A VVT solenoid, also called an oil control valve or cam timing solenoid, directs engine oil to the cam phasers so the engine computer can advance or retard camshaft timing. Variable valve timing improves low-speed torque, high-speed power and fuel economy. A sticking or failed VVT solenoid causes rough idle, stalling, poor fuel economy, a check engine light and codes such as P0011 or P0014.
Bad VVT solenoid symptoms
- Rough idle, especially when warm; see rough idle
- Stalling at idle or when coming to a stop
- Reduced power or a flat feeling at low speed
- Worse fuel economy
- Rattle or ticking from the front of the engine on some designs
- Check engine light with cam timing codes
How variable valve timing works
A cam phaser sits on the end of the camshaft where the timing chain or belt drives it. Inside are oil chambers on each side of a vane. The VVT solenoid, switched rapidly by the engine computer, sends oil to one side or the other, rotating the camshaft a few degrees ahead of or behind the crankshaft. The camshaft position sensor reports the actual angle, and the computer keeps adjusting until actual matches desired. Because the whole system runs on engine oil, oil level, cleanliness and viscosity matter more on VVT engines than on older designs.
VVT codes
| Code | Meaning |
|---|---|
| P0010 / P0013 | Intake / exhaust cam actuator circuit, bank 1 |
| P0011 / P0012 | Intake cam over-advanced / over-retarded |
| P0014 | Exhaust cam over-advanced |
| P0016 to P0019, P0008 | Crank and cam correlation, usually chain stretch |
What causes VVT solenoid problems
- Oil: low oil, the wrong viscosity or sludge is the most common cause; the solenoid and phaser need clean oil at the right pressure.
- Clogged screen: many solenoids or their oil feed have a fine screen that traps debris.
- Electrical faults: a failed coil or an oil-soaked connector (P0010, P0013).
- Worn phasers or a stretched chain, which the solenoid cannot compensate for.
How to test a VVT solenoid
- Check oil level and condition, and confirm the oil viscosity matches the specification.
- Measure solenoid resistance against the specification.
- Command the solenoid with a bidirectional scan tool: idle should stumble as the cam moves, and actual cam angle should follow the command.
- Remove the solenoid and inspect its screen and spool for sludge or sticking.
Solenoid, phaser or chain?
If a new solenoid and an oil change do not clear the codes, look at the phasers and timing chain. Some engines are known for phaser problems, such as the Ford 5.4 3-valve; see 5.4 Triton problems. Codes on both banks with a start-up rattle point to chain stretch; see timing chain symptoms and low oil pressure. Timing parts that have failed badly can damage valves; if the engine is damaged, compare a replacement on our engines page.
More guides: what does a camshaft do? · bad cam phaser symptoms · Eagle vs pre-Eagle 5.7 Hemi.
Trouble codes: P0020 Intake Cam Actuator Circuit Bank 2 · P0021 Intake Cam Over-Advanced Bank 2 · P0022 Intake Cam Over-Retarded Bank 2 · P2646 Rocker Arm Actuator Stuck Off · P0015 Exhaust Cam Over-Retarded Bank 1 · P0023 Exhaust Cam Actuator Circuit Bank 2 · P0024 Exhaust Cam Over-Advanced Bank 2 · P0025 Exhaust Cam Over-Retarded Bank 2 · P0075 Intake Valve Control Solenoid · P0076 Intake Valve Control Solenoid Low · P0077 Intake Valve Control Solenoid High · all OBD2 codes.
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