Ignition, fuel and air
VVT solenoid / cam phaser repair: what it costs
How this range is built
| Part of the job | Low | High |
|---|---|---|
| Parts | $60 | $500 |
| Labor: 1 to 4.5 hours × $125 to $175 an hour | $125 | $788 |
| Fees: shop supplies, disposal, diagnostics | $10 | $30 |
| Total, rounded | $190 | $1,325 |
The hourly rate is the BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025 average pay for this trade in Boston, $31.54 an hour, times 4 to 5.5 to cover what a shop bills (overhead, tools, insurance, profit). Parts are a band from budget aftermarket to the manufacturer part. Full method.
Not a repair shop, estimates only. Typical range, estimate. Not a quote. Your car, parts and shop change the number.
The variable valve timing solenoid or cam phaser adjusts valve timing. Faults cause rough idle, rattles, power loss, and timing codes.
What is usually included
- New VVT solenoid or phaser
- Oil change if the oil is dirty
- Inspect screens and wiring
- Clear codes
- Test drive
What moves the price
- Solenoid only versus phaser replacement
- Engine type and number of solenoids
- Dirty oil causing the issue
- Timing cover removal
Questions to ask before you say yes
- Is the solenoid or the phaser the problem?
- Is an oil change needed?
- Are both banks involved?
- How long is the warranty on the solenoid or phaser?
Can you do it yourself?
Solenoids are a fair DIY on many engines; phasers are advanced work.
Shopping for the part? Search car parts on eBay (affiliate link, disclosure). Make sure the part fits your car before buying.
Common questions
What causes VVT problems?
Dirty or low oil is the most common cause. Clogged screens, worn solenoids and long oil change gaps lead to rattle, rough idle and codes.
Is the solenoid a cheap fix?
Often yes. The solenoid can cost $30 to $150 and is easy to reach. A worn phaser is a bigger job with parts and labor in the hundreds.
Will a check engine light show?
Yes, in most cases. Codes in the P0010 to P0025 range point to the timing control system. The light may come with a rattle on cold start.
How much does vvt solenoid / cam phaser repair cost?
A typical range in Boston is $190 to $1,325. That is an estimate from parts prices, labor hours and the local labor rate, not a quote.
Typical range in 10 metro areas
Only the labor rate changes between cities. Same parts, same hours.
| Area | Typical range, estimate |
|---|---|
| Boston area, Massachusetts | $190 to $1,325 |
| New York City area | $190 to $1,275 |
| Los Angeles area, California | $190 to $1,300 |
| Chicago area, Illinois | $180 to $1,250 |
| Houston area, Texas | $170 to $1,200 |
| Dallas-Fort Worth area, Texas | $170 to $1,200 |
| Phoenix area, Arizona | $180 to $1,225 |
| Atlanta area, Georgia | $180 to $1,250 |
| Miami area, Florida | $170 to $1,225 |
| Seattle area, Washington | $190 to $1,300 |
Check-engine codes that lead to this repair
More ignition, fuel and air repairs
- Ignition coil replacement (one coil)
- Fuel injector replacement (one injector)
- Fuel pump replacement
- Mass airflow sensor replacement
- Throttle body cleaning
- Throttle body replacement
- Vacuum leak repair
- PCV valve replacement
- Crankshaft position sensor replacement
- Camshaft position sensor replacement
- Coolant temperature sensor replacement
- Turbo boost leak repair