1) fully retracted - this is the non-energized position and is used when the VTC is activated, advancing the intake cams 20°.
2) fully extended - this mode occurs when the solenoid is energized and is used when the VTC is not active.
You could verify either mode by energizing the suspect solenoid via a Conzult or by grounding their green with black stripe wire while the solenoids are connected to the wire harness. If engergizing the solenoids causes a change in idle quality for the worse, they are working as designed.