This procedure covers the removal and replacement of the variable valve timing (VVT) actuator on the intake and/or exhaust camshafts for the 2019-2024 Toyota RAV4 2.5L I4 engine.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• VVT actuator (intake or exhaust as needed) × 1 — 15330-0V010 (intake) or 15340-0V010 (exhaust)
• Valve cover gasket × 1 — 11213-0V010
• Valve cover spark plug tube seals × 4 — Use OEM specification
• Timing chain tensioner gasket × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Engine oil × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Oil filter × 1 — 04152-YZZA6

Fluids

• Toyota Genuine 0W-20 engine oil — 5 qt

Preparation

1. Ensure engine is completely cold to the touch
2. Disconnect negative battery terminal and wait 90 seconds for airbag system to discharge
3. Remove engine cover by pulling upward on corners
4. Drain engine oil completely and replace drain plug
5. Remove air intake assembly and air filter housing
6. Disconnect ignition coils and remove all four spark plugs
7. Label and disconnect all wiring harnesses from valve cover including VVT solenoid connectors
8. Remove PCV hoses and breather hoses from valve cover
9. Position drain pan under timing cover area to catch residual oil

Procedure

1. 1

   Remove valve cover
   Remove valve cover bolts in reverse of tightening sequence (outside to inside pattern). Carefully lift valve cover straight up to avoid damaging gasket surfaces. Clean all gasket material from valve cover and cylinder head mating surfaces using plastic scraper.
   Torque spec

   Cover Bolts16 Nm (12 lb-ft)
2. 2

   Remove crankshaft pulley and timing covers
   Remove serpentine belt. Use breaker bar and 19mm socket to remove crankshaft pulley bolt (may require harmonic balancer holding tool or have assistant apply brakes in gear). Remove crankshaft pulley. Remove all timing chain cover bolts noting different lengths. Remove timing chain upper and lower covers. Clean all sealing surfaces thoroughly.
   ⚠Crankshaft pulley bolt is very tight. Ensure proper tool engagement to avoid rounding off bolt head.
   Torque spec

   Crankshaft Pulley Bolt180 Nm (133 lb-ft)

   Cover Bolts16 Nm (12 lb-ft)
3. 3

   Set engine to TDC compression stroke cylinder 1
   Rotate crankshaft clockwise using 19mm socket on crankshaft bolt until timing marks on crankshaft sprocket align with mark on block. Verify intake and exhaust cam lobes for cylinder 1 are pointed upward (away from valves). Both camshaft timing marks should align with marks on bearing caps. This is TDC compression stroke.
   ⚠️Both cam lobes for cylinder 1 must be pointing up. If only one is up, engine is at TDC exhaust stroke - rotate one full turn.
4. 4

   Lock timing chain tensioner
   Remove timing chain tensioner bolt and carefully extract tensioner assembly. Using small screwdriver, carefully compress tensioner plunger and insert 5mm pin or clip through hole to lock it in compressed position. Set aside for reinstallation.
   ⚠Tensioner is spring-loaded. Control removal carefully and keep face away from plunger.
   Torque spec

   Timing Chain Tensioner Bolt25 Nm (18 lb-ft)
5. 5

   Lock camshafts in position
   Using camshaft holding tool or adjustable wrench on camshaft hex section (between lobes 1 and 2), hold intake camshaft stationary. Note position of timing chain on cam sprocket relative to timing marks before removal.
   ℹ️Take a photo of timing chain position on cam sprockets for reference during reassembly.
6. 6

   Remove VVT actuator
   While holding camshaft stationary with wrench on hex section, remove cam phaser bolt using socket and breaker bar. Carefully slide VVT actuator and camshaft sprocket assembly forward off camshaft. Keep timing chain engaged on crankshaft sprocket. Support timing chain with wire or zip tie to prevent it from falling into engine.
   ⚠️Do not allow timing chain to slip off crankshaft sprocket. If chain falls into engine, oil pan removal may be required.
   Torque spec

   Cam Phaser Bolt65 Nm (48 lb-ft)
7. 7

   Inspect and prepare new VVT actuator
   Inspect camshaft nose for wear or damage. Verify new VVT actuator matches old unit exactly. Check that actuator moves freely when rotated by hand (indicates internal check valve operation). Apply clean engine oil to camshaft journal and actuator bore. Clean cam phaser bolt threads and apply medium-strength threadlocker.
   ℹ️New actuator should rotate approximately 20-30 degrees when turned by hand. This is normal operation.
8. 8

   Install new VVT actuator
   Carefully align timing chain on new VVT actuator sprocket exactly as photographed during removal. Align actuator with camshaft nose ensuring dowel pin engages properly. Slide actuator fully onto camshaft. Hold camshaft stationary using wrench on hex section. Install cam phaser bolt with threadlocker and torque to specification.
   ⚠️Timing marks must align exactly as they were before removal. Double-check all timing marks before proceeding.
   Torque spec

   Cam Phaser Bolt65 Nm (48 lb-ft)
9. 9

   Verify timing alignment
   Triple-check that crankshaft timing mark aligns with block mark, both camshaft timing marks align with bearing cap marks, and cylinder 1 cam lobes point upward. Timing chain should have no slack on drive side (right side when facing engine). If any marks are misaligned, remove actuator and restart procedure.
   ⚠️This is final verification before locking tensioner. Incorrect timing will destroy engine on startup.
10. 10

    Install timing chain tensioner
    Install new gasket on timing chain tensioner. With tensioner still locked with pin, install tensioner into block and torque bolt to specification. Carefully remove locking pin allowing tensioner to apply pressure to chain. Verify timing marks remain aligned after tensioner applies pressure.
    Torque spec

    Timing Chain Tensioner Bolt25 Nm (18 lb-ft)
11. 11

    Reinstall timing covers
    Apply thin bead of RTV sealant to timing cover gasket surfaces where specified in service manual. Install timing covers and torque bolts in proper sequence from center outward. Install crankshaft pulley and torque bolt to specification. Install serpentine belt.
    Torque spec

    Cover Bolts16 Nm (12 lb-ft)

    Crankshaft Pulley Bolt180 Nm (133 lb-ft)
12. 12

    Replace VVT solenoid filter
    Remove VVT solenoid (if not already removed) and inspect internal filter screen for debris. Replace solenoid if filter is clogged or damaged. Clean mounting surface and reinstall with new O-ring. Torque solenoid bolt to specification.
    ℹ️Contaminated oil is common cause of VVT actuator failure. Inspect solenoid filter carefully.
    Torque spec

    VVT Solenoid Bolt10 Nm (7 lb-ft)
13. 13

    Reinstall valve cover
    Install new spark plug tube seals into valve cover. Position new valve cover gasket onto cylinder head (gasket usually sits in groove on head, not cover). Carefully lower valve cover into position ensuring gasket remains properly seated. Install valve cover bolts and torque in sequence from center outward.
    ⚠Do not reuse valve cover gasket. Over-torquing valve cover bolts will crack plastic cover.
    Torque spec

    Cover Bolts16 Nm (12 lb-ft)
14. 14

    Complete final assembly
    Reinstall spark plugs and ignition coils. Reconnect all wiring harnesses and VVT solenoid connectors. Reinstall PCV and breather hoses. Install new oil filter and fill engine with 5 quarts of Toyota Genuine 0W-20 oil. Reinstall air intake assembly and engine cover. Reconnect battery negative terminal.
    ℹ️Do not use aftermarket oil. Toyota VVT systems require proper oil viscosity and detergent package.

Reassembly

1. Torque all fasteners to specification in proper sequence
2. Replace all gaskets and seals - do not reuse old components
3. Verify all electrical connectors are fully seated and locked
4. Check that timing marks remain aligned after tensioner installation
5. Ensure serpentine belt is properly routed and seated on all pulleys

Verification

• With spark plugs removed, rotate engine two complete revolutions by hand and verify timing marks realign at TDC
• Install spark plugs and prepare for first start with scan tool connected to monitor VVT operation
• Start engine and verify no unusual noises (rattling, knocking, grinding)
• Allow engine to idle and warm up while monitoring for oil leaks around valve cover and timing cover
• Use scan tool to verify VVT actuator responds to commanded position (advance/retard angles should change)
• Check for diagnostic trouble codes related to VVT system (P0010, P0011, P0012, P0020, P0021, P0022)
• Perform test drive and verify normal engine performance with no hesitation or rough idle
• Recheck oil level after engine reaches operating temperature and shut down for 5 minutes

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