The APDTY 028122 Variable Valve Timing (VVT) solenoid is a direct-replacement oil control valve designed for the right bank of 3.5L and 4.0L V6 engines in select Nissan and Infiniti vehicles. When your engine throws P0011, P0021, or similar VVT codes—or exhibits rough idle, loss of power, and poor fuel economy—this solenoid with included gasket restores proper camshaft timing control. APDTY 028122 replaces OE part numbers 23796-EA20A, 23796EA20A, and multiple aftermarket equivalents, delivering OE-quality performance at a competitive price.
Key Takeaways
- Controls oil flow to the variable valve timing actuator on the right bank of V6 engines
- Includes replacement gasket for proper sealing during installation
- Fits 2002-2015 Nissan and Infiniti V6 models with 3.5L or 4.0L engines (verify fitment chart)
- Replaces OE 23796-EA20A and aftermarket part numbers OCV-700, VVT147, 917-011, VTS1018
- Fixes P0011, P0021 codes, rough idle, hesitation, and check engine light issues
Buy APDTY 028122 directly from APDTY
What Does the VVT Solenoid Do?
The Variable Valve Timing solenoid—also called an Oil Control Valve (OCV)—regulates engine oil flow to the camshaft phaser (VVT actuator). By advancing or retarding camshaft timing relative to the crankshaft, the VVT system optimizes engine performance across the RPM range:
- Low RPM: Advanced timing improves idle quality and low-end torque
- Mid RPM: Optimized timing maximizes fuel economy during cruise
- High RPM: Retarded timing boosts top-end power
The Engine Control Module (ECM) commands the VVT solenoid to open or close, directing pressurized oil to the phaser. When the solenoid fails—due to coil failure, spool valve sticking, or internal contamination—the ECM loses control of cam timing, triggering diagnostic trouble codes and drivability issues.
APDTY 028122 mounts on the right (passenger-side on most models) cylinder head of Nissan and Infiniti V6 engines. Many vehicles also require a left-bank solenoid; check your specific engine configuration and fault codes to determine which bank requires replacement.
What Are the Symptoms of a Bad VVT Solenoid?
A failing VVT solenoid produces distinctive symptoms that worsen over time:
- Check Engine Light: Codes P0011 (Intake Cam Position Timing Over-Advanced Bank 1), P0021 (Intake Cam Position Timing Over-Advanced Bank 2), P0010, P0020, P0024, or P0014
- Rough Idle: Engine runs unevenly at idle, may shake or vibrate excessively
- Poor Acceleration: Hesitation, stumbling, or loss of power under load
- Reduced Fuel Economy: ECM cannot optimize timing, fuel consumption increases
- Hard Starting: Extended cranking or rough start, especially when cold
- Engine Rattle or Knock: Timing chain noise from lack of proper phaser control
- Stalling: Engine may stall at idle or during deceleration
These symptoms often appear gradually as the solenoid's internal spool valve sticks due to varnish buildup from degraded engine oil. In some cases, electrical connector corrosion or wiring faults mimic solenoid failure; always verify the fault with a quality scan tool that displays live VVT actuator position data before replacing parts.
Which Vehicles Does APDTY 028122 Fit?
APDTY 028122 is engineered for the right bank of 3.5L and 4.0L V6 engines in the following Nissan and Infiniti models. This list is based on verified compatibility data; always match your specific year, make, model, and engine size to the live compatibility chart on the product page to confirm exact fitment:
| Make | Model | Years | Engine |
|---|---|---|---|
| Infiniti | FX35 | 2003-2008 | 3.5L V6 |
| Infiniti | G35 | 2003-2006 | 3.5L V6 |
| Infiniti | I35 | 2002-2004 | 3.5L V6 |
| Infiniti | M35 | 2006-2008 | 3.5L V6 |
| Nissan | 350Z | 2003-2006 | 3.5L V6 |
| Nissan | Altima | 2002-2006 | 3.5L V6 |
| Nissan | Frontier | 2005-2015 | 4.0L V6 |
| Nissan | Maxima | 2002-2008 | 3.5L V6 |
| Nissan | Murano | 2003-2007 | 3.5L V6 |
| Nissan | NV1500 / NV2500 / NV3500 | 2012-2015 | 4.0L V6 |
| Nissan | Pathfinder | 2005-2012 | 4.0L V6 |
| Nissan | Quest | 2004-2009 | 3.5L V6 |
| Nissan | Xterra | 2005-2015 | 4.0L V6 |
Important: Some model years and engine configurations may use different solenoid designs or require left-bank solenoids. The provided list covers right-bank applications only. If your vehicle is not listed or you are unsure, consult the live compatibility chart or contact APDTY customer support before ordering.
OE and Aftermarket Part Numbers Replaced
APDTY 028122 directly replaces the following OE and aftermarket part numbers:
| Manufacturer | Part Number(s) |
|---|---|
| Nissan / Infiniti OE | 23796-EA20A, 23796EA20A, 23796EA200, 23796EA21A, 23796EA22A, 237968J100, 1655082Z20, 1655082Z21, 1655082Z22 |
| Aftermarket | OCV-700, VVS100, VVT147, 917-011, VTS1018, VTS0001, VTS111 |
Cross-reference your existing part number or consult your vehicle's service manual to confirm compatibility. The included gasket eliminates the need for separate gasket purchases and ensures a proper seal during installation.
Installation Overview and Best Practices
Replacing a VVT solenoid is a straightforward job for DIYers with basic mechanical skills. Always consult a factory service manual for torque specifications and detailed procedures specific to your vehicle. General steps include:
- Disconnect the Battery: Remove the negative terminal to prevent accidental shorts
- Locate the Solenoid: The right-bank solenoid is typically on the passenger side of the engine, mounted on the cylinder head near the valve cover. You may need to remove engine covers, air intake components, or wiring harnesses for access.
- Disconnect the Electrical Connector: Press the release tab and pull the connector straight off
- Remove the Mounting Bolt: Use the appropriate socket (often 10mm) to remove the single bolt securing the solenoid
- Pull Out the Old Solenoid: Twist gently and pull straight out. Inspect the O-ring or gasket sealing surface for damage.
- Clean the Mounting Surface: Remove old gasket material and oil residue with a lint-free cloth. Do not allow debris to enter the oil passage.
- Install the New Gasket: Position the included gasket over the mounting hole
- Insert the New Solenoid: Align the solenoid with the mounting hole and push in gently until seated
- Torque the Mounting Bolt: Tighten to manufacturer specification (typically 7-9 ft-lbs; verify in service manual)
- Reconnect the Electrical Connector: Push firmly until it clicks into place
- Reconnect the Battery and Clear Codes: Use a scan tool to clear any stored fault codes
- Test Drive: Drive the vehicle through varied RPM ranges and monitor for check engine light or drivability issues
Pro Tips:
- Change your engine oil and filter if the oil is dirty or overdue—contaminated oil is a leading cause of VVT solenoid failure
- Inspect the wiring harness and connector for corrosion, damage, or oil intrusion; repair as needed
- If both banks show VVT codes, replace both solenoids at the same time to ensure balanced performance
- After installation, use a scan tool to command the VVT actuator and verify the solenoid responds correctly
Frequently asked questions
Will APDTY 028122 fix my P0011 or P0021 code?
Yes, if the code is caused by a faulty right-bank VVT solenoid. P0011 and P0021 indicate over-advanced cam timing on Bank 1 or Bank 2, often due to a stuck or failed solenoid. However, these codes can also result from low oil level, dirty oil, timing chain wear, or faulty cam/crank sensors. Verify the solenoid is the root cause with a scan tool before replacing.
Do I need to replace both the left and right VVT solenoids at once?
It's not mandatory, but recommended if both are original and your vehicle has high mileage. Replacing both banks at the same time prevents a second failure shortly after the first repair and ensures balanced VVT performance across the engine.
Can I reuse the old gasket?
No. Always use the new gasket included with APDTY 028122. Reusing a compressed gasket risks oil leaks and improper solenoid sealing, which can cause low oil pressure and repeat failures.
Why did my VVT solenoid fail?
The most common causes are dirty or degraded engine oil (which forms varnish on the solenoid's internal spool valve), extended oil change intervals, use of incorrect oil viscosity, and normal wear over time. Maintain regular oil changes with the correct grade to maximize solenoid life.
When your Nissan or Infiniti V6 exhibits rough idle, poor fuel economy, or VVT-related fault codes, the APDTY 028122 Variable Valve Timing solenoid delivers a proven, cost-effective fix. Engineered to OE specifications and backed by verified fitment data for 2002-2015 models, this right-bank solenoid with included gasket restores proper cam timing control and eliminates check engine lights. Verify your vehicle against the live compatibility chart, follow best-practice installation procedures, and get back to smooth, efficient performance. Order APDTY 028122 today and restore your engine's precision timing control.