Keeps burning out the VVT solenoid?

MELLSURIANO

MEMBER
2011 CHEVROLET TRAVERSE
3.6L
130 MILES

My check engine light turned on. I took it to autosome to have the code read. They said I had a VVT solenoid that wasn't working, and that the problem could be as simple as replacing the solenoid or as big as needing a new engine because maybe the timing is off. I replaced the solenoid, and it burned out in 24 hours. I took it back to the shop and now they think it may be either the camshaft positioning sensor or the bank 1 crankshaft exhaust, and that unless I want to replace the engine it wouldn't be worth digging into. The car runs smoothly, it's quiet, there is no chugging, it starts right up, and it doesn't lose power. It runs like there is no issue. I'm terrified of using it now because I don't want to cause a larger problem. Would it be worth digging into?

Thursday, August 17th, 2023 AT 5:44 PM

1 Reply

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
110,176 POSTS

Hi,

First, the VVT solenoid doesn't fail in 24 hours unless it was a faulty part. Second, it could be a timing issue, but if it is running properly and smoothly, I doubt it is a timing issue.

I need to know the code that was retrieved at AutoZone. Do you have that so I can look into it further for you? Also, there is more than one. Is it possible you replaced the wrong one? And finally, engine oil quality is very important for the proper operation of these solenoids. Make sure the oil is both clean and full and let me know the mileage on the vehicle.

Let me know if you have the code or codes.

Take care,

Joe

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Thursday, August 17th, 2023 AT 9:39 PM