VVT Solenoids - All

This procedure replaces both intake and exhaust VVT (Variable Valve Timing) solenoids on the 2ZR-FE 1.8L engine to restore proper valve timing control and eliminate timing-related fault codes.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Intake VVT solenoid (VVT-i Oil Control Valve) × 1 — 15330-37010 or equivalent
• Exhaust VVT solenoid (VVT-i Oil Control Valve) × 1 — 15330-0V010 or equivalent
• VVT solenoid O-ring seal (intake) × 1 — Usually included with solenoid
• VVT solenoid O-ring seal (exhaust) × 1 — Usually included with solenoid

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level ground and allow engine to cool completely (minimum 1 hour)
2. Disconnect the negative battery terminal and wait 5 minutes to clear residual power
3. Remove engine cover by pulling upward on the four plastic retaining clips
4. Locate both VVT solenoids on the front of the cylinder head - intake solenoid on left (driver side), exhaust solenoid on right (passenger side)
5. Place oil drain pan under the work area to catch residual engine oil

Procedure

1. 1

   Disconnect electrical connectors
   Press down on the locking tab of each VVT solenoid electrical connector and pull straight back to disconnect. The intake solenoid connector is on the left side, exhaust on the right. Note the connector orientation for reassembly.
2. 2

   Remove wiring harness clips
   Use a flat-blade screwdriver or needle-nose pliers to carefully release any wire harness clips or retainers securing the VVT solenoid wiring to the valve cover or cylinder head. Move the wiring harness aside for access.
3. 3

   Remove intake VVT solenoid
   Using a 10mm socket, remove the single bolt securing the intake VVT solenoid (left side). Carefully pull the solenoid straight out from the cylinder head. A small amount of engine oil will drain from the solenoid bore - this is normal. Place the old solenoid on a clean rag.
   Torque spec

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

   Remove exhaust VVT solenoid
   Using a 10mm socket, remove the single bolt securing the exhaust VVT solenoid (right side). Carefully pull the solenoid straight out from the cylinder head. Allow residual oil to drain into the catch pan. Place the old solenoid on a clean rag.
   Torque spec

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

   Inspect solenoid bores and screens
   Using a flashlight, inspect both solenoid mounting bores in the cylinder head for debris, sludge, or metal particles. The filter screens inside the bores should be clean and intact. If excessive sludge is present, this indicates poor oil maintenance and may require additional service. Wipe the mounting surfaces clean with a shop rag.
6. 6

   Clean mounting surfaces
   Use a clean shop rag to wipe the cylinder head mounting surfaces around both solenoid bores. Remove any oil residue, dirt, or old O-ring material. Spray electrical contact cleaner on the mounting surfaces if needed and wipe dry. Ensure no debris falls into the solenoid bores.
7. 7

   Prepare new intake VVT solenoid
   Remove the new intake VVT solenoid from packaging and verify it matches the old unit. Install the new O-ring seal onto the solenoid body if not pre-installed. Lightly coat the O-ring with clean engine oil using your finger to aid installation and prevent tearing.
8. 8

   Install new intake VVT solenoid
   Carefully insert the new intake VVT solenoid straight into the left cylinder head bore, ensuring the alignment tab engages properly. Push the solenoid in until it seats fully against the cylinder head. Hand-start the 10mm mounting bolt, then torque to specification.
   Torque spec

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

   Prepare new exhaust VVT solenoid
   Remove the new exhaust VVT solenoid from packaging and verify it matches the old unit. Install the new O-ring seal onto the solenoid body if not pre-installed. Lightly coat the O-ring with clean engine oil using your finger to aid installation and prevent tearing.
10. 10

    Install new exhaust VVT solenoid
    Carefully insert the new exhaust VVT solenoid straight into the right cylinder head bore, ensuring the alignment tab engages properly. Push the solenoid in until it seats fully against the cylinder head. Hand-start the 10mm mounting bolt, then torque to specification.
    Torque spec

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

    Reconnect electrical connectors
    Push each electrical connector firmly onto its corresponding VVT solenoid until the locking tab clicks into place. Verify the connection is secure by gently pulling on the connector - it should not release. Reinstall any wiring harness clips or retainers removed earlier.
12. 12

    Reinstall engine cover and reconnect battery
    Align the engine cover over the four retaining posts and push down firmly until all four clips snap into place. Reconnect the negative battery terminal and tighten the terminal clamp securely.

Reassembly

1. Ensure both VVT solenoid mounting bolts are torqued to 10 Nm (7 lb-ft) - do not overtighten
2. Verify all electrical connectors are fully seated and locked
3. Confirm engine cover is properly secured on all four mounting points
4. Wipe up any spilled engine oil from the valve cover and cylinder head

Verification

• Start the engine and allow it to idle. Listen for unusual noises from the timing chain area - operation should be smooth and quiet
• Check for oil leaks around both VVT solenoid mounting locations while engine is running
• Using an OBD-II scanner, clear any stored VVT-related fault codes (P0010, P0011, P0020, P0021) from the ECU
• Drive the vehicle through varied RPM ranges for 10-15 minutes to allow the ECU to relearn VVT parameters
• Re-scan for fault codes after the test drive - no VVT codes should return if installation was successful
• Verify smooth engine operation during acceleration and that the engine responds properly to throttle input without hesitation

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