What is a camshaft position actuator solenoid valve
General Motors labels the inlet side solenoid valve as valve A. This part has a gray plug on top. If the inlet side camshaft position actuator fails, set the code P0010 to indicate the malfunction of the first circuit. You can also set activation code A P0011 for time advance.
Set the engine camshaft phasing unit with code P0013 means the solenoid valve of camshaft phasing unit B. This is a fault in the exhaust circuit. The exhaust manifold has a black connection at the top. You can also set the code P0014 for the actuator valve in the camshaft adjuster.
Normally, I would advise you to turn off the voltmeter and begin some testing before replacing the computer output sensor. However, many of these components have failed, so I will avoid a difficult diagnosis and simply install new parts.
But make sure you get the right parts for your year, make and model. However, the most important factors are still the size of the engine and the solenoid valve of the camshaft position actuator being replaced.
The parts listed here are a few dollars cheaper than what you can find at the dealer. Therefore, I will advocate replacing both solenoids at the same time. We found that failure of the exhaust and inlet solenoids is common.
Even if only one code P0110 is set, it is likely that the exhaust cam position actuator solenoid valve will not be left behind and will also fail. You don’t have to worry about buying the wrong one by replacing both at the same time.
The actuating cam solenoid coil positions the solenoid
General Motors installed these camshaft control electromagnets on all of its four-cylinder engines from 2004 through model year 2013.
During this time they had enough data and defective components to realize that they had to regroup and update their spare parts.
The original General Motors part number assigned to the transmission side solenoid valve is 12655421, and the GM part number for the transmission side valve on the suction side appears in the parts book as 12655420. You can be sure that all the parts you get now will benefit from an improved and durable design.
Actuator Cam Position Diagram Valve Diagram
The problem of remembering the position of the intake and exhaust cylinder valves is caused by the transversely mounted engine. Because of this lateral engine orientation, the front and rear or the left and right are interpreted differently.
That’s why I have published on this page several diagrams of the positions of the camshaft cylinder valves to make it easier to find the individual components. But if you follow my advice from above and below, you will continue and replace both parts at the same time, so it doesn’t matter what their actual position is.
However, it is still important that the grey top intake cylinder is replaced by a suitable spare part. Therefore, I recommend that you do this one by one. First replace the black upper exhaust valve and when it is finished and reconnected, move it to the suction side.
Repair Procedure for Replacing Camshaft Drive Valve
I’ve seen some of the movies of other people replacing these camshaft position solenoid valves. These mechanisms skip a few simple steps that I recommend.
The first step starts with removing the intake manifold cover. You will need to disconnect the mass flow sensor to lower the cap and get out of the way.
After removing the cap, you will see both cylinders, which are located in the valley of the valve cap. Many dirt particles, especially sand, accumulate here. Before removing the sensors, use compressed air to blow dirt, dust and debris out of the valley.
Diagram of the GM cam electromagnet
Don’t miss this important step. You can even use the can of stuff you use to clean computer keyboards to clean up the area. You must prevent this sand from entering the camshaft area.
This is the trick to disconnect the electrical connection of each magnet from the camshaft positioning cylinder. First pull the locking tab to press the release button and then move the connector to release it from the camshaft position cylinder.
Please note that on the input side this locking tab is a different color and is easily visible. You can use a small set of bits to lift the card and release the lock.
Note that these plastic connectors are over 10 years old and very fragile. If you do not take the time to repair this connector, it may break and change the repair facility.
Additional tips for camshaft repair
In some YouTube videos I have seen, the mechanic impresses us by using pneumatic tools or cordless screwdrivers to remove and replace the mounting screws. I recommend using hand tools for this treatment.
The steel screw is screwed into a soft aluminum threaded area. With power tools these threads can be easily removed or pulled out and the repair time can be extended again. It is an easy job, there is no reason to rush into using power tools.
Also note that in the maintenance instructions, the torque of the set screw is only 89 pounds per inch. Note that the threads are made of a soft aluminum material. There is no reason to tighten the set screw beyond this specification.
Here’s another step where I see people jumping. They remove the solenoid valve from the camshaft and place it in position. The spare has an O-ring. Grease this ring with new engine oil. The lubrication makes the O-ring more resistant to breakage when pushed.
Chevrolet cam magnet improvements
I wrote this article about the problems with Chevrolet’s cam magnets a year ago. I wanted to report on some developments in the fight against this common problem.
The first thing to mention is that we are seeing more failures of the elements mentioned in this publication. One of the main reasons is the inclusion of the Chevrolet Malibu and its 2.4L four-cylinder engine on the list of vehicles that often have problems with one or two magnets in the camshaft.
These often-defective cylinders were introduced to General Motors’ four-cylinder engines in 2006. In the case of the Chevrolet Malibu, they use these components for the ignition timing until 2014.
Another thing I wanted to mention is that I used to believe in a simple camshaft coil replacement, which now works badly. Although I firmly believe that in this situation I will only replace the defective components, I had to change my mind for the benefit of my customers.
If I replace the coil on the suction side and the customer has to come back in a week on the exhaust side, I don’t save the customer any money. If the cam magnet on the Chevrolet fails, I should replace the torque at the same time. Fortunately, prices for spare parts continue to drop. In fact, a pair of Chevrolet’s cam sensors cost less than $40. This trend should continue if demand remains high.