I am trying to replace my Variable Valve Timing Solenoid's. I was able to get them out with some effort, but I am unable to get the new ones in. I oiled them along with the oring and made sure the old orings were on the old solenoids. I tried pressing on the solenoid while twisting it and no luck. I seen videos online and no one else seems to have a problem going in. I tried bolting it down to see it the bolt would draw it in, but no luck. These are the Dorman brand parts. Anyone else have this problem? I didn't want to try to use a hammer, but may have too. Anyone else have this problem getting them in? And what did you do?

 

The correct one in the hole? INT and EXH are not interchangeable, not sure about the hole size. Just a guess.

 

Well got them in, it took two of us, one to push down and the other to wiggle it with pliers. Unfortunately they didn't fix the problem. I've got two codes. P0016 and a P0017. Didn't have time to mess with diagnosing and got both solenoids cheap on amazon for about $25 a piece. In fact It's been over a month before I could get the time to even get these swapped out as I been so busy lately and in poor health. I had a other vehicle to drive but had my brother just take it as I thought the problem was fixed until I just started it again after a number of restarts without the problem coming up.
I think usually theirs more codes that pop up with the ones I have, but I figured I'd take a chance. Their was some crude around the old ones too which shocked me. I don't know if something's pugging the oil galleries or I am looking at a timing belt issue or even cam replacement at this point. But those are the only codes I am getting. Anyone know from experience with just those two codes alone what's been the common culprit with their own experiences.

 

HHR's don't have a timing belt. They have a dual overhead cam timing chain system that also drives the water pump.

 

Ok I got both a P0016 and a P0017 code and no other codes coming up. Replaced both the Variable Valve Timing Solenoid's as I got them cheap on amazon. Didn't seem to fix the problem. Their was quick a bit of crap on the solenoids.
Anyone else get both of these codes and no others and what was the cause?

 

Stating the year and engine would help. Also there were 2 variables of the engines. One with VVT. One without. Depending on year.

 

My bad, 07, 2.4l. And it must have VVT as it has the solenoids.

 

But I have time to diagnose your car?

$25 each sounds more like the sensors, just to be sure you are working on the top of the valve cover right?

 

P0016 and P0017 are NOT related to the solenoids. You have replaced them unnecessarily. And if they were hard to insert, you should have sent them back for a replacement, or even better, a refund - then used the search tool at the top to look up the causes of the codes.

 

As per my reply in your other thread, the p0016/17 have nothing to do with the solenoids. Use the search tool at the top of the page to look up your codes, and checkout some of the threads where others have had the same codes.