VVT Solenoids - All

This procedure covers the replacement of all four Variable Valve Timing (VVT) solenoids on the 5.0L Coyote V8 engine, requiring removal of both valve covers to access the solenoids mounted on the cylinder heads.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• VVT solenoid (intake and exhaust) × 4 — Motorcraft MM-1077 or equivalent
• Valve cover gasket (left) × 1 — Motorcraft CG-1255 or equivalent
• Valve cover gasket (right) × 1 — Motorcraft CG-1255 or equivalent
• Ignition coil grommets/seals × 8 — Use OEM specification
• VVT solenoid O-rings × 4 — Usually included with solenoids

Preparation

1. Ensure engine is completely cool to the touch
2. Disconnect negative battery cable and wait 5 minutes
3. Remove engine cover by pulling upward on front clips and lifting
4. Label all electrical connectors and vacuum lines before disconnection to ensure proper reassembly
5. Take photos of ignition coil and harness routing for reference

Procedure

1. 1

   Remove air intake components
   Disconnect the mass airflow sensor electrical connector. Loosen the clamp at the throttle body and remove the air intake tube. Remove the air filter housing if additional access is needed for the right side valve cover.
2. 2

   Disconnect ignition coils and wiring harness (right side)
   Disconnect all four ignition coil electrical connectors on the right bank. Remove the 8mm bolts securing each coil and carefully pull the coils straight up from the spark plug wells. Unclip the wiring harness from the valve cover and move aside. Note the routing for reinstallation.
3. 3

   Remove right valve cover
   Remove all valve cover bolts in reverse of the tightening sequence (refer to service manual diagram - typically start from outside and work inward). Gently tap the valve cover with a rubber mallet if stuck, then lift straight up. Do not pry between the cover and head to avoid damage. Clean any residual gasket material from both the cover and cylinder head mating surfaces using a plastic scraper.
4. 4

   Remove right bank VVT solenoids
   Locate the two VVT solenoids on the front of the right cylinder head (one intake, one exhaust). Disconnect the electrical connectors from both solenoids. Remove the single bolt securing each solenoid and carefully pull each solenoid straight out. Label them clearly as 'Right Intake' and 'Right Exhaust'. Expect some oil drainage. Inspect the mounting bores for debris or metal particles.
   ⚠Oil will drain from solenoid bores. Position rags to catch oil and prevent contamination of other components.
   Torque spec

   VVT Solenoid Bolt10 Nm (7 lb-ft)
5. 5

   Disconnect ignition coils and wiring harness (left side)
   Move to the left side of the engine. Disconnect all four ignition coil electrical connectors on the left bank. Remove the 8mm bolts securing each coil and carefully pull the coils straight up from the spark plug wells. Unclip the wiring harness from the valve cover and move aside.
6. 6

   Remove left valve cover
   Remove all valve cover bolts in reverse of the tightening sequence. Gently tap the valve cover with a rubber mallet if stuck, then lift straight up. Clean any residual gasket material from both the cover and cylinder head mating surfaces using a plastic scraper. Ensure the mating surfaces are clean and dry.
7. 7

   Remove left bank VVT solenoids
   Locate the two VVT solenoids on the front of the left cylinder head (one intake, one exhaust). Disconnect the electrical connectors from both solenoids. Remove the single bolt securing each solenoid and carefully pull each solenoid straight out. Label them clearly as 'Left Intake' and 'Left Exhaust'. Inspect the mounting bores for debris or metal particles.
   ⚠Oil will drain from solenoid bores. Position rags to catch oil and prevent contamination of other components.
   Torque spec

   VVT Solenoid Bolt10 Nm (7 lb-ft)
8. 8

   Clean and prepare mounting surfaces
   Clean all four VVT solenoid mounting bores with brake cleaner and compressed air if available. Remove any debris, old O-ring material, or metal particles. Wipe the cylinder head front surfaces clean. Inspect screens inside the solenoid bores for blockage - clean or replace if restricted.
   ℹ️Blocked solenoid screens are a common cause of VVT system faults. Ensure screens are clean before installing new solenoids.
9. 9

   Install new VVT solenoids
   Verify each new solenoid has a new O-ring installed and lightly lubricate the O-ring with clean engine oil. Install the solenoids in their correct positions (intake vs exhaust) matching the labels from removal. Insert each solenoid straight into its bore, then install and hand-tighten the retaining bolt. Torque each bolt to specification. Reconnect the electrical connectors to each solenoid.
   ⚠Ensure solenoids are installed in the correct positions. Swapping intake and exhaust solenoids will cause performance issues and fault codes.
   Torque spec

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

    Install valve cover gaskets and reinstall covers
    Position new valve cover gaskets on both valve covers, ensuring they seat properly in the grooves. Verify ignition coil grommets are in good condition or replace if damaged. Place each valve cover carefully onto its cylinder head, aligning all bolt holes. Hand-thread all valve cover bolts before tightening. Torque the valve cover bolts to specification following the proper tightening sequence (consult service manual - typically start in the center and work outward in a spiral pattern).
    Torque spec

    Cover Bolts20 Nm (15 lb-ft)
11. 11

    Reinstall ignition coils and wiring
    Apply a small amount of dielectric grease to the inside of each ignition coil boot. Install all eight ignition coils into their respective spark plug wells, pressing down firmly until fully seated. Install the coil retaining bolts and tighten securely (typically 7-8 Nm but not in torque spec list). Reconnect all ignition coil electrical connectors. Re-route and secure the wiring harness to the valve cover clips.
12. 12

    Reinstall air intake system
    Reinstall the air filter housing if removed. Connect the air intake tube to the throttle body and tighten the clamp securely. Reconnect the mass airflow sensor electrical connector. Reinstall the engine cover by aligning the rear tabs first, then pressing down on the front clips until they snap into place.
13. 13

    Reconnect battery and clear codes
    Reconnect the negative battery cable. Start the engine and allow it to idle. The PCM may need to relearn idle and VVT parameters. Check for oil leaks around the valve covers and VVT solenoid areas. Use a scan tool to clear any stored fault codes related to the VVT system.
    ℹ️Engine may run rough for the first few minutes while the PCM relearns VVT timing parameters. This is normal.

Reassembly

1. Ensure all electrical connectors are fully seated and locked
2. Verify all valve cover bolts were tightened in the correct sequence to prevent leaks
3. Double-check that all wiring harnesses are properly routed and secured away from hot exhaust components
4. Confirm air intake system is fully sealed with no loose connections

Verification

• Start engine and verify smooth idle with no rough running or misfires
• Check for oil leaks around valve covers and VVT solenoid mounting areas after engine reaches operating temperature
• Use scan tool to verify no VVT-related fault codes (P0010, P0011, P0020, P0021, etc.)
• Test drive vehicle and verify normal engine performance with smooth acceleration and no hesitation
• Verify VVT system is operating correctly by monitoring cam timing values with scan tool during idle and acceleration

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