 👍👍👍👍 nice video 👌👌👌👌👌👌 You teaching very good you good teacher 👌 👌👌👌👌

[@ThatEEguy2818]

The reason the ground side of the solenoid returns to the computer is to prevent ground bounce and ground noise from affecting the position of the solenoid.

[@ScannerDanner]

Thank you very much

[@sharmarule1]

Other way to find power or ground side switch, there will be between 0v to 12 volt on control wire (two resistances are in series, one in the pcm and other is solenoid itself) when ign switch is turned on. other wire will be if 0v then this is power side switch or 12v (ground side).

[@ScannerDanner]

couldn't argue with that, but then I wouldn't have this great video :-)

[@rudygeorgiamulesandcountry1594]

Very helpful, thankyou

[@ScannerDanner]

You're welcome!

[@jozefszoke2547]

I have a Subaru Forester and the engine is probably a Legacy DOHC, there is 12 volts on the solenoid socket after switching on the ignition, is that correct? Thank you for the answer, Jozef.

[@Amopower]

8:20 I thought there were times that it wasn't recommended to use a test light on a circuit that is tied into the computer, or am I mistaken? Also, I wasn't sure why, with the solenoid unplugged, you were seeing the positive on the yellow/green wire...but when it was plugged in, you didn't.

[@adreesrehman5509]

which test light do you use ?

[@ScannerDanner]

It's listed on my Amazon affiliate page (link in the description)

[@ScannerDanner]

Thanks Jeremy!

[@fivefortyeye540i]

@scannerdanner I think I may have fuel delivery problem.. Stft are good at idle plus went over entire intake whit propane, no rpm increase however system stays in open loop until I goose the throttle.. Car stills has miss at idle no load.. I'll try changing fuel fillter first.. this system has no test port.. But 02 show very very lean less then .10 bank 2.. Another thing I noticed was Pcv system on valve covers are rigged.. Lol whit a hose and spark plug boot.. Isn't the system suppose to regu

[@MrJgonzalez2]

Paul when you revved the engine and got the oil switch to open, the voltage on channel 1 also increased activating the solenoid. Was this an average voltage or actual voltage????????????

[@ScannerDanner]

Sorry you are having so much difficulty with this car. I wish I could help you more. It is sometimes difficult to do this over the internet.

[@subarudriver6027]

Was it knocking with its 4th cylinder's piston when you were revving it up on the 20th minute of the video? There was a strange knocking on throttle closing ))

[@2slofouru]

Cool video, I was wondering if the solenoids were negative switched and what state the oil pressure switches were when active / not active.

[@ScannerDanner]

It is not unusual to have to add oil in between oil changes, especially if you go longer than 3000 miles.

[@BrettyUK]

Where do you get your wiring diagrams from what service do you use?

[@IamReadyToRock]

Un saludo desde Perú 👍🏽👍🏽👍🏽 nice

[@shelovessle3265]

The dealer who I bought my car off of I brought my 2006 subaru forester to them. Got that code I had no oil. They filled it up. but now something on the bottom of the motor is burning after driving for like 10 minutes. The code hasn't came back but I am curious why it's doing this now. The car has 97700 and I just did an oil change two weeks ago. Any idea

[@emmanuelcruz6845]

I Respect you.scannerdanner !

[@powderskihound]

I am curious for more information regarding VVT communications with the ECM. Is there any way to have a conversation with you about this on the phone?

[@ScannerDannerPremium]

I wish I had time to answer by phone! I can offer you a Friendly forum where we can talk about what you need to know? You can even email me when you post your question so I know it's there. [e-mail]

[@humblestrengthgaragetraining]

If I were to disconnect the connector to the solenoid and use a power probe to power it up that would be the same test right?awesome videos by the way!

[@peterzarcone4307]

AWESOME VIDEO NORTHEAST AUTOMOTIVE INC ROCHESTER NY

[@RC-Heli835]

Hey Scanner! Are you familiar with testing the intake valve module on a 2000 Ford Windstar? I have a p1518 code and the module is dead with rhe intake vavle open. I can move it to any position and it stays there.

[@ScannerDanner]

It is becoming more and more difficult to answer questions here. I have 80,000 people asking me for help now. So I have created a forum to help you guys better. It is free to join and we can exchange pictures, wiring diagrams and waveforms if needed to help guide you through the process of troubleshooting your vehicle. Thank you so much! Hope to see you there. Paul Danner (ScannerDanner) www.scannerdanner.com/forum/post-your-repair-questions-here.html

[@RC-Heli835]

Thanks man! I imagine you do get 50 help requests a day or more. The youtubes you have up already are extremely helpful I just hadn't found one that matched my particular issue. I searched all the youtubes before asking but everything I've found were plastic link failure and replacements. I'll check out the forum. Thanks!

[@brakedd]

we had one of these with the same code that was leaking oil up directly through the switch itself

[@scowley86]

Why does the Oil Pressure switch change it's state when the solenoid is bypass tested? You're energizing that solenoid manually, how is the switch being changed? Is the computer suddenly seeing the solenoid open? and then in turn is the computer logically saying " Ah, the solenoid just opened, that switch needs to switch now". I'm not understanding the logic.

[@ScannerDanner]

Because when I energize the solenoid, it opens the oil passage to the hydraulic mechanism and in parallel to this passage is the oil pressure switch. The switch closes from hydraulic psi. It is an input to let the ECM know that everything is working when it energizes the solenoid. Make sense?

[@scowley86]

Makes sense now! My brain was following the vid 98% just fine, its this 2% detail where i got snagged up. Thanks for clarifying, and btw big fan of your channel. Love what you do and how you do it. I got a print of your book for my Birthday, best gift I've ever received hands down.

[@Valdismith]

I still didn't understand why raising the oil changed the percentage. I mean I know that oil is being pumped in the holes on the side of the cam gear, so it pushes the position of the hwole thing to keep valves open a bit longer, and further open too, but why the low oil level. Isn't a car engine maintaining the same necessary oil pressure to keep the engine healthy, as long as there is enough oil, so it doesn't suck air at times. If the oil is as low as for the oil pump to suck air and drop pressure, yes, but I missed the rest.

[@ianc435]

Freind found an ear plug in a brand new cars vvti. Out of the factory.

[@carlosmel2882]

? Do you only have one test lead or is the other test lead going to a grounf

[@ScannerDanner]

One lead is most likely connected to battery ground and the other to the solenoid wire being tested

[@Viper81766]

Great video brother. Would this be similar to the setup on a Colorado 3.5 L5 cam actuator ? God bless

[@happy543210]

Hello Paul. Why is a two year old car so low on oil? Leak? The mystery is still not solved.

[@SuperTech123451]

The first step should be check oil level, and or find out what viscosity was used in the last oil change.

[@carlosmel2882]

So your adding positive voltage to the solenoid to energize it ,there by being the computer right

[@ScannerDanner]

I don't remember. I'm sorry. What was the voltage on both wires? 0 and 0 or 12 and 12?

[@carlosmel2882]

@@ScannerDanner it was 0/12 and both wires went to the computer

[@ScannerDanner]

0/12 means the circuit was energized at that point. Circuit off will be either 0/0 or 12/12

[@tuahakhan1399]

Thank you very help full. But still do not understand after leaving the car park for six month where oil disappear. No leaks nothing

[@robinhood945]

My 2008 Subaru OB with the 3.0 six codes out with P0026 and P0028. I checked the oil and it's perfect. The acceleration at times is stumbling when pressed, but when gentle is smooth as silk??? I have a code reader and the code clears (of course), but comes on after 1/2 mile or so. Once when I turned the engine off, with the CEL light on, when I restarted it 2 hours later, the CEL was out, but came on after several miles. Whasssuppp?

[@wooohooo312]

Wait so if the low oil was the problem then why wouldn't both the bank 1 and bank 2 sensors be giving codes

[@ScannerDanner]

+wooohooo312 you would think that it would have set for both banks but just because it didn't, doesn't change a thing as far as direction.