8 Symptoms of a Bad Oil Control Valve (VVT Solenoid)

An oil control valve (also referred to as a VVT solenoid) is an important component of a vehicle with a variable valve timing (VVT) system. The existence of the system aims to control the performance of the engine utilizing two methods to retard and advance camshaft angle. If your oil control valve goes bad, you’ll have problems.

Keep reading as we go over the most common symptoms of a faulty oil control valve and what it’ll cost to replace it. But before we get to that, let’s explore how variable valve timing works.

Basics of Variable Valve Timing

VVT engine

Camshafts control the timing of the intake and exhaust valves. On a dual overhead engine, there is typically one intake camshaft and one exhaust camshaft per cylinder bank. These camshafts are timed to the crankshaft via a timing belt or timing chain.

On VVT engines, camshafts can move independently of the rest of the timing system, allowing for earlier or later valve lift. This system goes by many names depending on the vehicle make, but some examples are Valvelift for Audi, FCT for Ford, MIVEC for Mitsubishi, i-VTEC/VTEC for Honda and Acura, AVLS/AVCS for Subaru, and VVT-i for Toyota.

What Is an Oil Control Valve?

The oil control valve is the heart of the variable valve timing system, acting as a precision gateway for engine oil flow. Working under the command of your engine’s computer (ECM/ECU), this valve directs pressurized oil to specific passages in the VVT mechanism.

Think of it like a traffic controller for oil that’s in charge of opening, closing, and adjusting flow to move the camshafts forward or backward as needed. When your engine needs more power, such as during acceleration, the valve adjusts oil flow to advance timing. During steady cruising, it can retard timing to improve fuel efficiency.

The oil control valve serves three main purposes:

    Improve fuel economy by optimizing valve timing for different driving conditions.
  • Reduce exhaust emissions by providing better control of the combustion process.
  • Increase engine performance by maximizing power output when needed.

The valve must respond quickly and precisely to the engine computer’s commands. Any delay or malfunction can throw off the entire VVT system’s timing, leading to various performance issues.

Location-wise, you’ll typically find the oil control valve mounted directly on the cylinder head near the camshaft. Some engines have multiple valves if they use VVT on both intake and exhaust camshafts.

Bad Oil Control Valve Symptoms

Here are the signs of a failing oil control valve listed from most to least common. While you might experience several of these issues at the same time, even one symptom warrants further investigation, especially if accompanied by a check engine light.

1) Check Engine Light

check engine light

When your oil control valve starts failing, the check engine light illuminating on your dash is often one of the first indicators. Your car’s computer constantly monitors the VVT system’s performance through various sensors.

If it detects issues with oil pressure, camshaft timing, or the valve’s electrical circuit, it will store a diagnostic trouble code (DTC) and turn on the warning light.

Common DTCs include P0010-P0013 for Bank 1 timing issues, P0020-P0023 for Bank 2, and P0024-P0026 for general VVT performance problems. A diagnostic scanner can read these codes to help pinpoint the exact issue with your VVT system.

2) Poor Engine Performance

A bad oil control valve often leads to noticeable drops in engine performance since the VVT system can’t properly adjust camshaft timing. Sluggish acceleration, especially when trying to pass other vehicles or climb hills, will probably be the first thing you’ll notice.

The engine may feel less responsive to throttle inputs, and you could notice power loss across different RPM ranges. This happens because the camshafts aren’t moving to their optimal positions for maximum power output.

In some cases, the engine might even feel like it’s “holding back” or struggling to reach higher speeds, particularly during demanding driving conditions.

3) Rough Engine Idle

A properly functioning engine should idle smoothly at a consistent RPM, but a bad oil control valve can disrupt this balance. You may see the RPM needle moving up and down while stopped, or feel unusual vibrations through the steering wheel and seat.

The engine might also sound uneven or choppy at idle. This happens because the VVT system isn’t able to maintain correct valve timing at low speeds. While the engine is running while the car is stationary, the RPM might fluctuate between 500-1000 RPM instead of holding steady at the normal idle speed (typically around 700 RPM).

Though rough idling can be caused by many issues, it’s a common symptom in vehicles with VVT when the oil control valve starts failing.

4) Poor Fuel Economy

high fuel consumption

Are you having to fill up with gas more often despite no changes in your driving habits? Though there are many causes for this, the oil control valve may be one of them.

One of the main benefits of VVT systems is improved fuel efficiency through optimized valve timing. When the oil control valve fails, the system can’t adjust the camshaft timing properly, forcing your engine to work harder and use more fuel.

Your typical driving range may decrease by 10-20% or more. Try to keep track of your fuel consumption by noting your mileage between fill-ups. A sudden drop in MPG, especially if it occurs alongside other warning signs here, often means the VVT solenoid is the problem.

5) Engine Knock or Misfires

Engine knock, also called predetonation, is a phenomenon that occurs when gasoline combusts before the spark plug ignites the air-fuel mixture.

Since this ignition happens sooner than the ECU planned for, this combustion cycle can waste fuel and reduce engine power. Knock can also harm the engine if the knock event is severe enough. 

A bad oil control valve may cause engine knock if the camshaft phase is stuck in an aggressive setting, causing the valves to open or close at the wrong time. This could also cause a misfire, when the air-fuel mixture ignites poorly or fails to ignite entirely.

6) Startup Issues

Cold start problems happening alongside other symptoms here are another clue of oil control valve issues, particularly in the morning or after your car has sat for several hours.

Your engine may crank longer than usual before starting, or a rough, unstable idle for the first minute or two after startup. Some engines might even stall shortly after starting until they warm up.

This all happens because the VVT system needs proper oil pressure to function, and during cold starts, the thick oil combined with a failing control valve can prevent the system from properly positioning the camshafts.

7) Timing Chain Noise

timing chain noise

For vehicles that use a timing chain (instead of timing belt), a faulty oil control valve can affect the timing chain tensioner’s operation, leading to distinctive noises from the front of your engine.

You might hear a rattling, clicking, or chain-slapping sound, particularly noticeable during cold starts or when the engine is idling. This happens because the VVT system relies on proper oil pressure to maintain chain tension, and a failing oil control valve can cause pressure fluctuations.

The noise is usually most noticeable when the engine is cold and starts to lessen as it warms up. While some timing chain noise is normal, a sudden increase or persistent rattling needs attention to prevent potential chain failure.

8) Oil Leaks

Though this symptom isn’t as common as others, a failing oil control valve can lead to external oil leaks,. These leaks typically appear around the VVT actuator or where the oil control valve mounts to the cylinder head.

You may notice small oil spots on your driveway or a burning oil smell when the engine is hot. The leaks occur because the system operates under high oil pressure, and worn seals or gaskets around the valve can allow oil to escape.

A visual inspection might show oil residue or wetness around the valve assembly, particularly at the electrical connector or mounting points.

Oil Control Valve Replacement Cost

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oil control valve replacement cost

The cost to replace an oil control valve typically ranges from $200 to $600. This estimate includes:

  • Parts: $50 to $300, depending on the vehicle’s make and model.
  • Labor Costs: $150 to $300, as replacement time can vary from 1 to 3 hours.

Luxury and high-performance vehicles often fall on the higher end of this range, with some replacements costing over $1,000. European vehicles like BMW, Mercedes, and Audi generally have higher parts costs than domestic or Asian brands.

Some vehicles have multiple oil control valves – one for each VVT-equipped camshaft. If your engine has separate intake and exhaust VVT systems, you might need to replace both valves, doubling the cost.

Before replacing the valve, consider having your mechanic perform an oil change and check the oil passages for sludge buildup. Clean oil passages are essential for the new valve to function properly. Some mechanics recommend an engine flush, though this additional service will increase the overall cost.

Remember that delaying replacement after symptoms appear could lead to more expensive repairs if engine damage occurs. It’s best to address oil control valve issues promptly to avoid potential complications.

DIY Replacement

Many oil control valves are accessible and relatively simple to replace, making this a potential DIY job for those comfortable working on their vehicles. The valve is typically mounted on the outside of the engine near the camshaft, often requiring only basic hand tools for replacement.

A DIY replacement can save $150-350 in labor costs and possibly more in parts costs as many shops mark up their parts by 25-50% over retail prices.

Required tools usually include:

  • Basic socket set and extensions
  • 3/8″ torque wrench
  • New valve gasket or O-ring (if required)
  • Oil catch pan
  • Shop rags

However, some vehicles require removing other components for access, which can complicate the job. Always consult your vehicle’s service manual for specific instructions and torque specifications.

Note: As with professional replacement, an oil change beforehand is recommended.

What Causes Oil Control Valve Failure?

Oil is almost always the main cause of a VVT solenoid going bad. Most often, old oil is the culprit. As oil flows through an engine, over time, the combination of heat and small impurities causes the oil to thicken.

If an engine goes too long without an oil change, the consistency of the engine oil becomes comparable to sludge.

Because it’s so thick, it can no longer flow through the valve and literally clogs it up to cause the failure. This is yet another reason why regular oil changes are so important. In addition, if the engine oil level gets too low, this too can cause the oil control valve to go bad.

Other possible causes include:

  • Contaminated or clogged oil filter restricting flow to the VVT system
  • Electrical issues with wiring, connectors, or the solenoid itself
  • Normal mechanical wear of internal valve components
  • Failed seals allowing oil leaks
  • Manufacturing defects in certain vehicle models
  • Damage from engine overheating
  • Debris from timing chain or other engine component wear
Kevin

13 thoughts on “8 Symptoms of a Bad Oil Control Valve (VVT Solenoid)”

  1. Had a flickering oilcan light shortly after an oil change. Oil levels seemed fine, but we took it back to the service station to double check and they suggested perhaps a faulty oil level sensor. As long as visual inspection of oil level checked OK, i was fine with the flicker. A second oil change and still the flicker… then the check engine light. Code indicated the camshaft [timing oil control valve] position sensor – bank 2. [P0022]

    Is the flickering oilcan a coincidence, or is there an actual correlation? I guess we’ll see after I change the sensor…

    Reply
  2. Can a VVT solenoid cause a severe knock right at the cam? Getting a very loud knock that sounds like a rod knock at the cam. It is time with the cam revolution

    Reply
  3. I plug in the OCV of my Elantra 2013 and rpm goes to 1500 n stays and when I take them off it drops within the range of 700-900. What’s wrong with my car cause I have changed the vvt too

    Reply
  4. can a faulty VVT solenoid cause a really rough hard start up only in the morning when the engine is cold or when you let the engine cool down cuz that’s what happens to my car every time when it’s warm it fires up no problem

    Reply
  5. Can a intermittent vvt solenoid cause the egr/vvt monitor not to complete for smog purposes? Inhave a 2012 challenger srt8 and can not get the vvt monitor to be complete, I have done the dodge drive cycle over 5 time, with no success, all other monitors are complete. Help?

    Reply
    • Every state has its own rules, but generally a check engine light will cause a vehicle to fail smog. An intermittent VVT issue will probably throw a code and keep you from passing.

      Assuming the VVT system is working properly, there should be a procedure to complete the readiness check for your Challenger. Here’s an example for a Kia Borrego. If you do a bit of googling with your make and model, you should be able to find something Challenger specific if this process doesn’t work for you. https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/tsbs/2015/MC-10089083-5448.pdf

      Reply
    • If my car is on position and or it’s running and if I test the voltage on the solenoid connection will it read anything because my car is not reading any voltage and it’s making a grinding nose

      Reply

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