engine

VVT Solenoids - All

for 2017 Ford F-150 3.5L V6 EcoBoost · RWD

Editorial review:Chris Hackleman — Master Technician · 20+ years · Jeff Moore — Master Mechanic · 20+ years

Difficulty

Moderate

Time

2.4 h

Tools

Steps

✓Expert-verified. Personally reviewed and approved by OLP's master technicians (Chris Hackleman & Jeff Moore — 20+ years each). Always follow the vehicle's factory service information and torque specs.

This procedure covers the replacement of all four Variable Valve Timing (VVT) solenoids on the 3.5L EcoBoost V6 engine, requiring removal of valve covers and intake components to access both banks.

Warnings

⚠Allow engine to cool completely before beginning work to avoid burns from hot components.

⚠VVT solenoids are oil-fed; expect residual oil spillage when removing solenoids and valve covers.

ℹ️The 3.5L EcoBoost has two VVT solenoids per bank (intake and exhaust) for a total of four solenoids.

ℹ️Valve cover bolt tightening sequence must be followed to prevent gasket leaks.

Tools required

Socket set (8mm, 10mm, 13mm)Essential

Torque wrench (10-60 Nm range)Essential

Ratchet and extensionsEssential

Plastic trim removal tools

Magnetic pick-up tool

Clean ragsEssential

Parts tray or organizer

Gasket scraper (plastic)Essential

Degreaser/brake cleanerEssential

As an Amazon Associate and Autel/ANCEL partner, OLP earns from qualifying purchases — how we link. This never changes the specs we publish.

Parts

VVT solenoid - intake (driver side) × 1 — Motorcraft DG-524 or equivalent
VVT solenoid - exhaust (driver side) × 1 — Motorcraft DG-524 or equivalent
VVT solenoid - intake (passenger side) × 1 — Motorcraft DG-524 or equivalent
VVT solenoid - exhaust (passenger side) × 1 — Motorcraft DG-524 or equivalent
Valve cover gasket - driver side × 1 — Motorcraft RG-1224 or equivalent
Valve cover gasket - passenger side × 1 — Motorcraft RG-1224 or equivalent
Ignition coil grommets (if damaged) × 6 — Use OEM specification

As an Amazon Associate and Autel/ANCEL partner, OLP earns from qualifying purchases — how we link. This never changes the specs we publish.

Fluids

Motorcraft 0W-20 Full Synthetic — 0.5 qt

Preparation

Ensure engine is completely cool to the touch.
Disconnect negative battery cable and wait 5 minutes for system capacitors to discharge.
Remove engine cover by pulling upward on front edge and lifting off mounting grommets.
Label or photograph all electrical connectors and vacuum lines for reference during reassembly.
Place a drain pan or absorbent pads under the work area to catch oil residue.

Procedure

1
Remove air intake system
Disconnect the mass airflow sensor electrical connector. Loosen the clamp at the turbocharger inlet and remove the air intake tube. Remove the air filter housing by disconnecting any vacuum lines and unbolting the housing mounting bolts. Set aside to provide access to the passenger side valve cover.
2
Disconnect ignition coils and electrical connectors
Disconnect all six ignition coil electrical connectors on both banks. Remove the ignition coil hold-down bolts and carefully pull each coil out of the spark plug wells with a twisting motion. Disconnect all electrical connectors from the valve covers including the VVT solenoid connectors (two per side). Label connections if needed.
3
Remove driver side valve cover
Disconnect any PCV hoses or breather tubes connected to the driver side valve cover. Remove all valve cover bolts in reverse of the tightening sequence (start from outer bolts and work inward). Carefully lift the valve cover off the cylinder head. If stuck, gently tap with a rubber mallet - do not pry between sealing surfaces. Clean any oil residue from the area.
Torque spec
Cover Bolts19 Nm (14 lb-ft)
4
Remove passenger side valve cover
Disconnect the PCV hoses and any electrical connectors still attached to the passenger side valve cover. You may need to move wiring harnesses aside for clearance. Remove all valve cover bolts in reverse sequence. Carefully lift the valve cover away from the cylinder head. Clean the work area of oil residue.
Torque spec
Cover Bolts19 Nm (14 lb-ft)
5
Remove driver side VVT solenoids
Locate the two VVT solenoids on the driver side cylinder head (intake solenoid is typically toward the front, exhaust toward the rear). Remove the single bolt securing each solenoid. Carefully pull each solenoid straight out of its bore. Expect oil to drain from the bores and solenoids. Inspect the solenoid screens for debris or metal particles.
⚠Oil will drain from solenoid bores when removed. Have rags ready to catch spillage.
Torque spec
VVT Solenoid Bolt10 Nm (7 lb-ft)
6
Remove passenger side VVT solenoids
Locate the two VVT solenoids on the passenger side cylinder head. Remove the bolt from each solenoid and carefully extract them from their bores. Allow oil to drain and catch with rags. Inspect solenoid screens for contamination which may indicate internal engine issues.
⚠Oil will drain from solenoid bores when removed. Have rags ready to catch spillage.
Torque spec
VVT Solenoid Bolt10 Nm (7 lb-ft)
7
Clean solenoid mounting surfaces
Clean the VVT solenoid mounting bores in both cylinder heads using brake cleaner and clean lint-free rags. Remove any debris, old oil residue, or gasket material. Inspect the bores for damage or excessive wear. Ensure the oil passages are clear and not obstructed.
8
Install new driver side VVT solenoids
Inspect the new VVT solenoids to ensure O-rings are properly seated and screens are clean. Lightly lubricate the O-rings with clean engine oil. Install the intake and exhaust solenoids into their respective bores on the driver side cylinder head, ensuring they seat fully. Install and torque the mounting bolts to specification.
Torque spec
VVT Solenoid Bolt10 Nm (7 lb-ft)
9
Install new passenger side VVT solenoids
Lubricate the O-rings on the passenger side VVT solenoids with clean engine oil. Install both solenoids into their correct positions (intake and exhaust) in the cylinder head, seating them completely. Install and torque the mounting bolts to specification.
Torque spec
VVT Solenoid Bolt10 Nm (7 lb-ft)
10
Prepare valve covers for installation
Remove old gaskets from both valve covers using a plastic scraper. Clean all gasket surfaces on the valve covers and cylinder heads with brake cleaner and ensure they are completely dry. Install new valve cover gaskets into the grooves on each valve cover, ensuring they are fully seated and not twisted or pinched.
11
Install driver side valve cover
Carefully position the driver side valve cover onto the cylinder head, ensuring the gasket remains properly seated. Install all valve cover bolts finger-tight first. Torque the bolts in the proper sequence (starting from center and working outward in a cross pattern) to specification. Reconnect any PCV hoses or breather tubes.
ℹ️Follow the valve cover bolt tightening sequence specified in the service manual to ensure even gasket compression.
Torque spec
Cover Bolts19 Nm (14 lb-ft)
12
Install passenger side valve cover
Position the passenger side valve cover onto the cylinder head with the gasket properly seated. Install all bolts finger-tight. Torque the bolts in the correct sequence to specification. Reconnect PCV hoses and any electrical connectors or harnesses that were moved aside.
ℹ️Follow the valve cover bolt tightening sequence to prevent gasket leaks.
Torque spec
Cover Bolts19 Nm (14 lb-ft)
13
Reconnect VVT solenoid electrical connectors
Reconnect the electrical connectors to all four VVT solenoids, ensuring each connector clicks securely into place. Verify that connectors are properly seated and locked. Route any wiring harnesses back to their original positions and secure with clips.
14
Reinstall ignition coils and air intake
Apply a small amount of dielectric grease to the ignition coil boots if needed. Install all six ignition coils into the spark plug wells, ensuring they seat fully. Install and tighten the coil hold-down bolts. Reconnect all ignition coil electrical connectors. Reinstall the air filter housing and intake tube, reconnecting the mass airflow sensor connector and tightening all clamps securely.
15
Final checks and battery reconnection
Double-check that all electrical connectors are properly seated and secured. Verify all bolts are tightened and no tools or rags are left in the engine bay. Reinstall the engine cover by aligning the grommets and pressing firmly into place. Reconnect the negative battery cable. Check engine oil level and top off if necessary with the correct specification oil.

Reassembly

Ensure all valve cover bolts are torqued in the proper sequence to prevent oil leaks.
Verify all electrical connectors are fully seated and latched.
Confirm the air intake system is properly sealed with all clamps tight to prevent air leaks.
Check that the engine cover is properly seated on all mounting grommets.

Verification

Start the engine and allow it to idle. Listen for any unusual noises or irregular idle that could indicate VVT solenoid issues.
Check for oil leaks around both valve covers and VVT solenoid mounting locations after engine reaches operating temperature.
Use a scan tool to verify there are no VVT-related diagnostic trouble codes (P0010, P0011, P0013, P0014, P0020, P0021, P0023, P0024).
Test drive the vehicle and verify smooth acceleration and no hesitation, which would indicate proper VVT system operation.
Recheck oil level after test drive and top off if necessary.

🔧Stuck on this vvt solenoids - all? Take it to The Diag Desk.A human with 20+ years in the bay answers about YOUR Ford within 24 hours — never AI. $25, and you're not charged unless you get an answer.Ask a tech →