Q: Bad VCT solenoids

asked by on January 18, 2017

My VCT solenoids are bad and now my truck will not start. It will crank but not fire. Sounds flooded. I have reset the computer, fully charged the battrery but it still almost sounds flooded. Any idea how I can get it started?

My car has 120000 miles.
My car has an automatic transmission.

If you believe that your VCT solenoids or cam phasers are inoperative, I would recommend having them tested and replaced as necessary by a qualified professional in order to resolve this issue. If these parts have truely failed, it is unlikely that the vehicle will ever start without first resolving this issue.

The statements expressed above are only for informational purposes and should be independently verified. Please see our terms of service for more details

Get an instant quote for your car

Our certified mechanics come to you ・Backed by 12-month, 12,000-mile guarantee・Fair and transparent pricing


Experienced Mechanic?

Earn up to $70/hr

What others are asking

How does the outside temperature display work in a 2012 Toyota Camry?
The temperature display is located on the along the bottom of one of the gauges in the in-cluster display center. It displays the temperature as long as it registers between -40 degrees Celsius or Fahrenheit and 50 degrees Celsius or...
I have a vibration at 45 to 60 MPH.
The vibration you are feeling is not one of the tires since the problem comes and goes when you take pressure off of the gas pedal. The vibration is coming from the drive shaft joints or the bearings in the...
Gear shifter stuck.
The system is controlled by the brake pedal and brake switch. The brake then operates the shift lock solenoid. If you cannot manually release it then the shifter mechanism may be binding. My recommendation is to have a qualified mechanic...
Tapping noise
The engine may be having a lower engine piston slap noise or the more common timing phasers on the camshafts. First thing to do is to make sure you are running the recommended oil for your engine. If you run...
Why don't my tail lights light up when I press on the brake pedal?
Hi, thanks for writing in. I suggest checking the fuses to the brake light fuse. If the fuse is not blown then you need to check the brake light switch on the brake pedal to see if power goes in...
Stuttering when idle but the revs sit steady at 900 rpm and there are no issues accelerating.
Hi there. Sounds like the lift fuel pump is malfunctioning or there is air in the fuel system. First, check the fuel level in the fuel tank and make sure that there is at least a half tank. Then check...
Went to Jiffy Lube got a oil change
To determine if an engine is seized, one would turn it clockwise by hand using a wrench and socket applied to the crankshaft pulley bolt. That test is made easier if you remove the spark plugs so that there is...
1999 Toyota Celica, starts and "moves" fine (engages) but slow starting, like driving thru quicksand. No other problems but check
Hi There, Generally, the check engine light (https://www.yourmechanic.com/services/check-engine-light-is-on-inspection) comes on when something fairly serious is going on with the vehicle. This can happen for many different reasons such as a faulty mass air flow sensor (https://www.yourmechanic.com/services/mass-airflow-sensor-replacement), a faulty O2 sensor...
My car jerks, hesitates, and has shut off at low speeds
An issue such as this would likely be associated with a check engine light. I would recommend having your vehicle inspected by a qualified professional to determine the exact cause of this issue. If any trouble codes exist in your...

Related articles

The Best Used Cars to Buy If You Have 3 or More Kids
If If you have three or more kids, you could probably get by with a mid-size sedan if all you want to do is take them from Point A to Point B. Realistically, though, having kids means music lessons, athletics,...
The Best Used Cars to Buy If You’re a Plumber
Plumbers Plumbers need to carry around all manner of tools and supplies. If you’re plumbing a large building, or even a decent sized home, you’re going to need a vehicle that has quite a bit of cargo capacity. A car...
The Best Used Cars to Buy If You're a General Contractor
If If you're a general contractor, you probably aren’t in the market for a used car. More likely, you’re looking for a pickup truck, because you need to haul equipment and supplies to various job sites. Most contractors will likely...