variable valve timing signal?

does the variable vale timing oil control valve get it's signal from the ECM? I did a bidirectional contol test on it and there was no change in voltage

 

Yes it does but it's not a constant voltage it's a PWM signal that increases or decreases the duty cycle to regulate the oil control valve position.
Measuring voltage on it with a meter isn't gona tell you much.
Are you getting any codes?

 

yes I got a p0012, does this mean I would need a oscilloscope to see a signal from a bidirectional control. Im getting 0.5 volts at idle

 

If your not getting a P0010 code then most likely the circuit and PCM are fine, P0012 (Bank 1 Cam Timing Over-Retarded) can be caused by:

Low oil level or dirty oil
Faulty oil control valve
Clogged oil control valve screen
Stretched or jumped timing chain
Faulty VVT actuator (cam phaser)

If the oil level and condition is good the next most common cause of timing codes is the oil control valve.

 

Motor was fine but been out of the tuck for 4 years most llikey wiring im thinking

 

I bet the solenoid is stuck, if the circuit was open you would get P0010 (Bank 1 Cam Actuator Circuit).
Why was the engine removed for 4 years?

 

I ran 12 volits to the oil control valve seems to have full range of movement

 

was putting new transmission in and put a hole in the oil pan so out it had to go

 

the motor has low miles oil changed every 5 thousand so pretty sure can rule out cam chain and the phasers sounds great at idle

 

Does the engine stumble or run rough when you do the bidirectional test?
You can also put a standard test light across the solenoid terminals and start the engine, if the circuit is good the light should light up dimly at idle and get brighter if you turn the circuit on with a scanner.

 

no it does not change at all with the bidirectional control like it should

 

test light good idea ill have to try that thank you for the help

 

What if you momentarily jump power directly to the solenoid with the engine running? It should stumble or stall if the solenoid is controlling timing.

 

I thought of that but was not sure if i could run into valve clearance issues doing that

 

Shouldn't unless physical cam timing is off multiple teeth, the PCM is essentially doing the same thing when you command the oil control valve on with the scanner.

 

thanks again for the help much appreciated

 

Let us know what you find out.

 

Update: Was able to jump power to oil control valve ran ruff, plugged it in then I was able to bidirectional control it, at least I know the PCM signal is getting there. if it throws a code again I will replace the valve Thanks for the help PS Bad Connection I think I had covered all connections with dielectric grease to keep them away from corrosion