I just purchased a Toyota Camry 03 and I noticed, the engine makes a wierd noise sometimes.

The dashboard light indicates "Check".

I scanned the car with an OBDII scanner and it showed this error code: P1656 TOYOTA - Oil Control Valve Circuit Malfunction

I showed a mechanic and he said I will need to change oil pump/filter or so but the error doesn't say that's what's wrong. He said oil is not being supplied appropriately to the engine, so when there's shortage of oil, the engine makes the noise.

Has anyone ever had similar experience?

Kindly assist as I don't like trial and error when fixing cars, because it wastes a lot of money.

Any help?

ivcraig:
I just purchased a Toyota Camry 03 and I noticed, the engine makes a wierd noise sometimes.

The dashboard light indicates "Check".

I scanned the car with an OBDII scanner and it showed this error code: P1656 TOYOTA - Oil Control Valve Circuit Malfunction

I showed a mechanic and he said I will need to change oil pump/filter or so but the error doesn't say that's what's wrong. He said oil is not being supplied appropriately to the engine, so when there's shortage of oil, the engine makes the noise.

Has anyone ever had similar experience?

Kindly assist as I don't like trial and error when fixing cars, because it wastes a lot of money.

That code is for a sensor, change the sensor first and see how is goes.

If the error is back, CHANGE YOUR MECHANIC

Tell the new one to open the bottom tray( cos the right English is engine sump but they will not understand) once they open the bottom tray, have them remove the mesh oil filter and wash it with petrol. DONT ALLOW THEM TO CHANGE THE OIL PUMP.

The sensor you are looking for is at the back of the engine around passenger side and right below the top engine cover

ivcraig:
I just purchased a Toyota Camry 03 and I noticed, the engine makes a wierd noise sometimes.

The dashboard light indicates "Check".

I scanned the car with an OBDII scanner and it showed this error code: P1656 TOYOTA - Oil Control Valve Circuit Malfunction

I showed a mechanic and he said I will need to change oil pump/filter or so but the error doesn't say that's what's wrong. He said oil is not being supplied appropriately to the engine, so when there's shortage of oil, the engine makes the noise.

Has anyone ever had similar experience?

Kindly assist as I don't like trial and error when fixing cars, because it wastes a lot of money.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3xVK0mNU0i0&ab_channel=PeterFinntheCarDoctor

homeboy205:





That code is for a sensor, change the sensor first and see how is goes.

If the error is back, CHANGE YOUR MECHANIC

Tell the new one to open the bottom tray( cos the right English is engine sump but they will not understand) once they open the bottom tray, have them remove the mesh oil filter and wash it with petrol. DONT ALLOW THEM TO CHANGE THE OIL PUMP.

The sensor you are looking for is at the back of the engine around passenger side and right below the top engine cover

Thank you so much for this. I will do just as you have advised and give feedback after.

My mechanic opeproned the bottom tray cleaned the sum but the problem still persists. The Check engine light is still showing and the scanner still shows OCV circuit error.

The engine also makes a loud noise like a local grinding machine intermittently after driving it for some time like 20 mins to an hour.

ivcraig:
My mechanic opeproned the bottom tray cleaned the sum but the problem still persists. The Check engine light is still showing and the scanner still shows OCV circuit error.

The engine also makes a loud noise like a local grinding machine intermittently after driving it for some time like 20 mins to an hour.

To cure OCV malfunction isn't a DIY thing neither is it a job of someone who's not versed in modern engine repairs.

First step, you need to change oil and filter and clean the OCV valves, then observe. If it doesn't go, then replace the OCV valve with a good unit whose screen/filter isn't blocked. You should also check the harness for breakage or stuff. If all these doesn't work, that engine should be opened and checked for the cause of the malfunction.


NOTE:

Most OCV malfunction occurs due to delayed oil change or non adherence to factory oil spec recommendations or sludge in engine.

kingreign:


To cure OCV malfunction isn't a DIY thing neither is it a job of someone who's not versed in modern engine repairs.

First step, you need to change oil and filter and clean the OCV valves, then observe. If it doesn't go, then replace the OCV valve with a good unit whose screen/filter isn't blocked. You should also check the harness for breakage or stuff. If all these doesn't work, that engine should be opened and checked for the cause of the malfunction.


NOTE:

Most OCV malfunction occurs due to delayed oil change or non adherence to factory oil spec recommendations or sludge in engine.

Oil changed
Oil filter changed
OCV valve cleaned
OCV has not been replaced
Harness has not been checked
Oil used is Mobile XHP
Observations done - no change - engine still makes loud noises intermittently

ivcraig:


Oil changed
Oil filter changed
OCV valve changed
OCV has not been replaced
Harness has not been checked
Oil used is Mobile XHP
Observations done - no change - engine still makes loud noises intermittently

Explain the both pls.

kingreign:


Explain the both pls.

It was a typo. The mechanic only cleaned the valve but didn't change it. I actually wasn't there when he cleaned it but I asked and he said he has.

Update: my mechanic got the Oil Control Valve
Issue: the current one broke and is stuck in the engine and my mechanic has tried but can't take it out.

ivcraig:
Update: my mechanic got the Oil Control Valve
Issue: the current one broke and is stuck in the engine and my mechanic has tried but can't take it out.

Na there wahala may start brewing. It's well with your car's ministry sha.

kingreign:

Na there wahala may start brewing. It's well with your car's ministry sha.

Hmm... This is basically saying I'm on my own abi?

ivcraig:


Hmm... This is basically saying I'm on my own abi?

I don't know o. But it's well with your car's ministry sha.

kingreign:



I don't know o. But it's well with your car's ministry sha.

Don't worry. I will come back with good news.

ivcraig:


Don't worry. I will come back with good news.

I know you will come out with good news. But your mechanic was careless in the removal of that sensor.

kingreign:

I know you will come out with good news. But your mechanic was careless in the removal of that sensor.

I wasn't there to supervise that's why

Finally! changee the Oil Control Valve or Variable Valve Timing Solenoid the check engine light went off. Then I did a scan and no more errors.

See links to videos that helped in removing the OCV, because it broke in half and was stuck in the engine.


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IuwkWxHy7dk

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Timk7Xrp-a8

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Mv5UaJrpX8g

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rknSrqOtsdU

Thanks guys for your assistance and encouragement.