In this tutorial, I'm going to show you how to test the camshaft position actuator solenoid.
The exact same camshaft position actuator solenoid is used on the 2002 through 2009 4.2L Chevrolet TrailBlazer and GMC Envoy.
With your test results, you'll be able to easily find out if the camshaft position actuator solenoid is defective or not.
Contents of this tutorial at a glance:
- Symptoms Of A Defective Camshaft Position Actuator Solenoid.
- What Tools Do I Need To Test The Camshaft Position Actuator Solenoid?
- Where To Buy The Camshaft Position Actuator Solenoid And Save.
- TEST 1: Bench Testing The Camshaft Position Actuator Solenoid.
- TEST 2: Making Sure That The Solenoid Is Getting Power.
- The Camshaft Position Actuator Solenoid Trouble Code Does Not Go Away.
- More GM 4.2L Test Tutorials.
You can find this tutorial in Spanish here: Cómo Probar El Solenoide Actuador Del Árbol De Levas (2002-2009 4.2L Chevrolet TrailBlazer) (at: autotecnico-online.com).
Symptoms Of A Defective Camshaft Position Actuator Solenoid
The camshaft position actuator solenoid is tasked with the job of rotating the exhaust side camshaft relative to its sprocket to advance or retard its timing. The end result is variable valve timing that improves engine performance, fuel economy and a reduction in emissions.
Since the camshaft position actuator solenoid is a computer-controlled and computer-monitored component, when this bad boy fails you're going to see the check engine light lit up by 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're also gonna' 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?
The cool thing about testing the camshaft position actuator solenoid is that you don't need any expensive tools to do it.
Here's a basic list of things you'll need:
- Jumper wires. I recommend that 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 that holds the camshaft position actuator solenoid to the cylinder head.
Where To Buy The Camshaft Position Actuator Solenoid And Save
The same exhaust camshaft position solenoid is used on the 2002-2009 4.2L Chevrolet TrailBlazer or GMC Envoy.
If your test results indicate the solenoid is defective, take a look at the following links. I think that you'll be able to save a few bucks by buying it online (especially on the Delphi OE solenoid):
TEST 1: Bench Testing The Camshaft Position Actuator Solenoid
To find out if the camshaft position actuator solenoid is defective or not we're gonna' remove it and bench test it.
What the test involves is applying battery power and battery Ground to the camshaft position actuator solenoid and seeing if the spool valve within the solenoid moves.
If the spool valve moves when applying battery power and Ground then you can conclude that the solenoid is working correctly.
If the spool valve does not move when you apply power and Ground to the solenoid then you can conclude that the solenoid is defective and needs to be replaced.
These are the test steps:
- 1
Disconnect and remove the camshaft position actuator solenoid from its location on the cylinder head.
- 2
Connect terminal A to battery power using a jumper wire.
- 3
Connect terminal B to battery Ground using a jumper wire.
- 4
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 that the camshaft position actuator solenoid is working correctly.
If the camshaft position actuator solenoid trouble code keeps returning then you can conclude that 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 that the camshaft position actuator solenoid is defective and needs to be replaced.
Check out the links to 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.
