VVT or Variable Valve Timing solenoid is one of the biggest advancements of the automotive industry. It helps to enhance the performance and efficiency of the combustion engine. It is primarily responsible for altering the valve lift timing in the engine and ensures that the engine receives the right amount of oil at the right time. Thus, this car component brings significant improvements in fuel efficiency. Unfortunately, like other car components, this car component becomes bad. It is vital to determine the bad VVT solenoid symptoms and fix the issue via replacement.
The function of a VVT Solenoid
Every present-day vehicle consists of VVT Solenoid that enhances its performance and improves its efficiency. It assists the engines in changing their valve timings and ensures that these deliver optimum performance at low RPMs.The engine control unit delivers power and ground to the solenoid, especially when it’s time to open and handle the timings.
Location of VVT Solenoid
The VVT solenoid is located in the cylinder head near camshafts. In most cars, it is often installed in the intake camshafts. The VVT is located near the exhaust camshaft in some cars, and sometimes the vehicle has two solenoids. In certain cases, the VVT solenoid is located in the valve cover, and reaching there is quite a hassle.
Symptoms of a Bad VVT Solenoid
Check the following bad VVT solenoid symptoms, and depending upon the issue, you can plan for a replacement:
Check Engine Light On
Modern vehicles come with Electronic Control Unit using which the issues are detected. Any unusual activity in the vehicle can be determined with a check engine light. Issues with the VVT solenoid are visible on the car’s dashboard. The check engine light shows code P0011 and can be resolved with the assistance of technicians.
Rough Idling
At idle state, the VVT solenoid adjusts the camshaft timing. Idling must be performed as smoothly as possible. Retarded camshaft will make it difficult for the engine to drop too low in RPM and stall. If you notice weird idling issues with your vehicle, it is possibly due to the VVT solenoid.
Rough Acceleration
The primary purpose of the VVT solenoid is to adjust the camshaft timing so that it operates smoothly at distinct RPMs.In case of failure, the acceleration becomes rough, thereby leading to misfires during acceleration. Moreover, the rough acceleration along with the check engine on the dashboard makes the VVT valve faulty.
Surging Fuel Consumption
VVT solenoid has fixed opening and closing time to maintain appropriate levels of fuel efficiency. If you suspect a drop or surge in fuel consumption and notice the smell of unburnt fuel, it is due to a bad VVT solenoid.
Degrading Engine Performance
The VVT solenoid was devised to surge power on high RPM while keeping the low engine performance at low RPM. However, a problematic VVT solenoid leads to a performance drop if it isn’t advancing the camshaft timing during acceleration.
Can We Drive with a Bad VVT Solenoid?
Driving with a bad solenoid will deteriorate other car parts. Therefore, it is better not to delay the issue and plan a bad VVT solenoid replacement to prevent issues from worsening.
VT Solenoid Replacement Costs
The replacement cost of the VVT solenoid falls between $100-$500.The labor charges are levied separately and lie between $50 to $300, which varies according to the car model. The part cost is between $50 to $300.The replacement time depends on the car model you own. In some cases, half of the engine is taken out, while in other cases, bad VVT solenoid replacement finishes in 5 minutes.You can save money on individual costs by purchasing VVT solenoid from the customer’s trusted store ‘The Auto Parts Shop’ that brings top-quality VVT solenoid and other accessories to you.
The Bottom Line
If you don’t want to shell out hard-earned money on expensive repairs, get the VVT Solenoid replacement from the mechanic and help the vehicle run smoothly.