Camshaft actuators dying?
09-20-2012, 03:06 PM
#2
Actuators, being the physical phasers? I had a solenoid go out and it caused some issues. The car would stumble due to suddenly pulling and reapplying spark advance, due to the cam un-phasing and rephasing (and the ECU basing timing off of cam phasing).
Edit:
I also never got any codes thrown for this at any time. It would have made things MUCH easier to diagnose had there been. I picked up on it by data logging, and comparing for anything that happened in sync with the stumbling/spark timing oscillation. In my case, the exhaust cam was unphasing on its own (either quickly or over time, while driving at around 2K RPM and constant speed), and would then quickly rephase itself. The solenoid regulating the oil flow to the phaser on the exhaust cam was going out.
Edit:
I also never got any codes thrown for this at any time. It would have made things MUCH easier to diagnose had there been. I picked up on it by data logging, and comparing for anything that happened in sync with the stumbling/spark timing oscillation. In my case, the exhaust cam was unphasing on its own (either quickly or over time, while driving at around 2K RPM and constant speed), and would then quickly rephase itself. The solenoid regulating the oil flow to the phaser on the exhaust cam was going out.
Last edited by Stamina; 09-20-2012 at 04:30 PM.
09-20-2012, 03:11 PM
#3
The two stuck right into the top of the valve cover. Felt like the car fell flat on it's face after changing gears, but then ramped quickly back up. I noticed the leak last night while looking around. I need to pull the VC off anyways, so if I'm doing it, I'll swap these out if they're not terribly expensive, but I'm curious if anyone else has had them go, and if any codes were being thrown. I have no codes being thrown, just the leaks.
09-20-2012, 03:21 PM
#4
Ok. Yeah, I had one of those solenoids go out. It was the exhaust one in my case, but I changed both of them out.
Description of issue I was having, story of troubleshooting, and conclusion and part numbers located in my thread on the topic:
https://www.cobaltss.net/forums/08-1...mbling-282523/
Description of issue I was having, story of troubleshooting, and conclusion and part numbers located in my thread on the topic:
https://www.cobaltss.net/forums/08-1...mbling-282523/
09-20-2012, 04:14 PM
#5
Ok. Yeah, I had one of those solenoids go out. It was the exhaust one in my case, but I changed both of them out.
Description of issue I was having, story of troubleshooting, and conclusion and part numbers located in my thread on the topic:
https://www.cobaltss.net/forums/08-1...mbling-282523/
Description of issue I was having, story of troubleshooting, and conclusion and part numbers located in my thread on the topic:
https://www.cobaltss.net/forums/08-1...mbling-282523/
Intake camshaft position actuator solenoid: 12628347
Exhaust camshaft position actuator solenoid: 12628348
09-20-2012, 04:20 PM
#6
I wanted them quickly, so I paid what the dealer was asking ($50 each) and just got them locally. GMPD says they'll let them go for $29.10 each though if you're willing to wait for them to ship.
09-20-2012, 04:44 PM
#9
If you feel inclined to replaced the CAM phasers themselves they are pretty expensive and would require retiming the engine, unless you are uber pro and can set the chain so it dont skip on the crank LOL
As far as the solenoids on the head, those are only like 30-40 bucks from GMPD and are also a revised P/N.
As far as the solenoids on the head, those are only like 30-40 bucks from GMPD and are also a revised P/N.
09-20-2012, 05:07 PM
#10
On the other hand, I don't blame you at all for wanting to be sure. Also, to make sure we're clear, these are the solenoids, not the physical phasers themselves. I don't like the term actuator in this case because either part could be considered an actuator.
09-20-2012, 07:43 PM
#15
My intake act. sol died at 50k miles, first it would flake out after 10 mins at op temp & the ECU would flatline both cams, no codes. You could see the intake cam wandering around like a sine wave at cruise before it died each time. Finally popped a P0011 iirc.
Last edited by Iam Broke; 09-20-2012 at 09:38 PM.
09-21-2012, 12:31 AM
#18
Yeah, mine would idle a bit lumpy but would otherwise drive fine when cold. Like yours though, once it warmed up to operating temp is when the problem started happening each time.
09-21-2012, 11:00 AM
#19
Well, well. It appears the true culprit showed up after my order to CED. I popped P0497, which means the evap purge solenoid. I swapped it with my spare and all my tip in KR is gone.
Now I've got to get another spare. I'll still replace my camshaft actuators, since mine are leaking, and there is apparently a recall for our old ones on other GM vehicles, like the Equinox and Terrain. I don't know why we're left out when it's the very same part.
I would suggest replacing your camshaft actuators with the new part when you get the chance.
Now I've got to get another spare. I'll still replace my camshaft actuators, since mine are leaking, and there is apparently a recall for our old ones on other GM vehicles, like the Equinox and Terrain. I don't know why we're left out when it's the very same part.
I would suggest replacing your camshaft actuators with the new part when you get the chance.
09-24-2012, 04:53 PM
#24
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09-24-2012, 05:15 PM
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These are exactly the parts I just had to have get replaced - GM dealership only charged ~ $50 for each, however the labor behind this was insanely expensive ($600+). 2008 T/c which just passed 90k miles - first things to really go on the car. What I don't understand is I've had them change the oil every time, always (presumably) with the right oil - how the hell does this happen?