Is your engine feeling sluggish or low on power?
It might be time to check and replace your overworked oil control valve before it stages a full-blown attack on your engine.
And if you’re worried that this replacement might be heavy on your pocket — relax!
We’ll break down the average cost of an oil control valve replacement service, list out its warning signs, and explain what to do about it.
Let’s begin.
This Article Contains:
- How Much Does an Oil Control Valve Replacement Cost?
- Is It Worth Replacing a Faulty Oil Control Valve?
- Signs You Need an Oil Control Valve Replacement
- How Long Do Oil Control Valves Last?
- How Can You Diagnose a Bad Oil Control Valve?
- What Does an Oil Control Valve Replacement Involve?
How Much Does an Oil Control Valve Replacement Cost?
The oil control valve, often known as the ‘variable valve timing solenoid’ or the ‘oil control solenoid’ is a critical engine component. It regulates the oil pressure to ensure optimum engine performance, fuel efficiency, and emissions.
Here’s what you can expect to spend for its replacement:
A. Range
A professional oil control valve replacement can cost $200 to $600.
This includes:
- Parts: $50 to $300
- Labor costs: $150 to $300
B. Factors Affecting Cost
Besides the engine part and labor cost, these factors can also influence your final bill:
- Vehicle make and model: The valve replacement cost depends on your car’s make and model. For instance, replacing the valve in a Hyundai car is generally less expensive than replacing the valve in a BMW vehicle.
- Number of valves that need replacement: Depending on its design, your engine may have one or multiple oil control valves. For example, an engine with four cylinders and a VVT on the intake camshaft may have one oil control valve. In contrast, a V6 or V8 engine with a VVT on both camshafts can have up to four valves. The more valves that need replacement, the higher your cost.
- Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) vs. aftermarket parts: OEM oil control valves are expensive but offer higher quality and a longer lifespan than cheaper aftermarket parts.
- Repair complexity: An oil control valve is usually located near the valve cover in the cylinder head, positioned at the front of the engine. However, if the valve is difficult to access, it might increase your labor cost.
- Additional repairs: When replacing the valve, your mechanic may inspect the VVT system and camshaft gasket or seal and replace them, too. Also, if valve damage is caused by dirty engine oil, they’ll perform an oil filter and oil change, which can increase your costs.
Is It Worth Replacing a Faulty Oil Control Valve?
Absolutely! The oil control valve manages the camshaft actuator, which is responsible for opening and closing the engine’s exhaust and intake valves. This way, the oil control valve adjusts the oil pressure based on the engine’s demand.
If you don’t replace a faulty oil control valve, you risk severely damaging the engine. A failed oil control valve could also disrupt the valve timing, resulting in a broken or damaged timing chain or belt. This can lead to misfires or even complete engine failure.
So, to avoid such costly repairs, consult a mechanic immediately.
Signs You Need an Oil Control Valve Replacement
Some telltale signs that you need an oil control valve replacement are:
- Illuminated Check Engine Light
- Decreased fuel efficiency
- Sluggish acceleration and reduced engine power
- Rough idling or vehicle stalling
- Ticking noises from the engine compartment
- Increased emissions
- Frequent engine misfires
- Engine overheating
How Long Do Oil Control Valves Last?
Oil control valves have no set mileage limit and don’t require routine maintenance like a timing belt or spark plugs.
That said, here are a few factors that can cause your oil control valves to fail:
- Driving in extreme conditions or poor driving habits
- Dirty engine oil which disrupts the oil flow and causes the valve to clog and fail
- Infrequent oil change services
- Wiring issues in the Engine Control Unit (ECU)
- Extreme temperatures that cause your valve to stick or make them brittle
How Can You Diagnose a Bad Oil Control Valve?
Identifying oil control valve problems is complex, so it’s recommended that you visit a trusted mechanic for help and maintenance tips.
Here’s how a mechanic will diagnose your oil control valve problems:
- Using a scan tool: The mechanic will use an OBD2 scanner to read engine codes and detect issues related to the oil control valve. If an error code appears on the scan tool, you’ll likely need a valve replacement.
Here are some common codes that can show up:
- Visual inspection: Your mechanic will visually inspect the oil control valve for cracks or oil leaks. They’ll also check the wire and electrical connector for poor connections or frayed wiring.
- Valve test: The mechanic will also use a multimeter to check and compare the solenoid’s resistance. If the resistance falls outside this specified range, they’ll replace your valve.
What Does an Oil Control Valve Replacement Involve?
These are the steps undertaken in an oil control valve replacement service:
- Prep the vehicle: Before starting the replacement, the mechanic will park your vehicle on a flat surface and disconnect the car’s battery to ensure a safe procedure.
- Access the control valve: Next, they’ll remove the engine cover to access the control valve and use a ratchet to remove the mounting bolts.
- Remove the oil control valve: They’ll disconnect the oil control valve from your vehicle. If they notice that the seals or O-rings are damaged or missing, they’ll replace them too.
- Install the new valve: The mechanic will apply some grease to the new valve for lubrication and install it securely.
- Reattach the engine parts: Finally, the mechanic will reattach the engine cover and secure it with the mounting bolts. Then, they’ll reconnect your car battery.
Note: Replacing an oil control valve can be tricky, as it involves disconnecting engine parts. So, instead of attempting a DIY replacement, you should get help from a trusted mechanic.
Get Easy Oil Control Valve Replacement with AutoNation Mobile Service
Replacing a faulty oil control valve is vital for your engine’s optimal performance. It helps prevent problems like misfires, poor fuel economy, or even complete engine damage.
Suspect your oil control valve is failing but don’t want to risk driving to a repair shop?
Call a mobile mechanic from AutoNation Mobile Service to replace it from your driveway.
We’re a mobile car maintenance solution offering online bookings and a 12-month, 12,000-mile warranty on all services, including tire repair, brake service, car AC repair, and spark plug replacement.
Contact us for an auto repair quote today.