Variable Camshaft Timing Solenoid: Operation

WARNING: This page is about a different variant/trim than selected.

The Variable Cam Timing (VCT) assembly is actuated with engine oil pressure. The oil flow to the VCT assembly is controlled by an Variable Valve Timing Solenoid (VVTS). The VVTS consists of a Pulse Width Modulated (PWM) solenoid and a spool valve. The PCM actuates the VVTS to control oil flow through the spool valve into the VCT assembly. The VCT assembly consists of a rotor and a stator/sprocket. The stator/sprocket is connected to the timing chain. The rotor is connected to the camshaft. Oil flow into the VCT assembly rotates the rotor with respect to the stator, thus rotating the camshaft with respect to the stator/sprocket. This will rotate both the intake and exhaust lobes on the camshaft by the same amount. The intake and exhaust lobes can not be individually controlled with this VCT system. An infinitely variable valve timing position can be achieved within the limits of the hardware. The camshaft position sensor monitors the position of the camshaft with respect to the crankshaft and provides feedback to the PCM.