GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Diagnostic Instructions

    • Perform the Diagnostic System Check - Vehicle prior to using this diagnostic procedure.
    • Review Strategy Based Diagnosis for an overview of the diagnostic approach.
    •  Diagnostic Procedure Instructions provides an overview of each diagnostic category.

DTC Descriptor

DTC P0011: Camshaft Position (CMP) System Performance

Diagnostic Fault Information

Circuit

Short to Ground

High Resistance

Open

Short to Voltage

Signal Performance

CMP Actuator Solenoid High Control

P0010

P0010

P0010

P0010

P0011

CMP Actuator Solenoid Low Reference

--

P0010

P0010

--

--

Circuit/System Description

The camshaft position (CMP) actuator is attached to the camshaft and is hydraulically operated in order to change the angle of the camshaft relative to crankshaft position (CKP). The CMP actuator solenoid is controlled by the engine control module (ECM). The ECM sends a pulse width modulated 12-volt signal to a CMP actuator solenoid. The solenoid controls the amount of engine oil flow to the CMP actuator by extending a pintle within the solenoid. The pintle acts against a spool valve in the CMP actuator mechanism which is attached to the front of the camshaft. As the spool valve is moved, oil is directed to the CMP actuator, which rotates the camshaft. The CMP actuator can change the cam angle a maximum of 27 degrees.

Conditions for Running the DTC

    • DTC P0010, P0016, P0335, P0336, P0340, or P0341 are not set.
    • The system voltage is between 11-18 volts.
    • The engine is running.
    • The ECM has enabled the CMP actuator and commanded greater than 0 degrees.
    •  DTC P0011 runs continuously when the above conditions are met.

Conditions for Setting the DTC

    • The CMP angle from the ECM is stable. If the CMP angle varies more than 7.5 cam degrees, a stability timer of 2 seconds must expire before evaluating fail condition.
    • The difference between the desired CMP and the actual CMP angle is more than 8 degrees for 36 seconds during a 120 second sample.

Action Taken When the DTC Sets

    • DTC P0011 is a Type B DTC.
    • The CMP actuator is commanded to the home or parked position.

Conditions for Clearing the MIL/DTC

DTC P0011 is a Type B DTC.

Reference Information

Schematic Reference

Engine Controls Schematics

Connector End View Reference

Component Connector End Views

Description and Operation

    •  Camshaft Actuator System Description
    •  Lubrication Description

Electrical Information Reference

    •  Circuit Testing
    •  Connector Repairs
    •  Wiring Repairs

DTC Type Reference

Powertrain Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) Type Definitions

Scan Tool Reference

Control Module References for scan tool information

Circuit/System Verification

    Important: The supply of clean pressurized engine oil to the CMP actuator is essential to CMP actuator performance.

  1. Observe the engine oil level. The engine oil level should be within operating range. Refer to Approximate Fluid Capacities.
  2. Ensure that the vehicle has the correct engine oil and is not old, burnt or contains additives. Refer to Checking Things Under the Hood in Service and Appearance Care within the Owner's Manual.
  3. If the vehicle has the incorrect engine oil, is old, burnt, or contains additives, change the oil and filter.
  4. Allow the engine to reach operating temperature.
  5. Set the parking brake and place the vehicle in Park for automatic, or Neutral for manual.
  6. Observe the CMP variance parameter. The CMP variance will rise for 1-2 seconds until the CMP Angle parameter matches the Desired CMP parameter. The CMP variance should again return to 0 degrees.
  7. Important: The engine will run rough and may require throttle input to keep running.

  8. Command the CMP actuator to 20 degrees. The Desired CMP parameter should match the CMP Angle parameter.
  9. Operate the vehicle within the Conditions for Running the DTC. You may also operate the vehicle within the conditions that you observed from the Freeze Frame/Failure Records data.

Circuit/System Testing

Important: You must complete the Circuit/System Verification before proceeding with Circuit/System Testing.

  1. Ignition OFF, disconnect the CMP actuator solenoid harness connector at the CMP actuator solenoid.
  2. Test for less than 5 ohms between the low reference circuit terminal 2 and ground.
  3. If greater than the specified range, test the low reference circuit for an open/high resistance.
  4. Verify that a test lamp does not illuminate between the low reference circuit terminal 2 and the control circuit terminal 1.
  5. If the test lamp illuminates, test the control circuit for short to voltage. If the circuit tests normal, replace the ECM.
  6. Remove the test lamp.
  7. Command the CMP Actuator Sol. ON with a scan tool. Verify the scan tool CMP Sol Ckt Short Gnd Test status is OK.
  8. If not the specified value, test the control circuit for a short to ground. If the circuit tests normal, replace the ECM.
  9. Install a 3A fused jumper wire between the control circuit terminal 1 and the low reference circuit terminal 2. Command the CMP Actuator Sol. ON with a scan tool. Verify the scan tool CMP Sol Ckt Short Gnd Test status is Fault.
  10. If not the specified value, test the control circuit for an open/high resistance. If the circuit tests normal, replace the ECM.
  11. Determine that the vehicle has the correct engine oil. Refer to Service and Appearance Care in the owner's manual.
  12. If the engine oil life system monitor displays the Change Oil Soon message, the engine oil is more than one year old, contains additives, or is not the correct viscosity, change the oil.
  13. Test the engine oil pressure. Refer to Oil Pressure Diagnosis and Testing.
  14. If the oil pressure is low, correct the low pressure first.
  15. Inspect each CMP actuator solenoid valve assembly for the following:
  16. • Torn screens
    • Debris on the screens
    • Debris clogging the oil ports
    • Missing screens
    • Oil seepage at the solenoid connector pins
  17. Connect a jumper wire between the CMP actuator low reference circuit terminal 2 at the solenoid and a good ground. Connect a fused jumper wire to the CMP actuator control circuit terminal 1 at the solenoid. Point the CMP actuator towards a shop towel. Momentarily touch the fused jumper to B+. Observe the CMP actuator pintle. The pintle should immediately extend.
  18. If movement is not observed, replace the CMP actuator solenoid.
  19. Inspect the engine timing components. Refer to Camshaft Timing Chain and Sprocket Cleaning and Inspection.
  20. If all circuits test normal, test or replace the CMP actuator.

Component Testing

  1. Ignition OFF, disconnect the CMP actuator solenoid harness connector at the CMP actuator solenoid.
  2. Important: Ensure that the component is tested at 20°C (68°F).

  3. Test for 4.6-5.2 ohms between the high control terminal 1 and the low reference terminal 2 of the CMP actuator solenoid.
  4. If the resistance is not within the specified range, replace the CMP actuator solenoid.

Repair Instructions

Perform the Diagnostic Repair Verification after completing the diagnostic procedure.

    •  Camshaft Position Actuator Magnet Removal and Camshaft Position Actuator Magnet Installation
    •  Camshaft Timing Chain and Sprocket Replacement for timing chain, sprockets, CMP actuator filter screen, and CMP actuator replacement
    •  Control Module References for ECM replacement, setup, and programming