GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Circuit Description

The DTC P1011 Rocker Arm Actuator System Stuck On diagnostic monitors the operation of the rocker arm oil control solenoid. The rocker arm oil control solenoid enables the powertrain control module (PCM) to operate the high speed cam system. The high speed cam system significantly increases valve lift at engine speeds above 6,000 RPM. A second camshaft lobe with a high lift profile is cast into each camshaft, alongside the low/medium speed lobes. Unique rocker arms follow both the high speed and low/medium speed cam lobes. At engine speeds below 6,000 RPM, the low/medium speed cam lobes operate the rocker arms. When the rocker arm oil control solenoid is turned ON between 6,000-8,200 RPM, the rocker arms are operated by the high speed cam lobes. The rocker arm oil control solenoid is controlled by a pulse width modulated (PWM) signal from the PCM.

The rocker arm oil pressure switch detects oil pressure when oil is flowing thru the rocker arm oil supply system. When the rocker arm oil control solenoid is ON, the oil pressure switch opens and the signal circuit to the PCM goes high. A DTC P1011 sets when the signal circuit of the rocker arm oil pressure switch is high when engine speed is less than 6,000 RPM. For additional information on the operation of the rocker arm oil control system refer to Rocker Arm Oil Control System Description .

Conditions for Running the DTC

    • The engine has been running at least 10 seconds.
    • Engine speed is more than 6,000 RPM.
    • The engine coolant temperature (ECT) is at least 60°C (140°F).
    • The vehicle is operating at more than 10 km/h (6 mph).
    • DTC P1011 runs continuously when the above conditions are met.

Conditions for Setting the DTC

    • The signal circuit of the rocker arm oil pressure switch stays high.
    • The above condition is present for at least 5 seconds.

Action Taken When the DTC Sets

    • The PCM illuminates the malfunction indicator lamp (MIL).
    • The PCM stores the conditions that were present when the DTC set as Freeze Frame data.

Conditions for Clearing the MIL/DTC

    • The PCM turns OFF the MIL on the third consecutive trip cycle during which the diagnostic has been run and the fault condition is no longer present.
    • A DTC clears after 40 consecutive warm-up cycles have occurred without a fault.
    • A DTC can be cleared by using the scan tool Clear DTC Information function.

Test Description

The numbers below refer to the step numbers on the diagnostic table.

  1. The Diagnostic System Check-Engine Controls prompts the technician to complete some basic checks and store the Freeze Frame data on the scan tool if applicable. This creates an electronic copy of the data taken when the fault occurred. The information is then stored in the scan tool for later reference.

  2. This step checks whether the rocker arm oil control solenoid is stuck ON. When ON at idle or low engine speed, the solenoid increases valve lift enough to cause the engine to run rough or stall.

  3. The rocker arm oil pressure switch is closed when oil pressure is less than 20 kPa (3 psi).

  4. This step visually inspects the operation of the rocker arm oil control solenoid. The solenoid plunger and spool valve movement should be smooth and rapid from extended to retracted positions.

Step

Action

Values

Yes

No

Schematic Reference: Engine Controls Schematics

Connector End View Reference: Powertrain Control Module Connector End Views or Engine Controls Connector End Views

1

Did you perform the Diagnostic System Check-Engine Controls?

--

Go to Step 2

Go to Diagnostic System Check - Engine Controls

2

Is the engine running rough or stalling?

--

Go to Step 5

Go to Step 3

3

  1. Use the scan tool in order to clear the DTCs.
  2. Turn OFF the ignition for 30 seconds.
  3. Start the engine.
  4. Run the engine at idle for 1 minute.

Did a DTC P1011 set?

--

Go to Step 7

Go to Step 4

4

Operate the vehicle within the Freeze Frame conditions as specified.

Did a DTC P1011 set?

--

Go to Step 9

Go to Intermittent Conditions

5

  1. Disconnect the electrical connector of the rocker arm oil control solenoid.
  2. Start the engine.

Is the engine still running rough or stalling?

--

Go to Step 11

Go to Step 6

6

  1. Test for a short to voltage or a short to ground in the electrical circuits of the rocker arm oil control solenoid.
  2. Repair as necessary. Refer to Wiring Repairs in Wiring Systems.

Did you find and correct a condition?

--

Go to Step 15

Go to Step 14

7

  1. Disconnect the electrical connector of the rocker arm oil pressure switch.
  2. Measure the resistance of the rocker arm oil pressure switch.

Is the resistance less than the specified value?

3ohms

Go to Step 8

Go to Step 13

8

  1. Test for an open in the input circuit of the rocker arm oil pressure switch.
  2. Inspect for poor electrical connections at the rocker arm oil pressure switch or the PCM. Refer to Testing for Intermittent Conditions and Poor Connections in Wiring Systems.
  3. Repair as necessary. Refer to Wiring Repairs in Wiring Systems.

Did you find and correct a condition?

--

Go to Step 15

Go to Step 9

9

  1. Remove the rocker arm oil control solenoid. Refer to Rocker Arm Oil Control Solenoid Valve Replacement .
  2. Turn ON the ignition, with the engine OFF.
  3. Connect the rocker arm oil control solenoid to B+ and ground with a pair of fused jumper wires.
  4. Observe the movement of the solenoid plunger when electrical voltage is applied and removed.

Does the solenoid plunger extend to the specified value when voltage is applied and then retract smoothly when voltage is removed?

3 mm (0.125 in)

Go to Step 10

Go to Step 12

10

  1. Test for an intermittent short to voltage or short to ground in the electrical circuits of the rocker arm oil control solenoid.
  2. Repair as necessary. Refer to Wiring Repairs in Wiring Systems.

Did you find and correct a condition?

--

Go to Step 15

Go to Step 14

11

  1. Inspect for a restriction or blockage in the oil return passage of the rocker arm oil control system.
  2. Repair as necessary.

Did you find and correct a condition?

--

Go to Step 15

Go to Step 12

12

Replace the rocker arm oil control solenoid valve. Refer to Rocker Arm Oil Control Solenoid Valve Replacement .

Did you complete the replacement?

--

Go to Step 15

--

13

Replace the rocker arm oil pressure switch. Refer to Rocker Arm Oil Pressure Switch Replacement .

Did you complete the replacement?

--

Go to Step 15

--

14

Replace the PCM. Refer to Powertrain Control Module Replacement .

Did you complete the replacement?

--

Go to Step 15

--

15

  1. Use the scan tool in order to clear the DTCs.
  2. Turn OFF the ignition for 30 seconds.
  3. Start the engine.
  4. Operate the vehicle within the Conditions for Running the DTC as specified in the supporting text.

Does the DTC run and pass?

--

Go to Step 16

Go to Step 2

16

With a scan tool, observe the stored information, Capture Info.

Does the scan tool display any DTCs that you have not diagnosed?

--

Go to Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) List

System OK