Replace Camshaft Position Actuator Solenoid
In this How-to I'll show you how to diagnose a P0013: Exhaust Camshaft Position Actuator Solenoid (CPAS) trouble code on a 2012 GMC Terrain with a 2.4L engine.
In this case, the vehicle came to the shop with the check engine light illuminated, with DTC P0013 stored. The CPAS works using oil pressure to either slightly retard or advance the timing of when the intake or exhaust valves open based on engine needs. Sometimes when these actuators fail, reduced engine power, stalling or rough idle can occur.
Although this 2.4L Ecotec engine courtesy of Generous Motors (mechanic pun) are notorious for these actuators to fail, extending oil change intervals past 5000kms often causes these to fail prematurely. There is a fine screen that often clogs up with contaminants from not changing the oil frequently.
TOOLS REQUIRED:
-10mm socket
-8mm socket
-1/4" drive ratchet
-1/4" drive extension
-ohmmeter
-5w-30 oil and filter
-new actuators
-rags
-gloves
ESTIMATED TIME:
30-45 minutes
STEP 1: Connect a scan tool to the OBD2 port, located underneath the steering wheel. Turn the ignition on and retrieve the stored DTC. P0013 will be the exhaust CPAS. P0012 will be the intake CPAS.
STEP 2: Open hood. The CPAS are located underneath the engine cover. You'll have to remove the upper air intake to take off the engine cover.
STEP 3: Loosen the 2 hose clamps securing the air intake. 1 is located on the air filter box, the other is located on the throttle body. Also, disconnect the plastic PCV hose from the intake assembly. It just pulls out.
STEP 4: The air intake will now be free to remove. Place a rag overtop of the throttle body so that you don't drop anything inside of it. Pull up on the back of it to release it from the rubber bushings it sits on. Next, remove the oil fill cap and pull up on the engine cover to remove.
STEP 5: The intake CPAS is the one closest to the front. The exhaust is the one behind it. Remove the grey connector locking tab in order to disconnect the CPAS. To confirm a faulty CPAS, bust out your multimeter and set it on the lowest ohms scale. The actuator should have a resistance between 8-13ohms. If it is out of this range, it is faulty. (This case it was over 16ohms) I recommend you replace BOTH. In my experience with these actuators, if one is faulty, the other is not long behind it. (Especially if it failed due to dirty oil)
STEP 6: Remove the 10mm bolts securing the actuators. Use compressed air to blow any debris away before you pull the actuators out. Use a pair of pliers to grab and lift the actuator out of the valve cover. Clean the surface underneath the actuator before reinstalling.
STEP 7: Pour oil over the screens of the actuators before installing. Pay attention to the part of the actuator that the electrical connection connects to. The connectors are different to separate exhaust from intake.
STEP 8: Reinstall the actuators. Tighten the bolts. The rest of installation is reverse of removal. It is recommended to change the oil when replacing these.
STEP 9: Remember to clear the trouble code before starting the vehicle.
Job done!
