Well it looks like i have to replace a solenoid on bank 2, anyone else do this yet? What one is bank 2 (front / rear) I have the part coming from Rock Auto, and it looks like I have to pull a valve cover to get at it. Any thoughts? anyone know of a link to an online manual I can look at? Cant find any info out there on this job with this motor. thanks in advance

Bank 2 is the one in front ("easy" access).  You can look up the free Chilton's online manual (2010-12) here:

http://hmcpl.org/databases/auto-repair-reference-center

Click on the INFOTRAC url near the bottom of the page, then click on PROCEED when the next page comes up. Select your vehicle, then REPAIR.

Engine Performance & Emission Controls > Electronic Engine Controls > Variable Camshaft Timing (VCT) Oil Control Solenoid

Says in there to remove the valve cover, remove the bolt, remove the solenoid.

To remove valve cover, follow this:

Engine Mechanical > Engine — 3.5L GTDI > Valve Cover — RH

What were your symptoms that it was going bad? Did you get any codes?

Thanks for all the info guy's!! I looked last night thru the site for 2 hours looking for that link. I knew I had seen it just, could not remember where.

And yes it was throwing codes. At first it would come on, and in a couple of starts it was gone for weeks. It started about 3 days ago and I can clear it and it comes right back. Car runs fine, it does feel much weaker when I have to give it some gas on expressway.

Looks like a 4 can job, get to know my girl on a more intimate level. She has givin me 70400 trouble free miles.

Could indeed be going bad. 

Out of curiousity:  what oil/filter combo are you running?  Did you have startup rattles?  I know glock is running a different filter, but a good full synthetic + Motorcraft OEM filter is a very good combination.

Mobil 1 full syn and a Motorcraft filter is all I ever run. Change oil around 5000 miles, and it comes out looking the same as it went in. I drive 55 miles a day round trip to work and all but maybe 2 miles is E-way. Been a solid engine, doesn't use any oil, she could pull a little harder, but we will work on that.   

Good to know!

Quote from: SHOdded on August 16, 2014, 06:14:07 AM
Bank 2 is the one in front ("easy" access).  You can look up the free Chilton's online manual (2010-12) here:

http://hmcpl.org/databases/auto-repair-reference-center

Click on the INFOTRAC url near the bottom of the page, then click on PROCEED when the next page comes up. Select your vehicle, then REPAIR.

Engine Performance & Emission Controls > Electronic Engine Controls > Variable Camshaft Timing (VCT) Oil Control Solenoid

Says in there to remove the valve cover, remove the bolt, remove the solenoid.

To remove valve cover, follow this:

Engine Mechanical > Engine — 3.5L GTDI > Valve Cover — RH

Any chance you can repost the link? It doesn't work anymore. I need to replace the VCT solenoid, bank 2, and am trying to find something to show me how. Thanks.

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G930A using Tapatalk

That link is now extinct.  Thankfully, bank 2 is the "easy" one, being very accessible and on the radiator side.  What year and model do you have, Rob?