engine

VVT Solenoids - All

for 2021 Ford F-150 3.5L V6 EcoBoost · 4WD

Editorial review:Chris Hackleman — Master Technician · 20+ years · Jeff Moore — Master Lexus & Toyota 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 replaces all four Variable Valve Timing (VVT) solenoids on the 3.5L EcoBoost V6 engine, requiring removal of valve covers and engine accessories.

Warnings

⚠️Allow engine to cool completely before starting this procedure. Hot engine components can cause severe burns.

⚠Disconnect negative battery terminal before beginning work to prevent accidental starter engagement or electrical shorts.

⚠VVT solenoids contain small screens that can be damaged. Handle new solenoids carefully and never drop them.

ℹ️Keep work area clean. Foreign material entering the valve train can cause catastrophic engine damage.

Tools required

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

Torque wrench (5-60 Nm range)Essential

Screwdriver set (flat blade, Phillips)Essential

Trim panel removal tools

Silicone gasket remover

Clean lint-free ragsEssential

Small pry bar or gasket scraperEssential

Digital multimeter

Parts

VVT solenoid (intake, right bank) × 1 — Motorcraft MM-1090 or equivalent
VVT solenoid (exhaust, right bank) × 1 — Motorcraft MM-1090 or equivalent
VVT solenoid (intake, left bank) × 1 — Motorcraft MM-1090 or equivalent
VVT solenoid (exhaust, left bank) × 1 — Motorcraft MM-1090 or equivalent
Valve cover gasket, right bank × 1 — Use OEM specification
Valve cover gasket, left bank × 1 — Use OEM specification
Spark plug tube seals (set) × 1 — Use OEM specification
VVT solenoid O-rings (if not included) × 4 — Use OEM specification

Fluids

Motorcraft 0W-20 Full Synthetic — 1 qt

Preparation

Ensure engine is completely cool to the touch
Disconnect negative battery terminal and secure away from battery post
Remove engine cover by pulling upward firmly on all four corners
Photograph or label all electrical connectors and vacuum lines for reference during reassembly
Have a clean workspace prepared for removed components

Procedure

1
Remove air intake system
Loosen clamp at throttle body and mass airflow sensor. Disconnect MAF sensor electrical connector. Remove entire air intake tube assembly from throttle body to air filter housing. Set aside in clean area.
2
Disconnect electrical connectors
Locate all four VVT solenoid electrical connectors on top of each valve cover (two per bank). Press release tabs and disconnect each connector. Disconnect ignition coil connectors on both banks. Disconnect any other electrical connectors attached to valve covers including fuel injector harness connectors.
3
Remove ignition coils
Remove the single 10mm bolt securing each ignition coil (six total). Carefully twist and pull each coil straight up to remove from spark plug tube. Inspect coil boots for damage. Set coils aside in order.
4
Remove PCV hoses and breather tubes
Disconnect PCV hose from right valve cover. Remove breather hose from left valve cover. Note routing for reinstallation. On some configurations, remove oil dipstick tube mounting bolt if it interferes with valve cover removal.
5
Remove right (passenger) valve cover
Remove all valve cover bolts in reverse of tightening sequence (work from outside toward center). There are 11 bolts total. Carefully lift valve cover straight up. If stuck, gently tap with rubber mallet - never pry between cover and head. Remove old gasket and inspect cover for damage.
Torque spec
Cover Bolts19 Nm (14 lb-ft)
6
Remove right bank VVT solenoids
Locate the intake and exhaust VVT solenoids on the front of the right cylinder head (behind timing cover area, accessed from top). Remove the single bolt securing each solenoid. Carefully pull each solenoid straight out. Inspect O-rings and screens on old solenoids. Place clean rags over openings to prevent debris entry.
Torque spec
VVT Solenoid Bolt10 Nm (7 lb-ft)
7
Remove left (driver) valve cover
Remove all valve cover bolts in reverse of tightening sequence. There are 11 bolts total. Carefully lift valve cover straight up. May need to work around wiring harness brackets. Remove old gasket and inspect cover for damage.
Torque spec
Cover Bolts19 Nm (14 lb-ft)
8
Remove left bank VVT solenoids
Locate the intake and exhaust VVT solenoids on the front of the left cylinder head. Remove the single bolt securing each solenoid. Carefully pull each solenoid straight out. Inspect O-rings and screens. Place clean rags over openings to prevent debris entry.
Torque spec
VVT Solenoid Bolt10 Nm (7 lb-ft)
9
Clean mating surfaces
Thoroughly clean all gasket mating surfaces on cylinder heads and valve covers using gasket scraper and silicone remover. Ensure no gasket material remains. Clean around VVT solenoid mounting holes with lint-free rag. Verify no debris has fallen into engine. Inspect spark plug tubes and clean if necessary.
10
Install new VVT solenoids
Lightly lubricate new VVT solenoid O-rings with clean engine oil. Verify screens in new solenoids are intact and clean. Install all four new solenoids by carefully pushing straight into cylinder head bores until fully seated. Install mounting bolts and torque to specification. Install left bank first, then right bank.
Torque spec
VVT Solenoid Bolt10 Nm (7 lb-ft)
11
Install valve cover gaskets and covers
Position new gaskets on valve covers (they should have locating features). If using spark plug tube seals, install them now in valve cover. Place valve covers carefully onto cylinder heads, ensuring gaskets stay properly positioned. Install all bolts finger-tight first, then torque in proper sequence (start from center, work outward in spiral pattern) to specification. Install left bank first, then right bank.
Torque spec
Cover Bolts19 Nm (14 lb-ft)
12
Reinstall ignition coils and connect electrical
Apply small amount of dielectric grease to inside of each coil boot. Install ignition coils into spark plug tubes, ensuring they seat fully. Install mounting bolts finger-tight, then torque to specification. Reconnect all VVT solenoid electrical connectors, ensuring they click into place. Reconnect ignition coil connectors and fuel injector harness connectors.
Torque spec
Sensor Bolts12 Nm (9 lb-ft)
13
Reinstall PCV system and air intake
Reconnect PCV hose to right valve cover and breather hose to left valve cover. Reinstall oil dipstick tube mounting bolt if removed. Reinstall air intake tube assembly, connecting at throttle body and air filter housing. Tighten clamps securely. Reconnect MAF sensor electrical connector.
14
Final connections and checks
Reconnect negative battery terminal. Perform visual inspection of all connections and verify all tools have been removed from engine bay. Check that no electrical connectors or hoses were missed. Reinstall engine cover by aligning grommets and pressing down firmly until it clicks into place.

Reassembly

Double-check all electrical connectors are fully seated with audible clicks
Verify valve cover bolts were torqued in proper sequence from center outward
Ensure PCV and breather hoses are properly routed and secured
Top off engine oil if any was lost during procedure

Verification

Start engine and listen for unusual noises or valve train sounds - should run smoothly
Allow engine to reach operating temperature and verify no oil leaks from valve covers
Use scan tool to verify no VVT-related fault codes (P0010, P0011, P0020, P0021, etc.)
Test drive vehicle and verify smooth acceleration with no hesitation or rough running
Monitor for proper oil pressure - VVT system requires adequate oil pressure to function
Recheck valve cover area for leaks after first drive cycle

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