Five Signs That Your Oil Control Valve Is Not Working (VVT Solenoid).

Variable valve timing (VVT solenoids), also called oil control, is one of the best innovations in automobile industry.

These help to improve combustion engine performance and efficiency.

The VVT solenoids could also fail and cause expensive repairs.

We will be discussing the signs and costs of replacing a VVT solenoid. Let’s begin with a quick overview of the most common signs:

Check engine lights on the dashboard are the first sign that you have a defective VVT solenoid. There may be issues such as rough idle or rough acceleration.

This is a detailed listing of 5 symptoms that indicate a poor Variable Valve Timing (VVT Solenoid).

Bad Oil Control Valve (VVT Solenoide) Symptoms

1. The Check Engine Light indicates that the engine is being checked

The Electronic Controlled Unit (ECU) is a modern vehicle that allows you to see any abnormal activity in your car via the check engine lamp.

Every activity in your vehicle's ECU is monitored by the ECU. It compares all activities and provides a report. The check engine light will turn on if one of your current conditions isn't compatible with pre-defined values.

The check engine light on your dashboard will flash if the VVT solenoid fails to work properly.

2. Rough Idling

When your car runs at idle, the VVT solenoid will adjust camshaft timing. Because the idle speed should not be too high, this is called VVT solenoid. It will be very hard for your engine not to drop below RPM or stall if you have a slow timing of the camshaft timing.

A faulty VVT solenoid could be the cause of strange idle problems in your vehicle.

3. Rapid Acceleration

VVT solenoid's main function is to regulate camshaft timing, ensuring smooth engine operation at different RPMs. It can cause your engine to be rough and even misfires if it is not working properly.

It could very well be a problem with your VVT valve if you experience rough acceleration along with check engine lights on the dashboard.

4. Fuel consumption has increased

VVT solenoid manages the valves’ opening and closing times to ensure that efficient fuel consumption is maintained.

A malfunction in the VVT solenoid will result in fuel consumption being reduced. If you experience a drop in fuel consumption or an increase, and if the fuel smells unburned, your valve timing sensor may be defective.

5. High Engine Performance

VVT solenoid is a new invention that increases power at higher RPMs and maintains a stable engine performance at lower RPMs. A faulty VVT solenoid could cause performance drops if the timing of the camshaft is not improved during acceleration.

VVT Solenoid function

VVT technology is used in almost all modern vehicles to increase their fuel efficiency and performance. VVT solenoid allows engines to adjust their valve timing. This ensures that performance remains at the top, while maintaining driveability even when RPMs are lower.

An electronic principle of electromagnetism is used to control oil flow to camshafts. The VVT solenoid is controlled by the engine control unit. It sends power to the solenoid to allow for the opening of the solenoid to set the timing.

VVT Solenoid Position

Near the camshafts, the VVT solenoid can be found in almost all cylinder heads. The VVT solenoid is almost always located on the intake side, as it's often installed only on the intake camshaft of most cars.

You might also have VVT on your cat's exhaust camshaft.

Some car models have the VVT solenoid located inside the valve cover. This makes it difficult for some to access.

Prices for VVT Solenoid Repair

Replacement costs for VVT solenoid parts are on average between $100 to $500 You should expect to pay between $50 and $300 for labor depending on your car's make, while the cost of the part is $50 to 300.

There is a wide range of prices for VVT solenoids depending on which car you own. Some car models require you to remove half of the engine. Others can be removed in 5 minutes. The repair manual contains detailed information.