engine
VVT Solenoids - All
for 2021 Toyota RAV4 2.5L I4 · AWD
Editorial review:Chris Hackleman — Master Technician · 20+ years · Jeff Moore — Master Lexus & Toyota Mechanic · 20+ years
Difficulty
Moderate
Time
2.1 h
Tools
10
Steps
14
✓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 replacement of all Variable Valve Timing (VVT) solenoids on the 2019-2024 Toyota RAV4 with the 2.5L I4 gasoline engine, including intake and exhaust solenoids on both camshafts.
Warnings
⚠️Perform this repair only when the engine is completely cool to avoid burn injuries.
⚠Disconnecting the battery will erase radio presets and may require initialization of power window auto-up/down features.
⚠VVT solenoids contain residual engine oil; have a catch pan ready to prevent spills.
ℹ️This engine has four VVT solenoids total: two intake and two exhaust, located on the cylinder head under the engine cover.
Tools required
10mm socket and ratchetEssential
12mm socket and ratchetEssential
Extension setEssential
Torque wrench (10-50 Nm range)Essential
Trim panel removal tools
Shop towels or ragsEssential
Small catch panEssential
Wire brush (soft)
Electrical contact cleaner
Flashlight or work lightEssential
Parts
- VVT solenoid - intake (bank 1) × 1 — 15330-0W010
- VVT solenoid - exhaust (bank 1) × 1 — 15330-37010
- VVT solenoid - intake (bank 2) × 1 — 15340-0W010
- VVT solenoid - exhaust (bank 2) × 1 — 15340-37010
- Engine oil × 1 — Use OEM specification
Fluids
- Toyota Genuine 0W-20 — 0.5 qt
Preparation
- Park vehicle on level ground and engage parking brake
- Ensure engine is completely cool to the touch
- Disconnect negative battery terminal and wait 3 minutes
- Remove engine cover by pulling upward on the four clip attachment points
- Have replacement solenoids, clean shop towels, and small catch pan ready
Procedure
- 1Locate all four VVT solenoidsIdentify the four VVT solenoids on top of the cylinder head. The intake solenoids are located on the front side of the camshaft timing chain cover, while the exhaust solenoids are positioned on the rear side. Bank 1 is on the passenger side, Bank 2 is on the driver side when facing the engine from the front.
- 2Disconnect electrical connectorsPress the locking tab on each VVT solenoid electrical connector and carefully pull straight back to disconnect. There are four connectors total. Mark or photograph their positions if needed for reassembly reference.
- 3Remove Bank 1 intake VVT solenoidPosition catch pan beneath the solenoid. Using a 10mm socket, remove the single bolt securing the Bank 1 intake VVT solenoid. Carefully pull the solenoid straight out from the cylinder head. Some residual oil will drain from the mounting bore and solenoid. Inspect the O-ring on the old solenoid for damage.Torque specVVT Solenoid Bolt10 Nm (7 lb-ft)
- 4Remove Bank 1 exhaust VVT solenoidReposition catch pan as needed. Using a 10mm socket, remove the single bolt securing the Bank 1 exhaust VVT solenoid. Pull the solenoid straight out from the cylinder head. Allow residual oil to drain into the catch pan.Torque specVVT Solenoid Bolt10 Nm (7 lb-ft)
- 5Remove Bank 2 intake VVT solenoidMove to the driver side of the engine. Position catch pan beneath the solenoid. Using a 10mm socket, remove the single bolt securing the Bank 2 intake VVT solenoid. Extract the solenoid straight out and allow oil to drain.Torque specVVT Solenoid Bolt10 Nm (7 lb-ft)
- 6Remove Bank 2 exhaust VVT solenoidUsing a 10mm socket, remove the single bolt securing the Bank 2 exhaust VVT solenoid. Remove the solenoid from the cylinder head and drain any residual oil into the catch pan.Torque specVVT Solenoid Bolt10 Nm (7 lb-ft)
- 7Clean mounting boresUse clean shop towels to wipe away any oil residue from each of the four mounting bores in the cylinder head. Inspect each bore for debris or metal particles. Use a soft wire brush if necessary to clean the bore surfaces, being careful not to allow debris to fall into the engine.
- 8Prepare new VVT solenoidsRemove new solenoids from packaging. Verify each has a clean, undamaged O-ring installed. Apply a light coating of clean engine oil to each O-ring. Verify you have the correct solenoids for each position (intake vs exhaust, Bank 1 vs Bank 2).
- 9Install Bank 1 intake VVT solenoidAlign the new Bank 1 intake VVT solenoid with its mounting bore and carefully push it straight in until it seats fully against the cylinder head. Install the mounting bolt and torque to specification using a torque wrench.Torque specVVT Solenoid Bolt10 Nm (7 lb-ft)
- 10Install Bank 1 exhaust VVT solenoidInsert the new Bank 1 exhaust VVT solenoid straight into its bore until fully seated. Install the mounting bolt and torque to specification.Torque specVVT Solenoid Bolt10 Nm (7 lb-ft)
- 11Install Bank 2 intake VVT solenoidInstall the new Bank 2 intake VVT solenoid into its mounting bore, ensuring it seats completely. Install the mounting bolt and torque to specification.Torque specVVT Solenoid Bolt10 Nm (7 lb-ft)
- 12Install Bank 2 exhaust VVT solenoidInsert the new Bank 2 exhaust VVT solenoid into its bore until fully seated. Install the mounting bolt and torque to specification.Torque specVVT Solenoid Bolt10 Nm (7 lb-ft)
- 13Reconnect electrical connectorsReconnect each electrical connector to its corresponding VVT solenoid. Push each connector firmly until you hear and feel the locking tab click into place. Gently tug on each connector to verify it is securely locked.
- 14Reinstall engine cover and batteryAlign the engine cover with its four mounting clips and press down firmly until all clips engage. Reconnect the negative battery terminal. Check engine oil level on dipstick and top off if needed with Toyota Genuine 0W-20 oil.
Reassembly
- Ensure all four VVT solenoid bolts are torqued to 10.0 Nm (7.0 lb-ft)
- Verify all electrical connectors are fully seated and locked
- Engine cover must be securely clipped at all four attachment points
- Engine oil level should be between MIN and MAX marks on dipstick
Verification
- Start the engine and verify it idles smoothly without unusual noises or rough running
- Check for any oil leaks around all four VVT solenoid mounting locations
- Using an OBD-II scanner, verify there are no VVT-related diagnostic trouble codes (P0010, P0011, P0020, P0021, etc.)
- Test drive the vehicle and confirm smooth acceleration with no hesitation or check engine light
- Re-check for oil leaks after the test drive with the engine at operating temperature