Camshaft Position Actuator Solenoid Test (2004-2006 2.8L Chevrolet Colorado, GMC Envoy)

This tutorial will explain how to bench-test the camshaft position actuator solenoid step by step.

With your test results, you'll quickly determine if the camshaft position actuator solenoid is bad.

You can find this tutorial in Spanish here: Solenoide Del Actuador De Posición Del Árbol De Levas (2004-2006 2.8L Chevrolet Colorado, GMC Canyon) (at: autotecnico-online.com).

Symptoms Of A Defective Camshaft Position Actuator Solenoid

When the PCM activates the camshaft position actuator solenoid, it rotates the exhaust side camshaft relative to its sprocket to advance or retard its timing.

This process is known as variable valve timing, and it improves engine performance and fuel economy and reduces emissions.

Since the camshaft position actuator solenoid is a computer-controlled and a computer-monitored component, when it fails, you'll see:

• The check engine light illuminated.
• One of the following trouble codes:
  • P0013: Exhaust Camshaft Position Actuator Solenoid Control Circuit.
  • P0014: Exhaust Camshaft Position System Performance.
  • P0017: Crankshaft Position Exhaust - Camshaft Position Correlation.

You'll also see one or more of the following symptoms:

• Engine is hard to start.
• Lack of power when accelerating the vehicle on the road.
• Bad gas mileage.
• Engine stalls.
• Rough idle.

What Tools Do I Need To Test The Camshaft Position Actuator Solenoid?

You don't need any expensive diagnostic test equipment to troubleshoot the camshaft position actuator solenoid on your 2.8L Chevrolet Colorado or GMC Canyon.

Here's a list of the things you need:

• Jumper wires.
  • I recommend you use jumper wires with insulated alligator clips on both ends.
• Hand tools like a 3/8 ratchet and a 10 millimeter socket.
  • These will help you to remove the bolt holding the camshaft position actuator solenoid to the cylinder head.

Where To Buy The Camshaft Position Actuator Solenoid And Save

If your test results indicate the solenoid is defective, take a look at the following links. I think you'll save a few bucks by buying it online (especially the Delphi OE solenoid):

TEST 1: Bench Testing The Camshaft Position Actuator Solenoid

As I mentioned at the beginning of the tutorial, we'll remove and bench-test the actuator solenoid to determine if it's bad.

The bench-test involves applying battery 12 Volts and Ground to the actuator solenoid to see if its spool valve moves.

If the spool valve does not move, the solenoid is defective and needs replacement.

Don't worry. This is a quick and easy test, and I'll explain everything step-by-step.

These are the test steps:

1. 1

   Disconnect the camshaft position actuator solenoid from its electrical connector.

2. 2

   Remove the camshaft position actuator solenoid from its location on the cylinder head.

3. 3

   Connect terminal A to battery power using a jumper wire.

4. 4

   Connect terminal B to battery Ground using a jumper wire.

5. 5

   The spool valve within the camshaft position actuator solenoid should move when the solenoid gets battery power and Ground.

Let's examine your test results:

CASE 1: The spool valve moved when you applied battery power and Ground. This is the correct and expected test result and lets you know the camshaft position actuator solenoid is working correctly.

If the camshaft position actuator solenoid trouble code keeps returning, you can conclude the trouble code is due to another condition.

For more suggestions on troubleshooting the camshaft position actuator trouble code, see: The Camshaft Position Actuator Solenoid Trouble Code Does Not Go Away.

CASE 2: The spool valve DID NOT move when you apply battery power and Ground. This lets you know the camshaft position actuator solenoid is defective and needs replacement.

Check out the links where you can buy the camshaft position actuator solenoid and save a few bucks here: Where To Buy The Camshaft Position Actuator Solenoid And Save.