engine

VVT Solenoids - All

for 2021 Hyundai Tucson 2.5L I4 · AWD

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

Difficulty

Moderate

Time

2.0 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 removal and replacement of all Variable Valve Timing (VVT) solenoids on the 2.5L I4 engine in 2016-2024 Hyundai Tucson AWD models.

Warnings

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

⚠VVT solenoids contain residual engine oil; have a drain pan ready to catch oil drips.

ℹ️Incorrectly installed or faulty VVT solenoids will trigger check engine lights and cause poor engine performance.

ℹ️Do not overtighten VVT solenoid bolts as this can damage the valve cover threads or crack the solenoid housing.

Tools required

10mm socket and ratchetEssential

12mm socket and ratchetEssential

Torque wrench (5-25 Nm range)Essential

Flathead screwdriver (for clips)Essential

Pick or small pry tool

Shop towels or ragsEssential

Small drain pan or containerEssential

Wire brush (for cleaning surfaces)

Extension setEssential

Nitrile gloves

Parts

Intake VVT solenoid × 1 — 24355-2GGA0 or equivalent OEM
Exhaust VVT solenoid × 1 — 24385-2GGA0 or equivalent OEM
VVT solenoid O-rings/seals (if not included with solenoids) × 2 — Use OEM specification

Preparation

Park vehicle on level surface and engage parking brake.
Allow engine to cool completely (minimum 1 hour after running).
Disconnect negative battery terminal and wait 3 minutes before proceeding.
Remove engine cover by pulling upward on front clips and lifting away.
Locate VVT solenoids on top of valve cover: intake solenoid is typically on front/left side, exhaust solenoid on rear/right side of cylinder head.

Procedure

1
Remove engine harness and air intake components
Disconnect any electrical connectors or harness clips that may obstruct access to the valve cover. Remove the air intake duct if it interferes with access to the front VVT solenoid. Set components aside in a clean area.
2
Disconnect intake VVT solenoid electrical connector
Locate the electrical connector on the intake VVT solenoid (front/left side of valve cover). Press the locking tab and pull the connector straight away from the solenoid. Do not pull on the wires themselves. Inspect connector for oil contamination or corrosion.
3
Remove intake VVT solenoid
Using a 10mm socket, remove the single bolt securing the intake VVT solenoid to the valve cover. Carefully wiggle and pull the solenoid straight out of the valve cover. Oil will drain from the solenoid and valve cover opening; have a shop towel or small pan ready. Inspect the O-ring on the solenoid for damage.
Torque spec
VVT Solenoid Bolt10 Nm (7 lb-ft)
4
Disconnect exhaust VVT solenoid electrical connector
Locate the electrical connector on the exhaust VVT solenoid (rear/right side of valve cover). Press the locking tab and pull the connector straight away from the solenoid. Inspect connector for oil contamination or corrosion which may indicate a failing seal.
5
Remove exhaust VVT solenoid
Using a 10mm socket with extension, remove the single bolt securing the exhaust VVT solenoid to the valve cover. The rear location may require more maneuvering. Carefully pull the solenoid straight out of the valve cover. Catch any draining oil with a shop towel.
Torque spec
VVT Solenoid Bolt10 Nm (7 lb-ft)
6
Clean mounting surfaces and inspect ports
Wipe clean the valve cover mounting surfaces around both VVT solenoid openings. Use a shop towel to remove any oil residue. Inspect the solenoid ports in the valve cover for debris, sludge, or metal particles. If significant contamination is present, consider an engine oil change. Do not allow debris to fall into the openings.
7
Prepare new VVT solenoids
Remove new solenoids from packaging and inspect for shipping damage. Verify that new O-rings or seals are present on each solenoid. If O-rings are separate, install them onto the solenoids now. Lightly coat the O-rings with clean engine oil to aid installation and ensure proper sealing.
8
Install new intake VVT solenoid
Align the new intake VVT solenoid with the mounting hole in the valve cover (front/left position). Push the solenoid firmly and evenly into the valve cover bore until it seats completely. The solenoid should sit flush against the valve cover surface. Install the mounting bolt finger-tight, then torque to specification using a torque wrench.
Torque spec
VVT Solenoid Bolt10 Nm (7 lb-ft)
9
Install new exhaust VVT solenoid
Align the new exhaust VVT solenoid with the mounting hole in the valve cover (rear/right position). Push the solenoid firmly and evenly into the valve cover bore until it seats completely. Install the mounting bolt finger-tight, then torque to specification (10 Nm / 7 lb-ft) using a torque wrench.
Torque spec
VVT Solenoid Bolt10 Nm (7 lb-ft)
10
Reconnect electrical connectors
Push the electrical connectors onto both VVT solenoids until you hear and feel a positive click, indicating the locking tab has engaged. Gently tug on each connector to verify it is locked in place. Ensure no wires are pinched or routed near hot exhaust components.
11
Reinstall air intake and engine components
Reinstall the air intake duct and any harness clips or components that were removed for access. Ensure all connections are secure and hoses are properly seated. Reinstall the engine cover by aligning the clips and pressing down until they snap into place.
12
Reconnect battery and clear codes
Reconnect the negative battery terminal and tighten securely. If a check engine light was present, use an OBD-II scanner to clear any stored VVT-related diagnostic trouble codes before testing.

Reassembly

Verify all electrical connectors are fully seated and locked.
Confirm engine cover is properly installed and all clips are engaged.
Double-check that no tools or shop towels were left in the engine bay.

Verification

Start the engine and listen for unusual noises from the valve cover area; VVT solenoids should operate silently.
Allow engine to reach operating temperature and verify smooth idle with no rough running or surging.
Check for oil leaks around both VVT solenoid mounting areas after engine warms up.
Test drive the vehicle and verify normal acceleration and no check engine light illumination.
Use an OBD-II scanner to verify no VVT-related diagnostic codes are present (common codes: P0010, P0011, P0020, P0021).
Monitor engine performance over the next few drive cycles to ensure VVT system operates correctly under various conditions.

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