Engine failed all four timing codes?

Tiny
RONBUFF
  • MEMBER
  • 2007 TOYOTA SIENNA
  • 6 CYL
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 205,000 MILES
Failed all four timing codes. What are the possible consequences of continuing to drive it?
Thursday, August 10th, 2023 AT 2:06 PM

10 Replies

Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 109,758 POSTS
Hi,

I'm not sure what codes you are referring to. Are they diagnostic trouble codes? If they are, could you let me know what they are?

As far as timing goes, the good news is this engine isn't an interference engine. If timing jumps, it shouldn't cause any internal damage.

Let me know what the codes are so I can better inform you.

Take care,

Joe
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Thursday, August 10th, 2023 AT 9:18 PM
Tiny
RONBUFF
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Thanks for the quick response. I have attached a printout of the error codes for the Sienna. All four show as "test failed". I am concerned about continuing to drive this car.

Thanks,
Ron Buffington
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Friday, August 11th, 2023 AT 6:12 AM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
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Hi,

Thanks for the update. The codes are specific to the crankshaft and camshaft sensors correlation. What is the vehicle running like? If all of these codes came on at the same time, I would suspect a possible timing chain issue. However, it could be an issue with one of the sensors, a toner ring, or something with the variable valve timing.

Is it still running normally? Have you noticed a power loss, hard start, engine noises, or anything different?

Let me know.

Joe
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Friday, August 11th, 2023 AT 10:10 PM
Tiny
RONBUFF
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It is running just fine. Quiet and still powerful. The concern is that an oil hose failed twice, and I went probably 15 miles(total) after the oil all leaked out, just after the last hose replacement the check engine light came on. I had the diagnostic done at the local Toyota dealer. The service manager there recommended replacing the engine. I am at a loss as to what should be done. As I said the car is running normally. Thank you for your help.
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Friday, August 11th, 2023 AT 10:45 PM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
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Replace the engine? That's a quick way to make money and an easy way to cover all the bases. Ugh! If it is running good, there are no engine noises such as knocking or ticking, drive it. I didn't know the oil got that low. That likely caused the variable valve timing to go off because it is controlled by oil pressure

Make sure the engine oil is clean and full. Have the codes cleared and drive it to see if they come back. I suspect they won't. Even if they do, if there are no engine noises and it's running good, don't be afraid to drive it.

Let me know. Also, let me know if there are any engine noises. Actually, if you could start it and record it running, I should be able to tell if there is a concern.

It drives me crazy when the first thing requested is a new engine. I have a good customer that had a low oil pressure light turn on and it was leaking oil from the rear of the engine. The dealer said it needed a new engine. I removed the intake, replaced a $20.00 oil pressure switch, and he has put another 100K on it and it still is going. The oil pressure switch was bad and leaking. The oil ran down the rear of the engine and they wanted to replace it. LOL

Let me know. Also, let me know if you have questions.

Take care,

Joe
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Saturday, August 12th, 2023 AT 8:09 PM
Tiny
RONBUFF
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Here is a video of the Sienna running. Hope the audio is enough for you to hear clearly. Thanks again.
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Sunday, August 13th, 2023 AT 7:24 AM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
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Hi,

Since they are already recommending a new engine, I would drive it. If it fails, then worry about the engine. But it really doesn't sound terrible. I hear the belt making a noise, but other than that, I really don't hear any knocking or ticking. Just keep the oil changed and full. It should keep going.

How close to the engine were you when you recorded it? It sounds like you were very close. Is that correct? Also, here is a link you may find of interest:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/engine-noises

Let me know.

Joe
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Sunday, August 13th, 2023 AT 9:39 PM
Tiny
RONBUFF
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I held the camera pretty close to the engine and moved it side to side. Like you, I didn't hear anything concerning as far as ticking or knocks. In the meantime, I got an app from FIXD and read the codes. The results showed the same timing codes and it read "all issues in this list are likely safe to ignore if all dash lights are off". This is basically the same thing you said, as well. I cleared the check engine light and it has not come back on yet. The car is running fine with no noticeable loss of power. Thanks again for your help in this matter. How can I contribute to your GoFundme?
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Monday, August 14th, 2023 AT 5:53 AM
Tiny
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Hi Ron, if the light hasn't turned back on, chances are it won't. Let's keep our fingers crossed that it doesn't.

As far as the GoFundMe, please know that isn't a requirement, but it's appreciated. Here is the link.

https://www.gofundme.com/f/help-us-help-others-get-back-on-the-road?utm_campaign=p_cf+share-flow-1&utm_medium=copy_link&utm_source=customer

Let me know if things change. Also, feel free to come back anytime in the future.

Take care of yourself,

Joe

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Monday, August 14th, 2023 AT 10:38 PM
Tiny
RONBUFF
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Thanks.
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Tuesday, August 15th, 2023 AT 7:22 AM

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