Variable Timing Lift Solenoid

Asked by Mike Apr 10, 2020 at 10:41 AM about the 2008 Subaru Outback 2.5 i Limited

Question type: Maintenance & Repair

I have a 2008 Outback. 148,000 miles. Check engine code tells me its a
variable timing lift solenoid problem. Will be doing the repair myself. Should I
replace both? And is the left side solenoid different from the right?

1 Answer
48,700

TheSubaruGuruBoston answered 4 years ago

Often the VVT solenoid is not getting sufficient oil pressure to activate, so be sure that your motor is fairly clean before buying the solenoid. You might even try flushing after using a cleaner additive for awhile. But if the fault is the electrical operation of the solenoid then just replace the errant side, as they generally fail idiosyncratically and separately. If replacing the one sensor repeats the same code (same side), then you know the oil line is clogged. Have fun; it's pretty easy DIY stuff. Ern TSG/B

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