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P0014 - Camshaft Position Actuator Solenoid "Relearn"

98K views 10 replies 7 participants last post by  blazerbro 
#1 ·
I think I have read all the threads for this code and after a few calls to a mechanic friend I am more confused.

I am in the process on getting my TB all cleaned up to sell. Just bought a 2010 Summit White Equinox LTZ (love it).

The SES light was on and I took it to Auto Zone and pulled the P0014 Camshaft Postion Actuator Fault Code.

After reading the threads on this issue I decided to start with the Camshaft Position Actuator Solenoid (behind the power steering pump).

Not too bad a job, got the new one installed in about an hour. The old one had all the screens intact but a little sludge on one of the screens. I did an oil change the same day.

The SES light went out for a couple days and popped back on. The code was still P0014 and a few helpful members stated I needed to clear the code from the PCM or it would continue to trip the SES light.

I bought a OBDII code scanner and verified it was still throwing the P0014 code. I used the scanner to erase the code.

Like I said previously I am getting ready to sell this TB and had it all detailed and showroom ready, so I have not been driving it much since erasing the code. I probably drove it 5 or 10 times less than 100 total miles.

I sold my TB today to the first person that looked at it. As they were heading to a authorized state inspection office the SES came on. The state emission inspection pulled the P0014 code again. The new buyer can't get the vehicle licensed with this fault code.

I used the scanner to clear the code again but it pops back on after a few miles. I read a few more threads and it sounds like I may need a Camshaft Position Relearn done by a dealer or mechanic with a Tech 2 tool.

I mainly want to confirm my suspiscions,

1. I really shouldn't use the scanner tool to erase the codes because it erases everything and requires a lot of cycles to reset the monitors for the PCM. The guy at the emissions inspection testing office recommended to put 50 to 100 miles on the car and turn it on and off 50 times.

2. I need to take it to a dealer with a (Tech 2) to get the camshaft actuator relearn or it may keep throwing the code.

3. The mechanic with a Tech 2 tool may be better equipped to diagnose other issues that are throwing the P0014 code (sensor, timing chain etc)

I hate to say I don't trust the dealers. I see in many of the posts people spending hundreds or thousands of dollars and the problem ends up being a $50 part that should have been replaced first.

Any comments on the Camshaft Relearn would be appreciated.
 
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#2 ·
I wouldn't be so quick to dismiss the talent of a trained technician with a tech 2 tool. But they also work at good independent shops that specialize in GM vehicles. UI'm very lucky to have one near me for anything beyond my reach, or that needs the tech tool. High end Snapons and other scan tools can do it all as well. You might look for one, to stop the shotgunning.

I'm not familiar with a CAMSHAFT sensor relearn, but I might be missing it in the shop manual. There's a CRANKSHAFT sensor relearn, and my guy will do that for half what the dealers charge. But a P0014 code, that is not accompanied by other codes, might not need a relearn. But it might indicate you have a weak cam position sensor, crank position sensor, or loose timing chain. Or sluggish cam solenoid or old oil. But you eliminated those possibilities.

You sure sound more ethical than the usual story we hear from the BUYER'S side, which happens after they buy a vehicle without getting a pre-purchase inspection specifically to look for recently-cleared codes hiding more serious problems. They're clueless about the issues, usually, as evidenced by the fact they failed to pay a professional for an inspection and let themselves get suckered by a sleazy seller.

Recommend you find an independent GM-specialist with experience on trailvoys, which have some unique features that can fool a shotgunner.
 
#3 ·
Thanks for the info. I might just replace the cam position sensor and see if that does the trick. It is a cheap part and looks pretty accessible.

I looked up the crank position sensor and AutoZone has 2 for the TB. One is $18.99 and the other is $232.99 and says "engine speed sensor for electric shift transfer case" Are there 2 sensors or is one for 2WD and the other for 4WD?

I couldn't find any posts showing the location of the Crank Sensor(s) do you have the exploded image of the motor with these on it?

Is it a fix that you would recommend having a professional do?

I'm pretty handy but if it is going to take special tools or a major dissasemble to get to the part I would let a pro do it. I enjoy the challenge but have a short time frame with a buyer waiting for the repairs to be completed.

This Forum is fantastic, I hope I can find a forum with as many helpful owners/experts for my new Equinox.
 
#5 ·
Thank you for the link, it has great info. After seeing the exploded view of the engine and locating the crankshaft sensor I found a video on YouTube that shows a close up of the 4.2L engine with the body off. It zoomed in on the drivers side of the engine and I clearly spotted the crankshaft position sensor which looks like it might not be hard to get too from under the vehicle. I hope changing out the cam and crank sensor will eliminate the P0014 code and I will be done shotgunning this problem.
 
#6 ·
Finally fixed

I put the new cam position sensor on and drove the car about a mile and the SES light went out. I guess I should have tried the sensor before the actuator. A cheaper and faster job. It was so easy and fast I had time to change the transfer case fluid. It was due and I didn't want take a chance that something would break down this winter for the new owner. Pretty tight squeeze around the transfer case hard to get the fluid in the filler hole. I used a 5 foot long plastic tube and I held one end inthe filler hole while my son poured it in the funnel connected to the tube. Holding the funnel chest high create enough force to move the fluid through the tube.

For those of you with the dreaded P0014 code. Try the following:

1. Cam position sensor - $29 at Autozone, 1 10mm bolt, nothing in the way, a 10 minute fix.

If that doesn't get rid of the SES and code try

2. Cam position actuator - $90 part from a GM Dealer. Look fo one of the threads with the pictures and tips. About a 45 minute job.

My next try was going to be the crank position sensor but I didn't have to do it.

I dropped the TB off at the new owners house today and hopefully they will get another 100,000 miles out of her.
 
#9 ·
P0014 + p1400

I had P0014 + P1400 codes (checked for free at Autozone). P0014 can be several things; first on the list is a loose cam/crank sensor (4th on the list is "Oil Quality or Viscosity"). After reading a few threads here, I started with an oil change. The light didn't go away immediately. After the 3rd "cold start", the light went away and hasn't returned. I read on another post that the P0014 only lights after the sensor is triggered on several consecutive starts, and it goes away automatically after three cold starts without being triggered.
So, all that to say, I'd start with an oil change.
 
#10 ·
Good info. The wife's was due for an oil change and yesterday the SES came on. I finally caved and changed the oil for her. Ran into Advance to pull the code, and cleared. Light stayed out for the drive home, so hopefully that was it. If not, I'll start with the cheap stuff first!
 
#11 ·
Paying it forward



I have a 2004 Trailblazer and had a number of OBD codes including the P0014. Only had a bit over 61K miles and got pretty freaked out by the code since it looked fairly ominous at first. Went internet searching and talked to a local auto mechanic etc. I will skip to the answer to what I did: was advised to change the oil and filter...yep, seemed too easy. Turns out that worn oil can cause the sensors to not read correctly etc. I had also had P0128 to replace the thermostat and did both. Had battery disconnected and removed so had to drive 50 plus miles to get run ready codes for inspection....dreaded service engine soon light never came back. Also reset change oil light: turn key to on position then hit gas pedal immediately 3 times all the way to the floor. All of this worked like a charm...so am paying it forward to all the good people who post info about these things.

One last thing...threw a bunch of codes initially related to 4 wheel drive...also read a post that suggested driving around a bit in the various 4 wheel drive modes....and they all cleared up....thank god....had 18 codes in all as I started to get my TB ready for inspection after having not driven it for a year.
 
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