How To: Replace Exhaust Camshaft Actuator Solenoid

[Canyon08Z71]

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A 355nation (MTS) presented by
Canyon08Z71

Project Name
How-To: Replace Exhaust Camshaft Actuator Solenoid

Project Description
Testing/Replacement of the Exhaust Camshaft Actuator Solenoid

Skill Level
Moderate

Project Vehicle
Make: Chevrolet
Model: Colorado
Year: 2004
Engine: 3.5L
Power windows: Yes
Sun Roof: No

Tools Needed
10mm socket
Ratchet / extensions
anti seeze
New GM exhaust camshaft actuator solenoid (P/N 12615873)
Clean rags

Project Time
1 hour or less

Project Cost
Effort, parts/supplies cost, time

Camshaft Position Actuator Solenoid Valve Replacement

Removal Procedure

1.Disconnect the engine wiring harness electrical connector from the camshaft position actuator solenoid valve.



2.Remove the CMP actuator solenoid valve bolt.
3.Remove the CMP actuator solenoid valve from the cylinder head.



4.Clean debris from the hole.

Inspect CMP actuator solenoid valve assembly for the following:

•Torn screens
•Debris on the screens
•Debris clogging the oil ports
•Missing screens
•Oil seepage at the solenoid connector pins

Component Testing

• Measure the resistance of each CMP actuator solenoid valve assembly. Resistance should be between 8-12 ohms.

• Connect a jumper wire between the CMP actuator low reference circuit at the solenoid and a good ground. Connect a fused jumper wire to the CMP actuator high control circuit at the solenoid. Momentarily touch the fused jumper to B+. Observe the spool valve inside the CMP actuator. The spool valve should move from fully closed to fully opened position.

Installation Procedure

1. Lightly lubricate the O-ring seal with clean engine oil on the new actuator.
2. Install the CMP actuator solenoid valve into the cylinder head.
3. Install the camshaft position actuator solenoid valve bolt.
4. Tighten the CMP actuator solenoid valve bolt to 10 N.m (89 lb inches) ** LB Inches = VERY LITTLE FORCE **
5. Connect the engine wiring harness electrical connector to the CMP actuator solenoid valve.

[1BADI5]

Gerry, is this really common?

[Canyon08Z71]

Originally Posted by 1BADI5

Gerry, is this really common?

Common enough for you to inspect yours, Jeremy.
Check for oil leaks as the write up shows.
A CEL can also direct you to a problem with this part on the earlier year trucks.

We have had a few trucks in the North East chapter need this part updated/replaced (2004-2005). The part number in the write up is updated from GM.

[ssgjurista]

Nice write up.

[Stealth_Canyon]

Mine went bad right before I left for Iraq. Thank God I was still under warranty!!! and mine is an 06. Truck would not idle and engine would only run "normal" at full throttle. Dealership said the screens were sucked into the passages. They had my truck for three days!!!

[lkout4trucks]

first i've heard of this. guess i should go check this on my 05

[Supermodulation]

The dealer replaced this on possum's truck at 20k miles.
They said some foreign debris clogged the screen, then a week later he had the TSB head issue.

[opie652003]

Ok just to catch those up who I had called yesterday....

For those who are looking to do this yourself.......... *DO NOT OVER TORQUE THE BOLT WHEN TIGHTENING* Use minimal pressure and a 1/4 socket set to tighten, one finger pushing when tightening.

Needless to say, I snapped the head of the bolt off! Then snapped the "Easy-out" in the bolt. So I ended up drilling another hole through the mounting plate, 1/8 next to the stock hole. Marked and drilled into the head, then tapped the hole and inserted a stronger bolt with lock washer. So far so good, no problems and no leaks.

*** Make sure when drilling and tapping a new hole, cover the hole where the actuator goes with a towel and use lubrication for the bits to collect metal shavings and to make things go smoother***

Thank you Gerry and James for your input on the situation.

[schardbody]

i bet theres TONS of people on here with this problem that dont have a clue, i'm on my third one, its such a difference in power on my truck that i can tell the minute i go WOT if its messed up again.

[radocrazy07]

mine's leaking something awful, and my truck won't run right unless my foots to the floor, i'm guessing the pressure from going full throttle is enough to get through the debris cloggin it up. how much was this part from gm???

[opie652003]

Well my local auto stores didn't carry it. So I had to go to the Stealership and they charged me $90.xx using the part number that is listed above.

[opie652003]

Originally Posted by schardbody

i bet theres TONS of people on here with this problem that dont have a clue, i'm on my third one, its such a difference in power on my truck that i can tell the minute i go WOT if its messed up again.

This was my first one I had to replace, Im at 55,000 miles.

[radocrazy07]

Originally Posted by opie652003

Well my local auto stores didn't carry it. So I had to go to the Stealership and they charged me $90.xx using the part number that is listed above.

fawk, that's not what i was hopin for. i just changed my fuel filter(i'm at 52k on my 04) and lemme tell you it was filthy with dirt and debris, i cut it open and looked at it, now i see this thing leaking and what do ya know there's a how to on how to fix it, but 90 bucks, whew what a price. the fuel filter was 10.99 plus tax :p

[opie652003]

Originally Posted by radocrazy07

fawk, that's not what i was hopin for. i just changed my fuel filter(i'm at 52k on my 04) and lemme tell you it was filthy with dirt and debris, i cut it open and looked at it, now i see this thing leaking and what do ya know there's a how to on how to fix it, but 90 bucks, whew what a price. the fuel filter was 10.99 plus tax :p

Yeah but its either replace the solenoid for $90 or replace the head when it blows up for a couple hundred. I went with the $90. It wasn't what I expected either but it had to be done.

I am also changing the trans filter and fluid too, would suggest the same for you if you haven't done so already. oh and the plugs and rear diff fluid. Clean the MAF sensor and throttle body. It will be like a hole new truck when everything is done.

[radocrazy07]

changed the plugs at 35K, clean the throttle body and maf every oil change.i plan on doing the trans filter,fluid, and rear diiff. fluid too. and i'll do this if i have any money left over.

[opie652003]

Originally Posted by radocrazy07

changed the plugs at 35K, clean the throttle body and maf every oil change.i plan on doing the trans filter,fluid, and rear diiff. fluid too. and i'll do this if i have any money left over.

Good deal...

[radocrazy07]

[WTRacing]

this still common on 3.7's as in.. should I check mine?

are there clear cut defined symptoms??

[opie652003]

Yes there is and yes it is. Check on the solenoid for oil, just rub your finger across it and see if you pick up an oil on your finger. If so, change it out. Also it will effect your idling as time goes on and further down the road, your head might go bad.