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

TEST 2: Making Sure The Solenoid Is Getting Power

The camshaft position actuator solenoid receives power from its two-wire connector's brown (BRN) wire.

In this test section, you'll check the BRN wire is delivering 10 to 12 Volts DC to the solenoid.

Let's get testing:

1. 1

   Disconnect the camshaft position actuator solenoid from its electrical connector.

2. 2

   Place your multimeter in Volts DC mode.

3. 3

   Connect the red multimeter test lead to the brown (BRN) wire of the camshaft position actuator solenoid's electrical connector.

4. 4

   Connect the black multimeter test lead to the battery negative (-) terminal.

5. 5

   Turn the key ON but don't crank or start the engine.

6. 6

   You should see a reading of 10 to 12 Volts DC.

Let's examine your test results:

CASE 1: 10 to 12 Volts present. This is the correct and expected test result and lets you know the camshaft position actuator solenoid is being supplied with power from your Colorado or Canyon's fuel injection computer.

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: 10 to 12 Volts ARE NOT present. Without power the camshaft position actuator solenoid will not work.

The most likely cause of this missing voltage is an open-circuit problem in the wire between the solenoid's connector and the PCM's connector.

The Camshaft Position Actuator Solenoid Trouble Code Does Not Go Away

The most common issue encountered when troubleshooting the camshaft position actuator solenoid is its pool valve is stuck.

But in some cases, the spool valve is working correctly, yet the fuel injection computer thinks the camshaft position actuator solenoid is bad.

If this is the case in your case, the following suggestions may help:

Some of the things can cause this to happen are:

• The engine does not have enough oil.
• The engine oil pump is not supplying enough oil pressure.
• The wrong grade of oil was used.
• Defective or damaged camshaft position sensor.
• The timing chain has too much slack. Either because it has stretched or one of its tensioners is worn out.
• The copper wire inside the wire's insulation has broken right before it enters the solenoid's electrical connector.
• The two wires have shorted together at the point right before they enter the electrical connector. This is usually due to the wires insulation peeling off and exposing the copper wires. You can see an example of this type of issue here:
  • IAT Sensor Wire Insulation Problem And Wires Shorted Together.

More 2.8L Chevrolet Colorado (GMC Canyon) Tutorials

You can find a complete list of 2.8L Chevrolet Colorado (GMC Canyon) tutorials and wiring diagrams here:

• GM 2.8L Vortec 4-Cylinder Index of Articles.

Here's a list of articles you'll find there:

• How To Test The Electronic Throttle Body (2004-2006 2.8L Chevrolet Colorado, GMC Canyon).
• How To Test Engine Compression (2004-2006 2.8L Chevrolet Colorado, GMC Canyon).
• Blown Head Gasket Tests (2004-2006 2.8L Chevrolet Colorado, GMC Canyon).
• TAC Throttle Body Wiring Diagram (2004-2006 2.8L Chevrolet Colorado, GMC Canyon).