PROBLEMS.... code P1028 VVL Systems 2 Performance

[hurls]

hi there,
i posted a concern with engine light and flashing cruise. Have now narrowed down issue and completed some tasks. Thought I'd solved the problem but it is persistent. The story so far:
* engine light and flashing cruise light - would not rev over 4500rpm - cough and splutter
* bought OBDII tool and discovered P1028 code - "VVL Systems 2 Performance" ????????
* changed oil and filter
* bought new battery
* Buddah thought might be catalytic converter - car has been sitting for a while and took her for a drive - thought it might solve the problem - did so temporarily
* at times i clear the code and will be nice for a while until i push the revs to 4000ish. Then she misses and the lights start again
* removed the VVT connections and server - cleaned the 'bungie'?? bolts and gauze - (clean anyway)
* when I disconnect the VVT connectors on each bank, the OBD reader recognises that they are disconected and reads P028(i think) and laboured when reconnected
* Used the software (Palmer Scan Xl) and found that through the revs (700 - 4000) the "Oxygen Sensor Voltage Bank 1 Sensor 2" and Oxygen Sensor Voltage Bank 2 Sensor 2 were very different in readings - not sure what that means. At times one Bank 1 is reading 0.801V and Bank 2 is 0.201V. seems like a culprit but i don't know if that is normal or what to do to resove it. No idea where sensor 2 is anyway!!
* I have googled for days... and tried to solve things on my own but P1028 does not seem to be a common fault and therefore has a suggested fix
I would greatly appreciate any advice or wisdom
thanks
Peter

[666]

Can't help you with the code, but "VVL Systems 2 Performance" could be refering to the variable valve lift.

From memory "I Wish" posted up a list of fault codes a while back, try and search for it.

Rob.

[MH3.0R]

Sounds hauntingly familiar.

The P code I observed was P1026, but the fix was undertaken at STI@Docklands by a "simple" clean of one of the sensors.

You can read the details here:

viewtopic.php?f=16&t=9509

[Robbks]

It's the AVCS solenoids, etc that control the variable cam system.
about 4000rpm is when you notice them activate normally, and as such you're experiencing issues at 4500rpm when they should be allowing for more airflow, but are not doing their job correctly.
as such it's only on one bank and that's why the 02 readings are different.

[Brad88]

hi there,

* Used the software (Palmer Scan Xl) and found that through the revs (700 - 4000) the "Oxygen Sensor Voltage Bank 1 Sensor 2" and Oxygen Sensor Voltage Bank 2 Sensor 2 were very different in readings - not sure what that means. At times one Bank 1 is reading 0.801V and Bank 2 is 0.201V. seems like a culprit but i don't know if that is normal or what to do to resove it. No idea where sensor 2 is anyway!!

Peter

not 100% sure but by the sounds of that the o2 sensor one one side is reading different, so that means one side of the engine is doing something different.

if it was me i would swap the bank1 no. 2 sensor and the bank 2 no. 2 sensor over and test again, if the figures are the same there is something internal wrong or the cat. if the voltages swap with the o2 sensors then i guess the o2 sensor is at fault.

and forgive me if im wrong but we have 4 o2 sensors 1 in front of each cat one behind on either side so i assume no.2 sensor is rear so they read if the cat is doing its job properly.

that would be my understanding of it and what i would do hope it helps mate

[hurls]

Thanks boys... Its that logic that I appreciate.
I will swap the solenoids first and check the readings
May do the same with the O2 senors to eliminate the obvious.
I am still scared by Buddah's $6700 bill for the cats!!!!

I should be paying you blokes the $100 per hour the mechanic was going to charge to 'investigate' the issue. He was just scratching...
weekend work ahead!
thanks
Peter

[smythie]

that $6700 is for an OEM cat. Aftermarket is nothing like that...

[Ric]

I could be wrong, but I vaguely remember reading a similar problem elsewhere, and it turned out one of the camshafts had jumped one tooth on the belt...

[MH3.0R]

I could be wrong, but I vaguely remember reading a similar problem elsewhere, and it turned out one of the camshafts had jumped one tooth on the belt...

If there was a belt / tooth alignment, would you not start to see /feel / hear the symptoms at lower rpm?

My issue was a dirty cam sensor. They cleaned it and all came good. But your problem is a slightly different code (mine, P1026 - yours P1028, both undocumented in the public domain), so I have a suspicion that your problem lies around the Cam Sensors. The symptoms are almost identical. I was able to record the left and right bank VVT Advance Angle in real time using the ECUdatascan and show them at STI the issue (left bank = 0 degrees advance, right bank = varying with throttle position). I got the impression it was not too difficult to do and recall dropping the car off in the morning and getting a call by midday.

[Ric]

This might be the topic I was remembering: viewtopic.php?f=2&t=4001

[Brad88]

$6700 is for manifold and cats so pretty much from block to y pipe If I remeber correctly,

This could be a good time for you to get some high flow cats exhaust shop quoted me arround 800 for two brand new high flow cats and to remove the third

Or even this k2 headders that are for sale on here depends on the depth of your wallet

[I Wish]

Can't go wrong with the K2 gear headers.

[Robbks]

* engine light and flashing cruise light - would not rev over 4500rpm - cough and splutter
* bought OBDII tool and discovered P1028 code - "VVL Systems 2 Performance" ????????

Why all this talking of Cats and shit.

it's the cams/ cam sensors/ solenoids/ timing gear.

o2 sensors will not be in use at 4500rpm so forget about that until you sort out the problem with the AVCS system