Hi Scotty, bought this car new 20 years ago. 153000 miles now. Was perfectly fine until two weeks ago When I decided I need to look at/change the "set bolts" or "lift bolts". Got inside and found one bolt had actually sheared off. Tried to get it out the best I could, drilled!! created debris. Put the new set of bolts. Revved the engine to past 6200 rpms. Instead of the VVTL-i kicking in, the engine hesitated and threw a check engine code P1692 (VVTL-i malfunction). Since that day trying to figure out what to do. Purchased both OCV valves and filters to replace but have not done it yet. Any ideas/suggestions? I would like to bring the car to you from Florida. Do-able? Thank you for all you do.
As far as the ECU disabling LIFT it will reactivate LIFT once the code is gone. Since the LIFT system is checked on start, if you fix it then all you have to do it start it up again. If you're unsure you can clear the code with a scan tool or by unhooking the battery. Happy to help! Let me know if I can be of any assistance as you work through the problem.
@inthedetails
Thank you. You have given me good guidance. I was wondering if you or Scotty can start identifying good mechanics in each state or each area in the US. You know when Scotty says "you need to go to a mechanic like me"!! mechanics like him probably exist but extremely hard to find. Maybe he can start a wave of getting such mechanics on board. Also please tell me how can one get an appointment with Scotty himself. He does not answer his business email.
I have a 2001 and I have heard of this happening. Sometimes when you're extracting the lift bolt debris/chards from drilling get into the orifices. I would suggest looking at the OCV filter screen to see if that has caught the debris yet. Also I would make sure both bolts are properly torqued. Unfortunately the best practice is to replace those lift bolts to the revised bolts before they break to avoid having to chase around problems after the repair.
@inthedetails
Very true. Toyota has a TSB for this problem and supposedly may car was covered under it but it was never performed. Searching Celica forums I see people replacing these bolts every 40k. I guess I just did not find out sooner. Is there any chance to get it to Scotty before I totally destroy it 🙂
Inthedetails: Very true. Toyota has a TSB for this problem and supposedly may car was covered under it but it was never performed. Searching Celica forums I see people replacing these bolts every 40k. I guess I just did not find out sooner. Is there any chance to get it to Scotty before I totally destroy it 🙂
What I would do is go for a long drive and see if the check engine light flashes. If it doesnt flash and its JUST a LIFT malfunction you're fine to drive it because the cars computer can deactivate the LIFT and you can just drive it normal. I was a long time member of the New Celica forum and I was lucky enough to replace mine with revised titanium bolts when one of the members did a limited run of them. Everyone dreads having this issue! Sorry it happened to you but as long as the check engine light isnt flashing you should be fine.
@inthedetails
Right again. The ECU has disabled the Lift it seems. No flashing lights. I cleared the code and have driven 200 miles without any issues at all. Here is the kicker "I want the Lift back and I am willing to spend money to do it" Toyota here is dragging their feet. I feel they are scared to take this job on.
I dont blame them. It could take multiple failed attempts to find the issue. Eventually though the debris should end up in the OCV filter. If you haven't already looked there I would because it will clog the screen and throw the code.
@inthedetails
Excellent stuff. I will do that and report back. Appreciate your help and your kindness.
@inthedetails
I am in the process of replacing both OCV's and filters. Question: I keep reading "the ECU disables lift in case of a problem" How and when does the ECU enable it again? Is there something that has to be done manually or the ECU does it by itself? based on what? Cheers.
@inthedetails
I swapped both OCV's and both filter screens. The screens were surprisingly clean! Absolutely no change at all. The engine gets to 6500 rpms hesitates/flutters and goes on to almost red line. A bit baffled. Going to do the Toyota Lift Bolt TSB now.
What if the check engine light is flashing? Is the whole world going to come to an abrupt end like if you tear off a mattress tag?
