engine

VVT Solenoid - Single

for 2021 Toyota Camry 2.5L I4 · FWD

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

Difficulty

Easy

Time

1.0 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 the VVT (Variable Valve Timing) solenoid on the 2018-2024 Toyota Camry 2.5L I4 engine.

Warnings

⚠Perform this work on a cold engine to avoid burns from hot oil and components.

⚠Do not drop the VVT solenoid bolt into the engine valley; use a magnetic socket or extension if available.

ℹ️The 2.5L I4 engine has both intake and exhaust VVT solenoids. Verify which solenoid requires replacement before ordering parts.

Tools required

10mm socket and ratchetEssential

Extension bar (6-inch)Essential

Torque wrench (5-50 Nm range)Essential

Flat-head screwdriver or trim removal tool

Shop towels or ragsEssential

Small parts container

Brake cleaner or contact cleanerEssential

Parts

VVT solenoid valve (intake or exhaust as needed) × 1 — Use OEM specification
VVT solenoid O-ring seal × 1 — Usually included with solenoid

Preparation

Ensure the engine is cold and the vehicle is parked on level ground with the parking brake engaged
Disconnect the negative battery terminal and wait 2 minutes to allow systems to power down
Gather all tools and the replacement VVT solenoid with new O-ring seal

Procedure

1
Access the VVT solenoid
Open the hood and locate the VVT solenoid on the front of the cylinder head. The intake VVT solenoid is typically on the driver's side of the timing chain cover, while the exhaust VVT solenoid is on the passenger side. Remove the plastic engine cover if equipped by pulling upward on the cover clips.
2
Disconnect the electrical connector
Press the tab on the VVT solenoid electrical connector and pull the connector straight off the solenoid. Do not pull on the wiring harness itself. Move the connector aside to provide clear access to the solenoid.
3
Remove the VVT solenoid mounting bolt
Using a 10mm socket with extension, remove the single bolt securing the VVT solenoid to the cylinder head. Keep the bolt in a safe location as it will be reused. Use caution not to drop the bolt into the engine valley.
Torque spec
VVT Solenoid Bolt10 Nm (7 lb-ft)
4
Extract the VVT solenoid
Grasp the VVT solenoid firmly and pull it straight out from the cylinder head. It may require a slight twisting motion to break the O-ring seal. Expect a small amount of engine oil to drain from the solenoid cavity when removed.
⚠Have shop towels ready to catch residual engine oil that will drain from the solenoid port.
5
Clean the solenoid mounting area
Use shop towels to clean any oil from around the solenoid mounting hole. Inspect the mounting bore in the cylinder head for debris or metal particles. Use brake cleaner on a shop towel to thoroughly clean the mating surface where the O-ring seals. Do not spray cleaner directly into the solenoid port.
6
Inspect and prepare the new solenoid
Remove the new VVT solenoid from its packaging and verify it matches the old unit. Ensure the new O-ring seal is properly installed in the groove on the solenoid body. Lightly coat the O-ring with clean engine oil to aid installation and prevent tearing.
7
Install the new VVT solenoid
Align the new VVT solenoid with the mounting hole and carefully push it straight into the cylinder head until it seats fully. The solenoid should slide in smoothly without excessive force. Ensure it is fully seated against the mounting surface.
8
Install and torque the mounting bolt
Thread the VVT solenoid bolt by hand until finger-tight to ensure proper alignment. Using a torque wrench and 10mm socket, tighten the bolt to the specified torque of 10.0 Nm (7.0 lb-ft). Do not overtighten as this can damage the solenoid housing.
Torque spec
VVT Solenoid Bolt10 Nm (7 lb-ft)
9
Reconnect the electrical connector
Push the electrical connector onto the VVT solenoid until it clicks securely into place. Gently tug on the connector to verify it is fully locked. Ensure the wiring harness is routed properly and not in contact with hot or moving components.
10
Reinstall engine cover and reconnect battery
If removed, reinstall the plastic engine cover by aligning the clips and pressing down firmly until all clips snap into place. Reconnect the negative battery terminal. Close the hood.

Reassembly

Verify all electrical connectors are properly seated and locked
Confirm no tools or parts were left in the engine compartment
Check engine oil level and top off if necessary due to oil loss during solenoid removal

Verification

Start the engine and allow it to idle for 2-3 minutes while monitoring for oil leaks around the VVT solenoid
Check for diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) using an OBD-II scanner; clear any existing VVT-related codes
Test drive the vehicle and verify smooth engine operation with no rough idle, hesitation, or check engine light
Re-check the solenoid area for oil leaks after the test drive

🔧Stuck on this vvt solenoid - single? Take it to The Diag Desk.A human with 20+ years in the bay answers about YOUR Toyota within 24 hours — never AI. $25, and you're not charged unless you get an answer.Ask a tech →