VVT Solenoids - All

This procedure covers the removal and replacement of all VVT (Variable Valve Timing) solenoids on the 2018-2024 Toyota Camry 2.5L I4 engine, including intake and exhaust solenoids.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Intake VVT solenoid (Bank 1) × 1 — 15330-0W020 or equivalent
• Exhaust VVT solenoid (Bank 1) × 1 — 15340-0W020 or equivalent
• VVT solenoid O-rings (if not included with solenoids) × 2 — Use OEM specification
• Engine oil (for topping off) × 1 — Toyota Genuine 0W-20

Fluids

• Toyota Genuine 0W-20 — 0.5 qt

Preparation

1. Ensure the engine is completely cold before beginning work
2. Disconnect the negative battery terminal and wait 2 minutes for airbag system capacitor discharge
3. Remove the engine cover by pulling upward on the four clip locations (no tools required)
4. Place a drip pan or shop towels beneath the front of the engine to catch any oil spillage
5. Take a reference photo of the VVT solenoid electrical connector routing for reinstallation

Procedure

1. 1

   Access the VVT solenoids
   The VVT solenoids are located on the front (radiator side) of the cylinder head. Identify the intake VVT solenoid (typically on the right side when viewed from the front) and exhaust VVT solenoid (typically on the left side). Each has an electrical connector and a single retaining bolt. You may need to move or disconnect wiring harness clips for better access.
2. 2

   Disconnect electrical connectors
   Press the locking tab on each VVT solenoid electrical connector and carefully pull the connector straight off the solenoid. The connectors may be tight due to O-ring seals inside. Do not twist or bend the connector body excessively. Move the wiring harness aside to provide clear access to the solenoid bolts.
3. 3

   Remove intake VVT solenoid
   Using a 10mm socket with extension, remove the single bolt securing the intake VVT solenoid to the cylinder head. Keep the bolt in a safe location. Carefully pull the solenoid straight out from the cylinder head. Expect a small amount of engine oil to drain from the solenoid bore. Place the removed solenoid on a clean shop towel with the mounting end facing up to minimize oil drips.
   ⚠Do not allow the solenoid to fall into the engine bay. Keep a firm grip during removal.
   Torque spec

   VVT Solenoid Bolt10 Nm (7 lb-ft)
4. 4

   Remove exhaust VVT solenoid
   Repeat the removal process for the exhaust VVT solenoid. Remove the single 10mm retaining bolt and pull the solenoid straight out from the cylinder head. Catch any oil spillage with shop towels. Place the removed solenoid on a clean surface.
   Torque spec

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

   Inspect solenoid bores and clean mating surfaces
   Inspect the solenoid mounting bores in the cylinder head for debris, old O-ring material, or sludge buildup. Use a clean shop towel to wipe out any accessible oil or debris from the bore openings. Do NOT insert tools or cleaning implements deep into the bores as they connect directly to the oil galleries and camshaft phasers. Inspect the mounting surface around each bore and clean any oil residue or dirt with brake cleaner and a clean towel.
   ⚠️Never insert rags, paper towels, or foreign objects into the solenoid bores. Debris entering the oil passages can cause immediate engine failure.
6. 6

   Inspect old solenoids
   Examine the removed VVT solenoids for physical damage, excessive sludge buildup on the screens, or worn O-rings. If replacing due to fault codes, note any visible contamination. The solenoid screens should be clean; heavy sludge indicates inadequate oil change intervals. Check that the O-rings on the new solenoids are properly seated in their grooves and lightly lubricate them with fresh engine oil.
7. 7

   Install new intake VVT solenoid
   Apply a light coating of fresh 0W-20 engine oil to the O-ring on the new intake VVT solenoid. Align the solenoid with its mounting bore and carefully push it straight into the cylinder head until it seats fully against the mounting surface. Do not twist or rock the solenoid during installation. Thread the retaining bolt by hand first to ensure proper alignment, then tighten to specification using a torque wrench.
   Torque spec

   VVT Solenoid Bolt10 Nm (7 lb-ft)
8. 8

   Install new exhaust VVT solenoid
   Apply fresh engine oil to the O-ring on the new exhaust VVT solenoid. Insert the solenoid straight into its mounting bore until fully seated. Hand-start the retaining bolt, then torque to specification. Ensure the solenoid is flush against the cylinder head mounting surface before final tightening.
   Torque spec

   VVT Solenoid Bolt10 Nm (7 lb-ft)
9. 9

   Reconnect electrical connectors
   Route the wiring harness back to its original position as shown in your reference photo. Push each electrical connector firmly onto its corresponding VVT solenoid until you hear and feel a distinct click. Verify the locking tab is fully engaged on each connector. Gently tug on each connector to confirm it is locked in place. Reattach any wiring harness clips or retainers that were moved during disassembly.
10. 10

    Clean work area and check for tools
    Remove all tools, towels, and parts from the engine bay. Perform a final inspection around the cylinder head area to ensure no fasteners, sockets, or debris have been left behind. Wipe down any oil spills on the engine or surrounding components. Reinstall the engine cover by aligning it with the four mounting clips and pressing down firmly until all clips engage.
11. 11

    Reconnect battery and clear codes
    Reconnect the negative battery terminal. Start the engine and allow it to idle. The check engine light may illuminate briefly as the ECU relearns the VVT system parameters. Using an OBD-II scanner, clear any stored VVT-related fault codes (P0010, P0011, P0020, P0021, etc.). The ECU will relearn idle and VVT calibration over the next several drive cycles.

Reassembly

1. Ensure both VVT solenoid bolts are torqued to exactly 10 Nm (7 lb-ft) - overtightening can crack the solenoid housing
2. Verify all electrical connectors are fully locked with audible clicks
3. Check engine oil level on the dipstick and top off if necessary with Toyota Genuine 0W-20 oil
4. Confirm the engine cover is securely clipped in all four locations

Verification

• Start the engine and listen for any unusual valve train noise or timing-related rattles
• Allow the engine to reach operating temperature and verify smooth idle with no hesitation or rough running
• Using an OBD-II scanner, monitor VVT system operation in live data (intake and exhaust cam timing should respond to throttle input)
• Verify no check engine light illuminates and no VVT-related codes return (P0010, P0011, P0020, P0021, P0016, P0017, P0018, P0019)
• Perform a test drive and confirm normal acceleration, throttle response, and no performance issues
• Recheck the engine bay after the test drive for any oil leaks around the VVT solenoid mounting areas

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