So the P0021 code I've been getting is leading me back to the VTC Solenoid, i.e. this thing.

Now I've been looking through the service guide, and I can't find anything that tells me the location of it. I've been told(by a non Z guy) that it's under the valve cover? I'm not super mechanic, but if you tell me where it is, I'll be able to get to it.

Thanks in advance

 

It's outside the valve cover, its right between the timing cover and the valve cover . Here is a pic of what it looks like

 

That's perfect. I had an idea of what it looked like, but I wasn't sure if it was on the outside or inside something. Once I get a chance on break or lunch, I'll go out to the parking garage and take a peek... without me having seen it yet in person, how easy is it to see/access/replace?

 

I have one I am planning on throwing one away, BUT, they are rebuild able, take it off disassemble it, clean it up, slap on a new gasket align it right and you should be good, save yourself a hundred or so

 

sweet! Where in Texas are you? Dallas area?

 

and I guess equally as important - which side is it from?

 

It is a driver's side one, I am in the fort hood area

 

Well that's the side I need(I think), but a ways away lol. Also, I've never rebuilt one, so not sure what it'd take.

Not even 100% surewhich side I need... and frankly, not 100% sure how to find out lol

 

Take out 3 bolts, disconnect connector, remove screw on side of solenoid disassemble carefully and clean everything out

What you need to understand is that it gets pumped full of oil and if I remember right has a screen in it, it probably has some crap in it and will cause it to not to push the pressure to the VCT gear and throw the code

 

So.... knowing this... do I even need to buy a new one? Or can I just take it off and clean it out really good?

I realized that the error code got was "Bank 2", so it's the driver side one that's bad.

 

im going to clean mine.. where would i get a new gasket?

 

where is vct solenoid located

 

Read a couple posts from the beginning ^^^^ and I would think the dealer would be able to order you the new gaksets..can't be much at all. I'd disconnect battery before unplugging the harnesses also just bc electrical-may not make a diff w those solenoids but who knows.

 

juat find the part that looks like this