We follow Tasker and Lacy diagnosing a lack of engine performance on an Ingenium-powered F-Pace diesel
WHEN WE heard that a Jaguar F-Pace 2.0D was about to arrive at independent specialist, Tasker and Lacy, with an engine performance issue, we were keen to follow the work involved in diagnosing the problem.
This particular vehicle had been to them a few months previously and a fault code relating to the variable valve timing (VVT) solenoid had been raised, which had resulted in the engine management light illuminating on the dashboard. However, after clearing the fault code, the problem hadn’t returned, yet the performance from the 2-litre Ingenium diesel engine had recently started to reduce.
The VVT solenoid on this engine is known to fail, resulting in reduced engine performance. Inside this electronic device, there’s a small plunger that can stick. Plus, there’s only one oil way on the older VVT solenoids, whereas this has now been updated with two. As you’ll see from the following 18 steps, we discovered more problems than just the solenoid.
1 Before we begin to diagnose the lack of engine performance on this F-Pace, we’ve already hit a common problem – the bonnet release mechanism is stiff to operate and can seize. It’s sprayed with a lubricant
2 Technician Walter needs to check for any logged faults, so first of all he connects an additional power supply to back up the vehicle’s 12-volt battery and reduce the risk of false readings
3 There’s an OBD diagnostic port located inside the driver’s footwell of the F-Pace. This communicates with the ECU for the vehicle and all the other control systems to help diagnose problems
4 Like most specialists, T&L has a laptop running the diagnostic software to recognise and communicate with the vehicle’s control modules
5 The VVT-related problem that was identified a few months ago, and which raised an engine management light, hasn’t returned, but Walter still suspects it to be the cause of poor engine performance
6 He removes the top engine cover to gain access to the VVT solenoid, which is often the problem of poor engine performance, but notices the turbocharger is covered in soot. It has been leaking
7 Wondering if there are two separate issues, Walter still wants to check the VVT solenoid, so first, he releases the wiring loom at the back of the engine, which obstructs access to it
8 We can’t see much of the VVT solenoid at the back of the engin
