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Help! VVT solenoid handle broke off while removing it!

Discussion in 'Gen 2 Prius Care, Maintenance and Troubleshooting' started by wbs887700, May 3, 2022.

  1. wbs887700

    wbs887700 Junior Member

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    Should I replace the VVT solenoid if the tip of it broke off the handle while removing it?

    When I was removing the VVT solenoid, the handle broke off from the tip. I managed to wedge the tip back on the handle and it drives fine after bolting it back on but I'm wondering if I should just go ahead and replace it?

    I read online that the VVT solenoid breaking while removing it is a common thing.
     

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  2. JC91006

    JC91006 Senior Member

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    They are not that expensive to replace at rockauto.com. If it's broken, replace it.
     
  3. wbs887700

    wbs887700 Junior Member

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    Yeah they cost like $120 at the Toyota dealership. It's hard to tell if it's actually broken. The handle holds the tip on by a little thin piece of metal around the base and that metal bent back slightly while I was pulling it out and that's what caused it to break off like that, but I put it back on and hammered that metal ring down
     
  4. drone13

    drone13 Active Member

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    If you can be sure there is no leaking or bypassing of the high pressure oil and you are getting full pressure to the valve, then I guess it's OK to repair. Just understand that any leakage or bypassing of oil will affect the oil pressure so your variable valve timing might not be working correctly and adjusting cam timing correctly (and might make a mess). That can affect engine running condition and fuel economy. I would replace it, but that's just me. I would always wonder if it was adjusting right. You could monitor the timing with techstream if you had the time I guess. Check the discount genuine Toyota parts dealers and it is quite a bit cheaper, but still an OEM part.
     
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  5. PriusCamper

    PriusCamper Senior Member

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    If Toyota charges over $100 for OEM one then spending a little bit extra and buying a higher quality one that boosts how quickly it functions would be worthwhile: https://www.redbullet.net/ Prius are famous for a slow engine response when you pull out into traffic and floor it, so I put one of these in and have noticed a slightly less sketchy feeling when pulling out into traffic ever since.
     
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  6. wbs887700

    wbs887700 Junior Member

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    Yeah I don't really feel like doing all of that, I don't have text stream either. I guess I'll just go ahead and buy the OEM one even though I don't want to spend that much money.

    I was getting a p0011 code and I was trying to clean my VVT solenoid because I read that is often what causes that code, I've been getting that code for like a year now.
     
  7. PriusCamper

    PriusCamper Senior Member

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    Turns out they aren't that expensive online... That previous price listed was just the Toyota Stealership quadrupling the price. Here's one that's only $34 and free shipping: Variable Timing Solenoid VVT Valve fit for Toyota Yaris Echo Prius Scion XA 1.5L | eBay
     
  8. wbs887700

    wbs887700 Junior Member

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    Well the problem I have with eBay and Amazon is there are lots of counterfeit stuff from china. And I know multiple people that have had problems with aftermarket products for their Prius that they've ordered on eBay or Amazon like fuel injectors, water pumps, etc

    If Toyota had their own eBay store then that would be different, but that listing you just posted is from some random third party that I've never heard of.
     
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  9. mr_guy_mann

    mr_guy_mann Senior Member

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    Well, there's no reason not to try the old one for a few days and see how it does. Worst case is that it does what did before, or possibly seeps a little oil down the outside of the engine.

    The "handle" is the electromagnet that applies force to the valve (the other part that sticks into the cylinder head).

    I have seen the part in the electromagnet stick, and I've seen the valve part stick. If you cleaned whatever was gumming things up, then if it works...

    FYI I have tried quite a few different VVT solenoids, and was unable to tell any difference from OE vs cheap vs "performance" - at least in the short term. All fit in the car, all "worked" enough to not set any codes.

    Posted via the PriusChat mobile app.
     
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  10. wbs887700

    wbs887700 Junior Member

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    Thanks. Well, the thing I'm worried about is that maybe the head is on sideways if that makes sense. Like, maybe the holes on the side aren't at the same angle they are when connected to the handle, does that make sense? Would that affect anything?
     
  11. PriusCamper

    PriusCamper Senior Member

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    With performance dependent issues like spark plugs that's an understandable concern, but with something like a VVT Solenoid that Toyota builds as cheaply as possible and uses the same one on Yaris, Echo, Prius, and Scion it's not really possible to make one more cheap.

    In this instance if your concern is quality then Toyota OEM is clearly the counterfeit product compared with with the high quality solenoid at https://www.redbullet.net/ is worth spending more, especially if you pull out into fast moving traffic often and get stressed at how slow Toyota OEM Solenoid responds, you won't regret how much better you'll feel once you have a Red Bullet under the hood!

    As for the $34 item I linked to, Ebay has a full refund policy for any purchase under $300, even if the seller refuses the refund. So your concerns about getting ripped off by only paying 1/5th the price the criminals at the stealership charge are unfounded!
     
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  12. AzusaPrius

    AzusaPrius Senior Member

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    I would say slap on a Red Bullet from redbullet.net and use code "azusa" to save some cash.
     
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  13. PriusCamper

    PriusCamper Senior Member

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    Nice... How much will that save us?
     
  14. TMR-JWAP

    TMR-JWAP Senior Member

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    the BS never stops flowing............
     
  15. JahT

    JahT Member

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    For $35 should I replace mine just as a maintenance item, even if all seems good (if it ain't broke...)? I think mine is original to 2008 now at 196k miles. I haven't cleaned its filter yet, so I am wondering if replacement is better at this point.
     
  16. TMR-JWAP

    TMR-JWAP Senior Member

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    Basic mechanics would seem that any "abnormally functioning" component which has an upstream filter, should have the filter inspected, cleaned or replaced prior actually replacing the component.
     
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  17. wbs887700

    wbs887700 Junior Member

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    Well I just ordered one from Toyota for $120, I don't really want to risk using my broken one even though my Prius drives just fine still. I'm hoping that was the right decision haha
     
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  18. ColoradoBoo

    ColoradoBoo Senior Member

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    Oh shoot...I wish I would've posted earlier....you can buy an OEM (15330-21011) from McGeorge on-line for $79.51 I've bought OEM parts from them and from Amayama and both are excellent sources. $119 is the MSRP...I never, EVER pay MSRP prices!
     
  19. JahT

    JahT Member

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    I was referring to the "screen filter" which I assumed wasn't upstream but was part of the VVT. Thank you, now I see where that filter is. Looks like it is under the valve cover so I won't replace my VVT valve until I can clean that screen and maybe replace the valve cover gasket. No hurry at the moment, thank you.

    ***Pic removed of VVT filter location, was from Gen3 by mistake.
     
    #19 JahT, May 4, 2022
    Last edited: May 4, 2022
  20. mr_guy_mann

    mr_guy_mann Senior Member

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    No- that picture isn't for a Gen2 1.5L. There is a allen drive plug on the outside of the head near the VVT solenoid. You need a GOOD 10mm (?) allen driver with a long ratchet or breaker bar - don't round out the drive flats in the plug. The filter screen is underneath it. Torque the plug to 22 ft-lb.

    Posted via the PriusChat mobile app.
     
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