VVT Solenoids - All

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

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• VVT solenoid (intake) × 2 — Motorcraft MM1096 or equivalent
• VVT solenoid (exhaust) × 2 — Motorcraft MM1096 or equivalent
• Valve cover gasket (left) × 1 — Motorcraft or OEM specification
• Valve cover gasket (right) × 1 — Motorcraft or OEM specification
• Ignition coil seals × 8 — Use OEM specification

Fluids

• Motorcraft 0W-20 Full Synthetic — 0.5 qt

Preparation

1. Ensure engine is completely cool to the touch
2. Disconnect negative battery terminal and wait 5 minutes for system capacitors to discharge
3. Remove engine cover by pulling upward on front tabs and lifting away
4. Label and photograph all electrical connectors and vacuum line routing for reference
5. Clear workspace around engine to allow access to both valve covers

Procedure

1. 1

   Remove engine harness brackets and PCV hoses
   Disconnect the PCV hose from both valve covers by releasing the spring clamps and pulling hoses free. Remove the engine harness bracket bolts on both sides to allow harness to be moved aside for valve cover access.
2. 2

   Disconnect ignition coil connectors
   Press the locking tab on each ignition coil electrical connector (8 total, 4 per side) and pull straight up to disconnect. Move harness aside. Note the different connector orientations for reassembly.
3. 3

   Remove ignition coils
   Remove the single 8mm bolt securing each ignition coil. Firmly grasp each coil and pull straight upward with a twisting motion to break the seal. Do not pry on coils. Set coils aside in order.
   ⚠Do not allow dirt or debris to enter spark plug wells during this procedure.
4. 4

   Remove right (passenger) valve cover
   Remove all 11 valve cover bolts in reverse of tightening sequence (work from outside toward center). Carefully lift valve cover straight up. If stuck, gently tap with rubber mallet. Do not pry between cover and head as this will damage sealing surfaces.
   ⚠Note valve cover bolt tightening sequence diagram for reinstallation. Improper sequence can cause oil leaks.
5. 5

   Remove left (driver) valve cover
   Remove all 11 valve cover bolts in reverse of tightening sequence. Carefully lift valve cover straight up. Remove and discard old valve cover gaskets from both covers.
6. 6

   Disconnect VVT solenoid electrical connectors
   Locate all four VVT solenoids on the front of each cylinder head (two per head). Press the locking tab on each connector and pull straight back to disconnect. Right side solenoids are more accessible; left side may require working around steering shaft.
7. 7

   Remove VVT solenoids
   Remove the single 10mm bolt from each VVT solenoid (4 total). Pull each solenoid straight out from cylinder head. Oil will drain from passages; have rags ready. Inspect solenoid screens for debris or metal particles.
   ℹ️Intake solenoids are typically at the top position, exhaust at bottom. Note positions before removal.
   Torque spec

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

   Clean VVT solenoid mounting bores
   Use clean shop rags and brake cleaner to thoroughly clean each VVT solenoid mounting bore in the cylinder heads. Remove any old O-ring material, carbon deposits, or oil residue. Inspect bores for damage or scoring.
9. 9

   Clean valve cover mating surfaces
   Use plastic gasket scraper to carefully remove all old gasket material from cylinder head mating surfaces and valve cover sealing grooves. Clean surfaces with brake cleaner and ensure completely dry. Do not gouge or scratch aluminum surfaces.
   ⚠Never use metal scrapers on aluminum valve covers or cylinder heads. Surface damage will cause permanent oil leaks.
10. 10

    Install new VVT solenoids
    Lightly oil the O-rings on new VVT solenoids with clean engine oil. Install each solenoid into its correct position (intake or exhaust) by pushing firmly into bore until fully seated. Install mounting bolts and torque to specification.
    ℹ️Do not interchange intake and exhaust VVT solenoids. They may have different part numbers or calibrations.
    Torque spec

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

    Reconnect VVT solenoid electrical connectors
    Push each VVT solenoid electrical connector firmly onto the solenoid until the locking tab clicks into place. Verify each connection is secure by gently pulling back on connector.
12. 12

    Install new valve cover gaskets
    Install new valve cover gaskets into the grooves in each valve cover. Ensure gaskets are fully seated around entire perimeter and around all bolt holes. Gaskets should lay flat without twisting or bunching.
13. 13

    Install valve covers
    Position each valve cover carefully onto cylinder head, ensuring gasket stays in place. Install all 11 bolts per cover finger-tight first. Then torque all bolts in proper sequence (typically front to rear, alternating sides) to specification.
    ⚠Follow factory tightening sequence exactly. Over-tightening or improper sequence will distort cover and cause oil leaks.
    Torque spec

    Cover Bolts20 Nm (15 lb-ft)
14. 14

    Reinstall ignition coils
    Install new ignition coil seals if removed. Apply small amount of dielectric grease to inside of coil boots. Push each coil firmly into spark plug well until fully seated. Install and snug the 8mm mounting bolt on each coil. Reconnect all ignition coil electrical connectors.
15. 15

    Reinstall engine harness and accessories
    Reinstall engine harness brackets and torque bolts to specification. Reconnect PCV hoses to both valve covers and secure with spring clamps. Reinstall engine cover. Reconnect negative battery terminal.

Reassembly

1. Double-check all electrical connections are fully seated and locked
2. Verify all valve cover bolts are torqued to specification in proper sequence
3. Ensure PCV hoses and vacuum lines are properly routed and connected
4. Check engine oil level and top off if necessary after solenoid oil loss

Verification

• Start engine and verify it runs smoothly without misfires or rough idle
• Check for oil leaks around valve covers and VVT solenoid areas after 5 minutes of running
• Use scan tool to verify no VVT-related diagnostic trouble codes are present
• Test drive vehicle and verify smooth acceleration and normal engine performance
• Recheck valve cover areas for leaks after first drive cycle when engine is hot

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