VVT Solenoids - All

This procedure covers the removal and replacement of both intake and exhaust VVT (Variable Valve Timing) solenoids on the 2AR-FE 2.5L inline-4 engine.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Intake VVT solenoid (Bank 1) × 1 — 15330-0V010 or equivalent
• Exhaust VVT solenoid (Bank 1) × 1 — 15340-0V010 or equivalent
• VVT solenoid O-rings × 2 — Included with solenoids or order separately
• Engine oil (top-off) × 1 — Use OEM specification

Fluids

• Toyota Genuine 0W-20 — 0.5 qt

Preparation

1. Ensure engine is completely cold to touch
2. Park vehicle on level ground and engage parking brake
3. Disconnect negative battery terminal and wait 3 minutes for airbag system to discharge
4. Remove engine cover by pulling upward on all four corners
5. Place oil drain pan under engine to catch any oil spillage

Procedure

1. 1

   Remove ignition coil covers
   Remove the four plastic ignition coil covers on top of the valve cover by pulling them straight up. These snap on and off without tools. Set aside in a clean area.
2. 2

   Locate VVT solenoids
   Identify the two VVT solenoids on the front of the cylinder head. The intake VVT solenoid is on the left (driver) side near the timing chain cover. The exhaust VVT solenoid is on the right (passenger) side. Both are black cylindrical components with electrical connectors on top.
3. 3

   Disconnect electrical connectors
   Press down on the locking tab of each VVT solenoid electrical connector and pull straight up to disconnect. Do not pull on the wires. The connectors may be stiff; use gentle wiggling motion if needed. Mark or photograph connector orientation for reassembly.
4. 4

   Remove intake VVT solenoid
   Using a 10mm socket, remove the single bolt securing the intake VVT solenoid (left side). Keep the bolt in a safe location. Grasp the solenoid body firmly and pull straight out with a twisting motion. Expect engine oil to drain from the mounting hole. Allow oil to drain into pan.
   Torque spec

   VVT Solenoid Bolt10 Nm (7 lb-ft)
5. 5

   Remove exhaust VVT solenoid
   Using a 10mm socket, remove the single bolt securing the exhaust VVT solenoid (right side). Grasp the solenoid body firmly and pull straight out with a twisting motion. Expect engine oil to drain from the mounting hole. Allow oil to drain into pan.
   Torque spec

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

   Inspect mounting holes and screens
   Inspect the oil passages in the cylinder head where the solenoids mount. Each passage contains a small filter screen. Check screens for debris or metal particles. If screens are clogged, this indicates internal engine problems and solenoids may fail again. Clean screens carefully with electrical contact cleaner if needed. Do not allow debris to fall into passages.
7. 7

   Inspect old solenoids
   Examine the removed solenoids for damage to the O-ring seals on the tip. Check the filter screens on each solenoid for blockage. If screens are heavily clogged, investigate root cause of contamination before installing new parts.
8. 8

   Prepare new solenoids
   Remove new VVT solenoids from packaging. Verify each has a fresh O-ring seal installed on the tip. Lightly coat the O-rings with clean engine oil to ease installation and prevent damage. Do not use petroleum jelly or other lubricants.
9. 9

   Install intake VVT solenoid
   Insert the new intake VVT solenoid (left side) into its mounting bore. Push firmly until the solenoid is fully seated and the mounting flange is flush against the cylinder head. Install the mounting bolt finger-tight, then torque to specification using a torque wrench.
   Torque spec

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

    Install exhaust VVT solenoid
    Insert the new exhaust VVT solenoid (right side) into its mounting bore. Push firmly until the solenoid is fully seated and the mounting flange is flush against the cylinder head. Install the mounting bolt finger-tight, then torque to specification using a torque wrench.
    Torque spec

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

    Reconnect electrical connectors
    Push each electrical connector straight down onto its corresponding solenoid until you hear and feel a positive click. Gently tug upward on each connector to verify it is locked in place. Ensure connectors are not swapped between intake and exhaust positions.
12. 12

    Reinstall ignition coil covers
    Press the four plastic ignition coil covers back into place on top of the valve cover. Ensure each snaps fully into position.
13. 13

    Check and top off engine oil
    Check engine oil level on dipstick. Add Toyota Genuine 0W-20 oil as needed to bring level to the full mark. Account for oil lost during solenoid removal (typically 0.25-0.5 quarts).
14. 14

    Reinstall engine cover
    Position the engine cover over the engine and press down firmly at all four corners until it snaps into place on its mounting grommets.

Reassembly

1. Reconnect negative battery terminal and tighten securely
2. Clean up any spilled oil from engine bay and ground
3. Dispose of old VVT solenoids and used oil properly according to local regulations

Verification

• Start engine and verify it idles smoothly without unusual noises or rough running
• Check for oil leaks around both VVT solenoid mounting locations while engine is running
• Allow engine to reach operating temperature and verify no warning lights appear on instrument cluster
• Use an OBD-II scanner to verify no VVT-related fault codes are present (P0010, P0011, P0020, P0021)
• Test drive vehicle and verify normal acceleration and smooth operation throughout RPM range
• Recheck engine oil level after test drive and top off if needed

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