engine

VVT Solenoids - All

for 2015 Kia Forte 1.8L I4 · FWD

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 both intake and exhaust VVT (Variable Valve Timing) solenoids on the 2015 Kia Forte 1.8L I4 engine.

Warnings

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

⚠VVT solenoids are oil-pressurized components. Expect residual oil to drain when removing them.

ℹ️Label or photograph electrical connectors before disconnection to ensure proper reassembly.

Tools required

10mm socket and ratchetEssential

12mm socket and ratchetEssential

Torque wrench (10-50 Nm range)Essential

Flathead screwdriver

Shop towels or ragsEssential

Wire brush or parts cleaner

Pick tool or small hook

Extension setEssential

Needle nose pliers

Parts

Intake VVT solenoid (CVVT oil control valve) × 1 — 24355-2E000 or equivalent
Exhaust VVT solenoid (CVVT oil control valve) × 1 — 24355-2E100 or equivalent
VVT solenoid O-rings × 2 — Use OEM specification

Preparation

Park vehicle on level surface and engage parking brake
Allow engine to cool to ambient temperature (minimum 1 hour)
Disconnect negative battery terminal and wait 3 minutes
Remove engine cover by pulling upward on clip fasteners
Place shop towels under work area to catch any oil spills

Procedure

1
Locate VVT solenoids
Identify both VVT solenoids on the cylinder head. The intake VVT solenoid is located on the front of the cylinder head near the timing chain cover. The exhaust VVT solenoid is located on the rear of the cylinder head. Both have electrical connectors and single mounting bolts.
2
Disconnect electrical connectors
Press the release tab on each VVT solenoid electrical connector and pull straight away from the solenoid body. The intake connector is typically gray and the exhaust connector may be a different color. Keep connectors separated and labeled if needed.
3
Remove intake VVT solenoid
Using a 10mm socket, remove the single bolt securing the intake VVT solenoid to the cylinder head. Carefully pull the solenoid straight out from the cylinder head. Oil will drain from the mounting bore - have shop towels ready. Remove and discard the old O-ring from the solenoid.
4
Remove exhaust VVT solenoid
Access may require reaching over or around ignition coils. Using a 10mm socket with extension, remove the single bolt securing the exhaust VVT solenoid. Pull the solenoid straight out from the cylinder head. Collect any draining oil with shop towels. Remove and discard the old O-ring.
5
Clean mounting surfaces
Wipe the mounting bores in the cylinder head with clean shop towels to remove old oil and debris. Inspect the bores for any metal particles or contaminants. Check the oil passages are clear and unobstructed. Clean the surrounding areas to prevent dirt from entering during installation.
6
Prepare new VVT solenoids
Install new O-rings onto each VVT solenoid. Lightly coat the O-rings with clean engine oil to aid installation and create a proper seal. Verify the new solenoids match the originals in connector orientation and body length. Do not interchange intake and exhaust solenoids - they are different.
7
Install intake VVT solenoid
Insert the intake VVT solenoid straight into its mounting bore on the front of the cylinder head. Push firmly until it seats completely - you should feel it bottom out. Install the mounting bolt and hand-tighten initially. Torque the bolt to specification using a torque wrench.
Torque spec
VVT Solenoid Bolt10 Nm (7 lb-ft)
8
Install exhaust VVT solenoid
Insert the exhaust VVT solenoid straight into its mounting bore on the rear of the cylinder head. Ensure proper seating before installing the mounting bolt. Hand-tighten the bolt initially, then torque to specification.
Torque spec
VVT Solenoid Bolt10 Nm (7 lb-ft)
9
Reconnect electrical connectors
Push each electrical connector onto its corresponding VVT solenoid until the locking tab clicks into place. Tug gently on each connector to verify it is fully locked. Ensure wiring is routed away from hot exhaust components and moving parts.
10
Reinstall engine cover and battery
Align the engine cover over its mounting posts and press down firmly to engage all clip fasteners. Reconnect the negative battery terminal. Do not overtighten the battery terminal bolt.

Reassembly

Double-check all electrical connectors are fully seated and locked
Ensure no tools or shop towels are left in the engine compartment
Verify engine cover is properly secured

Verification

Start the engine and allow it to idle for 2-3 minutes - listen for unusual valve train noise which should stabilize as oil pressure builds
Check for oil leaks around both VVT solenoid mounting points
Rev engine gently to 2000-3000 RPM and verify smooth operation with no warning lights
Use a scan tool to verify no VVT-related trouble codes are present (P0010, P0011, P0020, P0021)
Test drive vehicle and confirm normal acceleration and idle quality - VVT system should engage smoothly during light acceleration

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