Codes p0015 and p0017, RPMs Fluctuate at Idle,1,000 - 3,500?

2010 SCION XD
149,000 MILES • 1.8L • 4 CYL • 2WD • AUTOMATIC
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ALEJANDRO VILLARREAL
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I bought this car about two years ago. The first issue that I had with it was a blown coolant hose (quick replacement fixed the issue). The second time coolant leaked into my engine which caused my engine to overheat and instead of purchasing a new engine I had the heads fixed. This took a long time but eventually the car got back to me but with new problems. I now have two permanent codes which are p0015 and p0017. I also have the engine light on but not flashing. The issue of fluctuating RPMs during idle is the third issue which I've tried to solve. MAF sensor works. The new throttle body did not solve the problem and I've tried the relearn procedure, but it doesn't seem to work. I've also done a vacuum leak check with a smoke machine, but I couldn't find any leaks. New spark plugs and Ignition coils. I've also sprayed throttle body cleaner around the engine but no results. The car drives but when taking off from a stop it hesitates for a second before accelerating. There is a significant loss of acceleration power. I hope you guys can help me with this issue. I would appreciate any kind of help or tips. Thank you
Jul 18, 2023 at 3:19 PM
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JACOBANDNICKOLAS
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Hi,

Did this issue start after having the work done on the cylinder head? I ask because both codes are related to engine timing. The P0015 indicates the exhaust camshaft is retarded and the P0017 simply indicates there is a timing variation between the crankshaft position sensor and camshaft position sensor.

Let me know.

Joe
Jul 19, 2023 at 9:16 PM
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ALEJANDRO VILLARREAL
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Hi Joe,

Sorry for the late reply. Yes, the issue with the rough idle started after the work on the heads.
Jul 20, 2023 at 3:37 PM
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ALEJANDRO VILLARREAL
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Hi Joe,

Sorry for the late reply. Yes the issue with the rough idle started after the work on the heads.
Jul 20, 2023 at 3:37 PM
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JACOBANDNICKOLAS
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Hi,

If that is the case, there is a good chance the timing was not set properly. Would the individual that did the work check it for you?

Let me know.

Joe
Jul 20, 2023 at 6:30 PM
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ALEJANDRO VILLARREAL
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Hi,
At this time the guy who worked on the engine cannot check on it for me. Something came up. Do you believe this is something that can be fixed by a regular individual with mid mechanic knowledge? Cause I would like to try and fix it myself. Or should I just look for a different mechanic?
Jul 25, 2023 at 12:40 AM
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JACOBANDNICKOLAS
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Hi,

I'm not sure what you are comfortable with, but it wouldn't hurt to try. It will require some special tooling. What we really need to know is if the camshafts are properly timed with the crankshaft.

Take a look at the pic below. It shows the alignment points. Also, if I recall correctly, there should be links in the timing chain that are a different color that line up with the marks.

Let me know if this is something you feel comfortable doing. Also, if timing is an issue, I wanted you to see what needs to be done to time it, so the remaining pics (starting with pic 3) are the directions.

Let me know your thoughts.

Take care,

Joe

See pics below.
Jul 25, 2023 at 8:31 PM