VVT Solenoids - All

This procedure covers the removal and replacement of all Variable Valve Timing (VVT) solenoids on the 2018-2024 Honda Accord 1.5L turbocharged engine, including intake and exhaust cam phaser solenoids.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Intake VVT solenoid (cam phaser actuator) × 1 — 15810-5A2-A01 or equivalent OEM
• Exhaust VVT solenoid (cam phaser actuator) × 1 — 15820-5A2-A01 or equivalent OEM
• VVT solenoid O-rings/seals × 2 — Included with solenoids or purchase separately
• Valve cover gasket (if damaged) × 1 — Use OEM specification

Fluids

• Honda Genuine 0W-20 — 0.25 qt

Preparation

1. Ensure the engine is cool to the touch before beginning work
2. Disconnect the negative battery terminal and wait 3 minutes to allow electronic systems to power down
3. Remove the engine cover by pulling upward on the cover tabs (no bolts required)
4. Locate the VVT solenoids on the front of the cylinder head - intake solenoid is typically on the left side, exhaust on the right when facing the engine
5. Take a photo of the electrical connector routing for reference during reassembly

Procedure

1. 1

   Disconnect VVT solenoid electrical connectors
   Press the locking tab on each VVT solenoid electrical connector and carefully pull straight out to disconnect. The connectors are typically gray or black plastic with a single locking tab. Note the position of each connector - intake versus exhaust - as they must be reconnected to the correct solenoid.
2. 2

   Remove intake VVT solenoid mounting bolt
   Using a 10mm socket with extension, remove the single mounting bolt securing the intake VVT solenoid to the cylinder head. The bolt is located at the center of the solenoid body. Keep the bolt clean and inspect threads for damage.
   Torque spec

   VVT Solenoid Bolt10 Nm (7 lb-ft)
3. 3

   Remove intake VVT solenoid
   Grasp the intake VVT solenoid firmly and pull straight out from the cylinder head with steady pressure. The solenoid has an O-ring seal that may cause some resistance. Wiggle gently side-to-side if needed, but avoid excessive force. Expect a small amount of engine oil to drip from the solenoid bore.
4. 4

   Remove exhaust VVT solenoid mounting bolt
   Using a 10mm socket with extension, remove the single mounting bolt securing the exhaust VVT solenoid to the cylinder head. The bolt is located at the center of the solenoid body. Keep the bolt clean and inspect threads for damage.
   Torque spec

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

   Remove exhaust VVT solenoid
   Grasp the exhaust VVT solenoid firmly and pull straight out from the cylinder head with steady pressure. The solenoid has an O-ring seal that may cause some resistance. Wiggle gently side-to-side if needed, but avoid excessive force. Expect a small amount of engine oil to drip from the solenoid bore.
6. 6

   Inspect solenoid bores and clean mounting surfaces
   Use a clean shop towel to wipe out any debris or old oil from inside the VVT solenoid bores in the cylinder head. Inspect the bores for metal debris or sludge buildup. Clean the mounting surfaces on the cylinder head where the solenoids seal. Use contact cleaner if needed to remove oil residue. Check that the oil passages inside the bores are clear and free of blockages.
   ⚠Do not allow debris or shop towels to fall into the open solenoid bores as they connect directly to internal oil passages.
7. 7

   Inspect old VVT solenoids and compare with new parts
   Examine the old solenoids for visible damage, corrosion on the electrical terminals, or damaged O-ring seals. Verify the new solenoids match the old ones in physical design and connector type. Check that new O-rings or seals are included with the replacement solenoids. If O-rings are reused, inspect carefully for cuts, deformation, or hardening.
8. 8

   Prepare new intake VVT solenoid for installation
   Inspect the new intake VVT solenoid O-ring seal. Lightly coat the O-ring with clean Honda 0W-20 engine oil to ease installation and create a proper seal. Ensure the solenoid screen filter (if equipped) is clean and properly seated. Apply a thin coating of dielectric grease to the electrical connector terminals to prevent corrosion.
9. 9

   Install new intake VVT solenoid
   Align the intake VVT solenoid with its bore in the cylinder head. The solenoid will only fit in one orientation - align the bolt hole and any locating pins. Push the solenoid straight into the bore with firm, steady pressure until it seats completely flush against the cylinder head mounting surface. Do not force or rock the solenoid excessively during installation.
10. 10

    Install and torque intake VVT solenoid bolt
    Insert the mounting bolt into the center of the intake VVT solenoid and hand-tighten until snug. Using a torque wrench and 10mm socket, tighten the bolt to the specified torque in a smooth, continuous motion. Do not over-torque as the solenoid housing can be damaged.
    Torque spec

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

    Prepare new exhaust VVT solenoid for installation
    Inspect the new exhaust VVT solenoid O-ring seal. Lightly coat the O-ring with clean Honda 0W-20 engine oil to ease installation and create a proper seal. Ensure the solenoid screen filter (if equipped) is clean and properly seated. Apply a thin coating of dielectric grease to the electrical connector terminals to prevent corrosion.
12. 12

    Install new exhaust VVT solenoid
    Align the exhaust VVT solenoid with its bore in the cylinder head. The solenoid will only fit in one orientation - align the bolt hole and any locating pins. Push the solenoid straight into the bore with firm, steady pressure until it seats completely flush against the cylinder head mounting surface. Do not force or rock the solenoid excessively during installation.
13. 13

    Install and torque exhaust VVT solenoid bolt
    Insert the mounting bolt into the center of the exhaust VVT solenoid and hand-tighten until snug. Using a torque wrench and 10mm socket, tighten the bolt to the specified torque in a smooth, continuous motion. Do not over-torque as the solenoid housing can be damaged.
    Torque spec

    VVT Solenoid Bolt10 Nm (7 lb-ft)
14. 14

    Reconnect VVT solenoid electrical connectors
    Connect the electrical connector to the intake VVT solenoid, ensuring it clicks firmly into place and the locking tab engages. Repeat for the exhaust VVT solenoid connector. Verify each connector is on the correct solenoid by comparing to your reference photo. Gently tug on each connector to confirm it is fully locked.
15. 15

    Reinstall engine cover and reconnect battery
    Position the engine cover over the engine and press down firmly on the mounting tabs until all points click into place. Reconnect the negative battery terminal and tighten the terminal clamp securely.

Reassembly

1. Ensure all electrical connectors are fully seated with locking tabs engaged
2. Verify no tools or shop towels were left in the engine bay
3. Double-check that both VVT solenoid mounting bolts are torqued to specification
4. Confirm the engine cover is properly secured at all mounting points

Verification

• Start the engine and allow it to idle. Listen for any unusual noises or rough running that could indicate improper VVT solenoid installation
• Check for oil leaks around both VVT solenoid mounting areas while the engine is running
• Using a diagnostic scan tool, clear any stored VVT-related diagnostic trouble codes (P0010, P0011, P0020, P0021, etc.)
• Perform a test drive under various engine loads and RPM ranges to verify smooth VVT operation with no hesitation or performance issues
• After the test drive, re-scan for diagnostic trouble codes to confirm no VVT system faults are present
• Allow the engine to reach normal operating temperature and verify the VVT system is operating correctly with no warning lights on the instrument cluster

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