Variable Valve timing solenoid/ actuator

George Dunham · Post by **George Dunham** » 16 May 2017, 23:07

Been having a hard time with a p0300 code. Have done most regular things, that's a whole other post-seriously. This is very specific about the following part.
Just brought the car home from the 3rd mechanic for diagnostics. They determined that it is the Variable Valve Timing Solenoid / Actuator. Interestingly enough, the first shop thought the same thing. That shop is owned by a good acquaintance of mine and offered to take a look at it without charge. Another Volvo mechanic thought it was a bogus diagnosis, that there would be associated fault codes if that were the case. Anyway, I removed the solenoid/ actuator, and tested the two terminals for continuity. Sure enough, it was a closed circuit, i.e. my little tester made a buzzing noise when I probed the two terminals. Buzzing noise went away when I removed the probes. Then I hooked up the solenoid the a battery. I have seen on you tube and what not people testing these. There is always a click sound, hopefully followed with the piston moving. Nothing. This part is bad, right?
They also wanted to replace the vvt gear. Is that 100% necessary?
Also, upon removal of the solenoid, I noticed that it was crazy brittle. It snapped while I was tenderly wiping the oil from it.

Post by **jonesg** » 17 May 2017, 07:17

I would replace it .
Is the gear damaged?
Mine wasn't flimsy (gear).

George Dunham · Post by **George Dunham** » 17 May 2017, 07:34

I haven't looked at the gear yet.

Post by **precopster** » 17 May 2017, 07:36

The CVVT solenoids are always failing. This would be my first step.

The CVVT gears provide a dieseling sound at idle when worn.

George Dunham · Post by **George Dunham** » 27 May 2017, 21:39

Replaced the solenoid. All good!

Georgeandkira · Post by **Georgeandkira** » 07 Jul 2017, 15:10

If it's not too personal a question: How much was that part?

Post by **jonesg** » 07 Jul 2017, 16:01

FCP has them about $150.