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How To: Replace Exhaust Camshaft Actuator Solenoid

398K views 312 replies 116 participants last post by  Quinhardt  
#1 · (Edited by Moderator)
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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-seize
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.
 

Attachments

#2 ·
Re: How-To: Replace Exhaust Camshaft Actuator Solenoid

Gerry, is this really common?
 
#3 ·
Re: How-To: Replace Exhaust Camshaft Actuator Solenoid

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. :355group:
 
#5 ·
Re: How-To: Replace Exhaust Camshaft Actuator Solenoid

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!!!
 
#7 ·
Re: How-To: Replace Exhaust Camshaft Actuator Solenoid

The dealer replaced this on possum's truck at 20k miles. :shrug:
They said some foreign debris clogged the screen:ugh:, then a week later he had the TSB head issue.:gd:
 
#8 ·
Re: How-To: Replace Exhaust Camshaft Actuator Solenoid

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.
 
#12 ·
Re: How-To: Replace Exhaust Camshaft Actuator Solenoid

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.
 
#10 ·
Re: How-To: Replace Exhaust Camshaft Actuator Solenoid

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???
 
#13 ·
Re: How-To: Replace Exhaust Camshaft Actuator Solenoid

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
 
#15 ·
Re: How-To: Replace Exhaust Camshaft Actuator Solenoid

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.
 
#20 ·
Re: How-To: Replace Exhaust Camshaft Actuator Solenoid

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.
 
#23 ·
Re: How-To: Replace Exhaust Camshaft Actuator Solenoid

eh, the head problem is unrelated to the solenoid. a failing solenoid doesnt have clear cut symptoms usually as it can fail in different ways. the first time mine went bad it was leaking out the backside into the connector and would cause a surging idle almost stall after a cold soak..... the second one became clogged and caused a lack of power (as the cam could not change phase) <-- no vtak!!!!!!!

of at WOT you dont feel a difference in power around 3600rpm-4000rpm its a good idea to check the solenoid. its really a good idea no matter what since it only takes 30 seconds to check from start to finish.
 
#28 ·
Re: How-To: Replace Exhaust Camshaft Actuator Solenoid

Add two more to the replaced list.

A 2004 Colorado 3.5L and 2006 Canyon 3.5L got the updated actuator installed at our last NEC meet.

Woo Hooo Thanks for the help replacing mine.
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