engine

VVT Solenoid - Single

for 2014 Ram 2500 6.7L I6 Cummins Diesel · 4WD

Difficulty

Moderate

Time

1.6 h

Tools

Steps

This procedure covers the removal and replacement of the variable valve timing (VVT) solenoid on the 6.7L Cummins diesel engine in a 2014 Ram 2500 4WD.

Warnings

⚠Allow engine to cool completely before beginning work. Oil and components may be extremely hot.

⚠The VVT solenoid contains pressurized engine oil. Have a drain pan ready when removing.

ℹ️This engine uses 5W-40 synthetic diesel oil, not the 5W-20 listed for gasoline variants. Verify your engine oil specification.

Tools required

10mm socketEssential

Ratchet and extension setEssential

Torque wrench (0-50 Nm range)Essential

Flat blade screwdriver

Shop towelsEssential

Oil drain panEssential

Wire brush

Electrical connector pick tool

Parts

VVT solenoid × 1 — Use OEM specification
VVT solenoid O-ring seal × 1 — Usually included with solenoid
Valve cover gasket (if damaged) × 1 — Use OEM specification

Fluids

Mopar 5W-40 Synthetic Diesel Engine Oil — 0.5 qt

Preparation

Park vehicle on level surface and engage parking brake
Allow engine to cool completely for at least 2 hours
Disconnect negative battery cable to prevent accidental starter engagement
Remove engine cover by pulling upward on retention clips
Place oil drain pan beneath work area

Procedure

1
Access the VVT solenoid
Locate the VVT solenoid on the driver's side of the engine, mounted on the front timing cover near the camshaft position sensor. Remove any air intake ducting or wiring harness brackets that obstruct access to the solenoid area.
2
Disconnect electrical connector
Press the release tab on the VVT solenoid electrical connector and pull straight out to disconnect. Inspect connector pins for corrosion or damage. If connector is stuck, use a pick tool to gently release the locking tab.
3
Remove VVT solenoid mounting bolt
Using a 10mm socket, remove the single bolt securing the VVT solenoid to the timing cover. Keep the bolt for inspection. Position the drain pan directly below the solenoid as oil will drain when it is removed.
⚠Oil will drain from the solenoid bore when removed. Ensure drain pan is positioned correctly.
Torque spec
VVT Solenoid Bolt10 Nm (7 lb-ft)
4
Extract VVT solenoid
Carefully pull the VVT solenoid straight out from the timing cover bore. It may require slight rotation and gentle pulling. Allow oil to drain completely into the pan. Do not pry against the timing cover as it is aluminum and can be damaged.
5
Inspect solenoid bore and O-ring
Remove the O-ring seal from the old solenoid or from the timing cover bore. Clean the bore opening with a shop towel and inspect for debris, metal particles, or scoring. Use a wire brush to clean any carbon buildup around the bore opening. Check the oil passage screens for blockage.
ℹ️Metal particles in the bore or solenoid screen indicate internal engine wear. Consider further diagnostics if found.
6
Prepare new VVT solenoid
Install the new O-ring seal onto the new VVT solenoid. Lightly coat the O-ring with clean engine oil to aid installation and prevent seal damage. Verify the solenoid screen is clean and free of debris.
7
Install new VVT solenoid
Align the VVT solenoid with the bore and carefully press it straight into the timing cover until it seats fully. The solenoid should sit flush against the timing cover mounting surface. Do not force or cock the solenoid during installation.
8
Install and torque mounting bolt
Install the VVT solenoid mounting bolt and hand-tighten first. Using a calibrated torque wrench, tighten the bolt to specification in a single smooth motion. Do not over-torque as the timing cover is aluminum.
Torque spec
VVT Solenoid Bolt10 Nm (7 lb-ft)
9
Reconnect electrical connector
Push the electrical connector onto the VVT solenoid until you hear and feel a positive click. Gently tug on the connector to verify it is locked in place. Route wiring away from hot exhaust components.
10
Reinstall components and check oil level
Reinstall any air intake ducting, wiring brackets, and engine cover removed during disassembly. Reconnect the negative battery cable. Check engine oil level on dipstick and top off if necessary due to oil loss during solenoid removal.

Reassembly

Ensure all electrical connectors are fully seated and locked
Verify no tools or shop towels are left in engine compartment
Double-check that VVT solenoid mounting bolt is torqued to specification

Verification

Start engine and allow to idle for 2 minutes, monitoring for oil leaks around VVT solenoid
Check for diagnostic trouble codes using a scan tool - all VVT-related codes should be cleared
Rev engine to 2000 RPM and verify smooth operation with no unusual noises or oil leaks
Test drive vehicle and verify normal engine performance and throttle response
Re-check oil level after test drive and top off if needed