VVT Solenoids - All

Replace all four VVT (Variable Valve Timing) solenoids on the 3.5L EcoBoost engine to restore proper valve timing control and eliminate timing-related fault codes.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• VVT solenoid - intake left bank × 1 — Motorcraft MM-1077 or equivalent
• VVT solenoid - exhaust left bank × 1 — Motorcraft MM-1077 or equivalent
• VVT solenoid - intake right bank × 1 — Motorcraft MM-1077 or equivalent
• VVT solenoid - exhaust right bank × 1 — Motorcraft MM-1077 or equivalent
• Valve cover gaskets (if damaged) × 2 — Use OEM specification
• Valve cover bolt grommets (if damaged) × 1 — Use OEM specification

Preparation

1. Ensure engine is completely cool to the touch
2. Disconnect negative battery cable and wait 5 minutes for system capacitors to discharge
3. Remove engine cover by pulling upward on front and rear lift points
4. Place drain pan and shop towels under work area to catch oil spillage
5. Take photos of electrical connector routing and solenoid positions for reference

Procedure

1. 1

   Access left bank (driver side) valve cover
   Remove air intake tube and any interfering hoses or wiring harnesses from the left side of the engine bay. Move wiring harnesses aside to access the valve cover. The left bank contains two VVT solenoids on the forward portion of the valve cover.
2. 2

   Remove left bank VVT solenoid electrical connectors
   Locate the two VVT solenoids on the left valve cover (one for intake cam, one for exhaust cam). Press the release tab on each electrical connector and pull straight away from the solenoid. Mark or photograph which connector goes to which solenoid position.
3. 3

   Remove left bank VVT solenoids
   Using a 8mm socket, remove the single bolt securing each VVT solenoid. Pull the solenoid straight out from the valve cover with a twisting motion. Oil will drain from the mounting bore. Remove and inspect the O-ring seal on each solenoid. Place shop towels in the bores to prevent debris entry.
   Torque spec

   VVT Solenoid Bolt10 Nm (7 lb-ft)
4. 4

   Access right bank (passenger side) valve cover
   Remove any interfering components from the right side including the air intake resonator if present. On the right bank, you may need to move the power steering reservoir or coolant expansion tank aside for better access. The right valve cover also has two VVT solenoids on the forward portion.
5. 5

   Remove right bank VVT solenoid electrical connectors
   Press the release tab on each electrical connector for the right bank VVT solenoids and pull straight away. Again, mark or photograph the connector positions to ensure correct reassembly.
6. 6

   Remove right bank VVT solenoids
   Using a 8mm socket, remove the single bolt from each VVT solenoid on the right bank. Extract each solenoid with a twisting motion. Allow oil to drain into your drain pan. Remove the O-rings and stuff clean shop towels into the mounting bores.
   Torque spec

   VVT Solenoid Bolt10 Nm (7 lb-ft)
7. 7

   Inspect mounting bores and screens
   Remove the shop towels and inspect each VVT solenoid bore for debris or metal particles. Each bore has an internal oil screen that can be checked with a flashlight. If screens are clogged with sludge or metal, deeper engine inspection may be required. Clean the valve cover mounting surfaces around each bore.
8. 8

   Prepare new VVT solenoids
   Verify each new solenoid has a new O-ring installed. Lightly lubricate each O-ring with clean engine oil. Confirm you have identified which solenoids are for intake versus exhaust positions by comparing with old units and checking part numbers.
9. 9

   Install left bank VVT solenoids
   Insert each new VVT solenoid into its correct bore on the left valve cover, ensuring the O-ring does not twist or roll. Push the solenoid fully seated, then install the mounting bolt finger-tight. Torque the bolt to specification using a torque wrench.
   Torque spec

   VVT Solenoid Bolt10 Nm (7 lb-ft)
10. 10

    Install right bank VVT solenoids
    Repeat the installation process for the right bank solenoids. Ensure each solenoid is fully seated before tightening. Torque each mounting bolt to specification.
    Torque spec

    VVT Solenoid Bolt10 Nm (7 lb-ft)
11. 11

    Reconnect all electrical connectors
    Connect the electrical connectors to each VVT solenoid, ensuring each connector locks with an audible click. Verify each connector is on the correct solenoid by referring to your earlier photos. Tug gently on each connector to confirm it is locked.
12. 12

    Reinstall removed components
    Reinstall the air intake components, wiring harnesses, and any other parts removed for access. Ensure all hoses are properly seated and clamps are tight. Reinstall the engine cover by aligning the mounting grommets and pressing down firmly.
13. 13

    Reconnect battery and check oil level
    Reconnect the negative battery cable. Check the engine oil level and top off if necessary due to oil lost during solenoid removal. Start the engine and verify no oil leaks around the VVT solenoid mounting areas.

Reassembly

1. Ensure all electrical connectors are fully seated and locked
2. Verify all intake and vacuum lines are properly reconnected
3. Double-check that valve covers are dry with no oil seepage around VVT solenoid mounting areas

Verification

• Start the engine and allow it to idle for 2-3 minutes while monitoring for oil leaks around all four VVT solenoids
• Use a scan tool to clear any stored VVT-related fault codes
• Test drive the vehicle and monitor for smooth idle and proper engine performance during acceleration
• After test drive, re-scan for fault codes to confirm VVT system is functioning correctly
• Recheck oil level after test drive and top off if needed

More procedures for this vehicle