C5 Cam Variator Solenoid (EW10J4)

addo · Post by **addo** » 13 Apr 2011, 11:10

I scanned a car today which had a logged fault suggesting this item was defective. Fault conditions were low speed, engine warm, 2800-3000 RPM area.

Any opinions on this - phantom fault or a genuine possible? I know the Alfa ones are famous for dying.

Cheers, Adam.

AndersDK · Post by **AndersDK** » 13 Apr 2011, 12:18

Hi addo -

dont know on the 2liter.
But on the V6 these electrovalves are a nuissance according to our local forum C5 & 407 discussions.

Generally an electrovalve suffers from overheating, as there is a definitive ohmic resistance in the coil, which acts as a heater element.

The heat stresses the coil windings which at some point will break and then only intermittent connection is then created between the ends of the broken wire.
The connection - and therefore the function of the valve - becomes highly temperature and/or vibration sensitive.

Your Lexia or Proxia can not check this - unless you tempereture and vibration cycles the valve during a live measurement.
Your customer will rather pay for a new valve replaced promptly rather than you checking the valve for hours ...

addo · Post by **addo** » 13 Apr 2011, 21:20

Thanks - that seems a very sensible approach to repair.

Cheers, Adam.

addo · Post by **addo** » 15 Apr 2011, 10:59

I'm having trouble actually finding it on a parts diagram!

What's it called in French?

Post by **RichardW** » 15 Apr 2011, 12:44

Service.citroen suggests EW10J4 doesn't have one of these - are you looking at a MK1 C5? Mk2 C5 lists the engine code as EW10A - and shows the solenoid just floating above the engine

.... at least on the V6 it has the decency to point roughly where it is located. They just call it Solenoid Valve - but it's under Air and Fuel supply, and then INJ CALCULATOR SENSOR section. Obviously....

Part No 1920GR (until RP 10919) 1920LQ after RP 10920

addo · Post by **addo** » 15 Apr 2011, 13:07

Thanks - I had seen that but wondered if it were an EGR solenoid.

My SC configuration is not responding to searches by article name (eg: electrovalve), whether settings are in English or French. Really frustrating.

AndersDK · Post by **AndersDK** » 15 Apr 2011, 13:15

addo wrote:Thanks - I had seen that but wondered if it were an EGR solenoid.

My SC configuration is not responding to searches by article name (eg: electrovalve), whether settings are in English or French. Really frustrating.

Strange - thats exactly my experience too.
Thought it was a "special feature" for the nordic countries SC users