A method for operating a multi-cylinder internal combustion engine includes varying the opening or closing of engine valves including intake or exhaust valves, in fluid communication with each of the cylinders of the engine. The method further includes generating a signal indicative of engine valve status in response to monitoring an acceleration parameter of the engine. An engine includes a computer configured to determine a performance status of intake or exhaust valves of the engine responsive to monitoring an engine acceleration parameter such as crankshaft acceleration. The computer is configured via fault detection and cylinder trimming routines to adjust valve performance based on a nominal crankshaft acceleration for the engine.