Intake Cam Gear VVTi Actuator

I was just told that I need to have my VVTI Gear and Oil Control Valve replaced on my 2006 Prius, and that the reason was "they just go bad sometimes." When I asked for why they go bad, I got a vague reference to the hot weather and a repeat that "they just go bad sometimes."
I hope someone can add to this discussion, as I'm at a loss. The bill will be a big one (neighborhood of $850).

 

This is not common unless the car was in an accident that damaged the connector, or the engine is full of sludge. Check the connector.

 

I was just told that I need to have my VVTI Gear and Oil Control Valve replaced on my 2006 Prius,

I haven't read of this valve failing, could you provide more details, car mileage, engine performance, any 'check engine light' , were symptoms gradual or sudden, etc.

This is another thread describing a small filter for this system, I checked it last year out of curiosity, mine was fine (at around 180k+ miles).

http://priuschat.com/forums/gen-ii-...eshooting/81138-vvt-oil-filter-poor-mpgs.html

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Find out if its the big actuator assy on the end of the cam or the little solenoid/filter assy. If its the big assy on the end of the cam $850 sounds about right at the delaer. But first I have heard of any issue with the oil driven VVT system.

BTW, you can buy a Haynes manual at any auto parts store for the Gen II Prius for $ 17.00. There's a lengthy discussion in there about the VVT system and its components.

But here the most important part:

How often was the oil changed and what type of oil was used on this car ?

 

Following that link, the last post shows pictures. That "filter" appears to be a small screen - as long as your oil filter is working correctly, there shouldn't ever be anything caught by the screen. Gunk in that screen would indicate a catastrophic oil filter failure!