Replace all Variable Valve Timing (VVT) solenoids on the 6.7L Cummins diesel engine to restore proper valve timing control and engine performance.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• VVT solenoid (intake) × 1 — Use OEM Mopar specification
• VVT solenoid (exhaust) × 1 — Use OEM Mopar specification
• Valve cover gasket × 1 — Use OEM specification if damaged
• O-ring seals for VVT solenoids × 2 — Usually included with solenoids

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level surface and engage parking brake
2. Allow engine to cool completely for at least 2 hours
3. Disconnect negative battery cable to prevent electrical faults
4. Remove engine cover by lifting upward from rear clips
5. Photograph or label electrical connectors for proper reassembly reference
6. Clean external valve cover area to prevent debris from entering engine

Procedure

1. 1

   Access valve cover area
   Remove any components obstructing access to the valve cover. On 4WD models, this may include air intake ducting or turbocharger inlet piping. Disconnect any wiring harness brackets mounted to the valve cover to allow clearance for cover removal.
2. 2

   Disconnect VVT solenoid electrical connectors
   Locate both VVT solenoids on the left (driver) side of the valve cover near the front of the engine. Press the release tab on each electrical connector and carefully pull straight away from the solenoid. Use electrical contact cleaner to spray and clean each connector if corrosion is present.
3. 3

   Remove valve cover bolts
   Remove all valve cover mounting bolts in a crisscross pattern starting from the outer bolts and working inward. There are multiple bolts securing the valve cover. Keep bolts organized to ensure proper reinstallation. Note that the VVT solenoids are accessed through ports in the valve cover on this engine.
   ℹ️On the 6.7L Cummins, VVT solenoids may be accessible without full valve cover removal depending on model year specifics. If solenoids are accessible through cover ports, skip to step 5.
   Torque spec

   Cover Bolts22 Nm (16 lb-ft)
4. 4

   Remove valve cover (if required)
   Carefully lift the valve cover straight up to break the gasket seal. If cover is stuck, gently tap with a rubber mallet at the designated pry points. Do not pry between cover and head as this will damage sealing surfaces. Once removed, inspect gasket condition and replace if torn or hardened.
   ⚠️Cover the open valve train area with clean shop towels immediately to prevent any debris from entering the engine.
5. 5

   Remove intake VVT solenoid
   Locate the intake VVT solenoid (front position). Remove the single mounting bolt securing the solenoid. Carefully pull the solenoid straight out of its bore. Oil will drain from the solenoid port, so have shop towels ready. Inspect the solenoid O-ring and port for debris or damage.
   ⚠Do not allow the O-ring seal to fall into the engine. If seal remains in bore, carefully extract it with needle-nose pliers or magnetic pickup tool.
   Torque spec

   VVT Solenoid Bolt10 Nm (7 lb-ft)
6. 6

   Remove exhaust VVT solenoid
   Locate the exhaust VVT solenoid (rear position). Remove the single mounting bolt securing the solenoid. Carefully pull the solenoid straight out of its bore. Again, have shop towels ready for oil drainage. Inspect the solenoid O-ring and port for debris or damage.
   ⚠Inspect the solenoid bore screens for debris or metal particles which may indicate internal engine wear or oil system contamination.
   Torque spec

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

   Clean solenoid mounting bores
   Use compressed air to blow out each VVT solenoid bore, directing air away from open engine areas. Clean the sealing surface around each bore with a shop towel and electrical contact cleaner. Inspect the screen filters inside each bore and ensure they are clean and intact. If screens show damage or excessive debris, further diagnosis may be required.
8. 8

   Prepare new VVT solenoids
   Remove new solenoids from packaging and verify they match the old units. Check that new O-rings are properly installed on each solenoid. Lightly lubricate the O-rings with clean engine oil to ease installation and prevent damage. Verify electrical connector pins are clean and undamaged.
9. 9

   Install new intake VVT solenoid
   Carefully align the intake VVT solenoid with its bore, ensuring proper orientation. Push the solenoid firmly into the bore until it seats completely. Install the mounting bolt and tighten to specification using a torque wrench. Ensure the solenoid does not rotate during bolt tightening.
   Torque spec

   VVT Solenoid Bolt10 Nm (7 lb-ft)
10. 10

    Install new exhaust VVT solenoid
    Carefully align the exhaust VVT solenoid with its bore, ensuring proper orientation. Push the solenoid firmly into the bore until it seats completely. Install the mounting bolt and tighten to specification using a torque wrench. Ensure the solenoid does not rotate during bolt tightening.
    Torque spec

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

    Reinstall valve cover (if removed)
    If valve cover was removed, clean all gasket surfaces thoroughly with a gasket scraper and solvent. Install new gasket if original shows any damage. Position the valve cover carefully over the head, aligning all bolt holes. Install all valve cover bolts finger-tight first, then torque in sequence from center outward in a crisscross pattern to specification.
    Torque spec

    Cover Bolts22 Nm (16 lb-ft)
12. 12

    Reconnect electrical connections
    Reconnect the electrical connector to each VVT solenoid, ensuring they click firmly into place. Tug gently on each connector to verify it is fully seated. Reinstall any wiring harness brackets or clips that were removed. Route wiring away from hot exhaust components.
13. 13

    Reinstall removed components
    Reinstall any air intake ducting, turbo piping, or other components that were removed for access. Ensure all hose clamps and fasteners are properly tightened. Reinstall the engine cover by aligning the front locating pins and pressing down firmly until rear clips engage.
14. 14

    Reconnect battery and clear codes
    Reconnect the negative battery cable. Using a diagnostic scan tool, clear any VVT-related fault codes that may have been stored. This ensures a clean baseline for verifying the repair. If no scan tool is available, the PCM will clear codes after successful completion of several drive cycles.

Reassembly

1. Verify all electrical connections are secure and properly seated
2. Confirm valve cover bolts are torqued to specification in proper sequence
3. Check that all removed components have been reinstalled and fasteners tightened
4. Ensure no tools or debris were left in engine compartment

Verification

• Start engine and allow to idle for 2-3 minutes, listening for unusual valve train noise or oil leaks around valve cover
• Check for oil seepage around VVT solenoids and valve cover gasket
• Use scan tool to verify VVT solenoid operation and confirm no active fault codes
• Test drive vehicle through various RPM ranges to verify smooth engine operation and proper VVT function
• Monitor engine performance for improved throttle response and elimination of previous VVT-related symptoms
• Recheck valve cover area after 50-100 miles for any delayed oil seepage

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