What is the Variable Valve Timing (VVT) Solenoid all about?

Variable valve timing (VVT) helps to provide smoother idling, better power delivery for everyday needs, improved fuel economy, and superior emissions control. In order to achieve all of these tasks, your VVT system requires a number of different components including the variable valve timing solenoid. The VVT solenoid is responsible for changing the position of the camshafts in the engine. It works on oil pressure, and can either advance or retard cam position to provide the right performance from the engine. Each camshaft is equipped with a VVT solenoid, which is capable of altering the supply of oil pressure to the camshaft depending on the speed and load of the engine. If the VVT solenoid is not working properly, the Check Engine light will come on and your engine will perform noticeably worse.

Keep in mind:

• The most common cause for VVT solenoid problems is dirty oil, which clogs the screen that sits between the solenoid and the VVT pressure switch.
• If the solenoid doesn’t operate, the VVT system will remain disengaged, which can adversely impact engine performance, fuel economy and more.

How it's done:

• The faulty variable valve timing actuator (VVT) solenoid is located and identified
• The variable valve timing actuator (VVT) solenoid is removed
• The new variable valve timing actuator (VVT) solenoid is installed
• The engine is tested with a scanner for proper variable valve timing actuator (VVT) solenoid operation
• The vehicle is road tested and checked for proper variable valve timing actuator (VVT) sensor operation

Our recommendation:

Because the solenoid is located at the camshaft (near the VVT switch), it cannot be inspected on a regular basis. The only time it will be inspected is if you are experiencing problems with the VVT system, or the Check Engine light illuminates and the computer provides a camshaft position or VVT system related code. If you do experience variable valve timing issues, have one of our expert mechanics diagnose and repair the issue.

What common symptoms indicate you may need to replace the Variable Valve Timing (VVT) Solenoid?

• Vehicle gets poor fuel economy
• Engine performance is diminished
• Check Engine light is on

How important is this service?

If your vehicle is equipped with a variable valve timing system, it needs to operate as designed for proper performance and fuel efficiency. If your vehicle’s VVT solenoid is faulty, have it replaced as soon as possible to regain your lost performance.