Can You Drive with a Bad VVT Solenoid? Even though you may technically be able to continue driving with a bad VVT solenoid, the issue can cause damage to additional parts, such as the VVT actuator. So, you should address the issue as soon as possible.

There are many benefits to using VVT and virtually no drawbacks. One benefit is an increase in maximum engine speed (and therefore more peak power) – as much as a 25% increase. The exhaust gas recirculation reduces the amount of fuel needed to run the engine and therefore boosts the all-important MPG number.

When the VVT solenoid is malfunctioning, the entire system can be compromised, which may result in intake and exhaust valves opening and closing at the wrong time. This typically causes the fuel economy to drastically reduce.

Common signs include a rough engine idle, the Check Engine Light coming on, and the engine stumbling when climbing hills or under load.

5 Symptoms of a Bad Variable Valve Timing (VVT) Solenoid

• Check Engine Light.
• Rough Idling.
• Rough Acceleration.
• Increased Fuel Consumption.
• Low engine performance.

The average cost for variable valve timing control solenoid replacement is between $321 and $359. Labor costs are estimated between $145 and $183 while parts are priced at $176. This range does not include taxes and fees, and does not factor in your specific vehicle or unique location.

Part 1 of 1: Replacing the variable valve timing solenoid

1. Materials Needed.
2. Step 1: Raise and secure hood.
3. Step 2: Disconnect the battery.
4. Step 3: Locating the variable valve timing solenoid.
5. Step 4: Clear the area.
6. Step 5: Locate the mounting bolts.
7. Step 6: Remove the mounting bolts.
8. Step 7: Disconnect solenoid.

One of the most common sign that one or more of your transmission solenoids are going bad is unpredictable gear shifts. While driving along at a fixed speed, you may suddenly find your car jumping to another gear. As you can imagine, this is a highly stressful — and potentially dangerous — scenario.

Hugh Hunkeler, Three decades of automotive engineering. How long can you drive with a bad solenoid? It depends on the solenoid. If it’s the one that opens your trunk with the button on the key fob, you can drive indefinitely.

Associated Systems. Most modern vehicles have some sort of transmission control module that monitors the transmission through various sensors, such as the shift-position sensor and the transmission speed sensor. Additionally, the TCM and solenoid wiring are protected by fuses.

The starter solenoid is responsible for transferring the electrical current from the battery to the starter itself. While it is not very common for the starter solenoid to go bad, it might get damaged due to excessive heat, moisture, or bad wiring.

The negative (ground) cable connects the negative “-” battery terminal to the engine cylinder block, or transmission, close to the starter. The positive cable connects the positive “+” battery terminal to the starter solenoid.