engine

VVT Solenoids - All

for 2017 Honda Civic 1.5L I4 Turbo · FWD

Difficulty

Moderate

Time

2.0 h

Tools

Steps

✓Fact-checked. Built from OLP's spec database, then independently fact-checked line by line with every correction applied. Master-tech sign-off by Chris Hackleman is queued. Cross-check torque values against the factory manual, and stop if anything looks unsafe. How our data is made.

Replace both intake and exhaust VVT solenoids on the 1.5L turbo engine to restore proper variable valve timing operation and resolve fault codes or performance issues.

Warnings

⚠️Ensure engine is completely cool before beginning work to avoid severe burns from hot components and coolant.

⚠Disconnecting battery will erase radio presets and may require power window reinitialization.

⚠VVT solenoids contain small mesh filters that can be damaged. Do not force during removal or installation.

ℹ️Keep work area extremely clean. Any debris entering the valve train can cause catastrophic engine damage.

Tools required

10mm socket and ratchetEssential

12mm socket and ratchetEssential

Extension setEssential

Torque wrench (5-30 Nm range)Essential

Panel removal tools

Clean lint-free ragsEssential

OBD-II scanner

Small pick or hook tool

Engine degreaser

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Parts

Intake VVT solenoid (VTC actuator) × 1 — Use OEM specification
Exhaust VVT solenoid (VTC actuator) × 1 — Use OEM specification
VVT solenoid O-rings × 2 — Usually included with solenoids
Valve cover gasket × 1 — 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

Honda Genuine 0W-20 — 0.5 qt

Preparation

Park vehicle on level ground and engage parking brake
Ensure engine is completely cold (at least 2 hours after last operation)
Open hood and secure with prop rod
Disconnect negative battery terminal and wait 3 minutes
Remove engine cover by pulling upward on front and rear clips
Clean top of valve cover and surrounding area thoroughly to prevent debris entry

Procedure

1
Remove ignition coils
Disconnect the four ignition coil electrical connectors by pressing the release tabs. Remove the 10mm bolt from each coil pack. Pull coils straight up with slight twisting motion to remove. Keep coils in order and set aside in clean area.
2
Disconnect PCV hose and breather hose
Disconnect the PCV hose from the left side of the valve cover by pressing the release tab. Disconnect the breather hose from the right rear of the valve cover. Move hoses aside to provide clearance.
3
Remove valve cover bolts
Remove the eleven 10mm valve cover bolts in reverse of tightening sequence (start from ends, work toward center). Keep bolts organized as some may be different lengths. Note positions of any harness brackets or ground wires under bolt heads.
Torque spec
Cover Bolts15 Nm (11 lb-ft)
4
Remove valve cover
Carefully lift valve cover straight up. If stuck, gently tap with rubber mallet or use plastic pry tool in designated pry points. Never pry between sealing surfaces. Inspect old gasket and remove any remnants from cylinder head surface using plastic scraper only.
5
Locate VVT solenoids
Identify the intake VVT solenoid on the front of the cylinder head (driver side when facing engine) and exhaust VVT solenoid on the rear of the cylinder head (passenger side). Both are positioned at the camshaft ends above the timing chain area.
6
Disconnect VVT solenoid connectors
Press the release tab on each VVT solenoid electrical connector and disconnect. The connectors may be stiff; wiggle gently while pulling. Move wiring harness aside for access.
7
Remove intake VVT solenoid
Remove the single 10mm bolt securing the intake VVT solenoid. Carefully pull solenoid straight out. It may require slight rotation while pulling. Inspect O-ring condition and note oil residue is normal. If solenoid is stuck, do not pry against camshaft components.
⚠Do not allow solenoid or bolt to fall into timing chain area. Cover opening with clean rag if setting down tools.
Torque spec
VVT Solenoid Bolt10 Nm (7 lb-ft)
8
Remove exhaust VVT solenoid
Remove the single 10mm bolt securing the exhaust VVT solenoid. Carefully pull solenoid straight out using same technique as intake side. Keep both old solenoids for core return if required.
⚠Cover timing chain area with clean rags to prevent any debris from entering engine.
Torque spec
VVT Solenoid Bolt10 Nm (7 lb-ft)
9
Clean solenoid mounting areas
Inspect solenoid bores in cylinder head. Wipe clean with lint-free rag. Check mesh screens in solenoid passages for debris (visible with flashlight). Any metal debris indicates internal engine wear requiring further diagnosis. Light sludge is normal on high-mileage engines.
10
Install new intake VVT solenoid
Verify new O-ring is properly seated on new intake solenoid. Lightly coat O-ring with clean engine oil. Insert solenoid straight into bore, rotating slightly to align. Push in until fully seated. Install bolt and tighten to specification using torque wrench.
Torque spec
VVT Solenoid Bolt10 Nm (7 lb-ft)
11
Install new exhaust VVT solenoid
Verify new O-ring is properly seated on new exhaust solenoid. Lightly coat O-ring with clean engine oil. Insert solenoid straight into bore, rotating slightly to align. Push in until fully seated. Install bolt and tighten to specification using torque wrench.
Torque spec
VVT Solenoid Bolt10 Nm (7 lb-ft)
12
Reconnect VVT solenoid connectors
Connect electrical connectors to both VVT solenoids. Each connector should click firmly into place. Verify connectors are fully seated by gently pulling on wiring harness.
13
Install new valve cover gasket
Place new valve cover gasket into groove in valve cover. Ensure gasket is fully seated around entire perimeter with no twists or folds. Pay special attention to corners and spark plug tube seals.
14
Install valve cover
Position valve cover carefully onto cylinder head, ensuring gasket stays in place. Hand-start all eleven bolts with any brackets or grounds in correct positions. Tighten bolts in spiral pattern from center outward to specified torque. Follow Honda tightening sequence to prevent gasket distortion and oil leaks.
Torque spec
Cover Bolts15 Nm (11 lb-ft)
15
Reinstall remaining components
Reconnect PCV hose and breather hose to valve cover until they click into place. Reinstall ignition coils in correct cylinder positions, ensuring they seat fully into spark plug tubes. Install coil bolts and tighten securely. Reconnect all four ignition coil electrical connectors. Reinstall engine cover by aligning clips and pressing firmly until secured.

Reassembly

Double-check all electrical connections are fully seated and locked
Verify no tools or rags were left in engine bay
Reconnect negative battery terminal

Verification

Check engine oil level and top off if needed after solenoid replacement
Start engine and verify no oil leaks from valve cover or VVT solenoid areas
Allow engine to idle for 2-3 minutes and listen for abnormal noises
Use OBD-II scanner to clear any stored VVT fault codes
Test drive vehicle and verify smooth acceleration with no hesitation
Re-scan for codes after test drive to confirm no VVT codes return
Reinitialize power windows if needed: lower window fully, hold switch 2 seconds, raise fully, hold switch 2 seconds

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