VVT solenoid location

Tiny
DANI1983
  • MEMBER
  • 2008 CHEVROLET EQUINOX
  • 3.4L
  • V6
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 145,000 MILES
I was having problems with my vehicle where it would chug a bit, then the traction control light would come on. I had to pull over let it sit for a minute so the traction could reset itself. I had an original code on my car PO449, we changed the gas cap and the purge valve canister (i think it's called), then threw another code for the crank shaft sensor, fixed that. Threw a code for the cam shaft position sensor, fixed that, checked all the wires and harnesses on each. Then wouldn't start at all after we replaced the crank shaft sensor. It sounded like the timing was off as we were trying to crank it over. So we looked it up and the internet said possibly the Variable Valve Timing solenoid (VVT), but we can't seem to find where it is at. Does anyone know where it's located, or if they think it could be something else? Any help is appreciated.
Thursday, August 20th, 2020 AT 3:18 PM

7 Replies

Tiny
ASEMASTER6371
  • MECHANIC
  • 52,797 POSTS
Good evening,

What were all the code numbers? Codes rarely identify bad parts, just failed systems.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-camshaft-variable-valve-timing-works

The fact you have both cam and crank sensor codes, it indicates to me a timing issue between the valves and the piston.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-a-crank-shaft-angle-sensor-works

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/camshaft-angle-sensor-replacement

I would start with a compression test as I think you have a bad timing chain.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-test-engine-compression

Roy
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Thursday, August 20th, 2020 AT 4:08 PM
Tiny
DANI1983
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The codes that I have had so far, if I remember correctly, we're P0449, U0073, P0339, P0336, P0341. (Not in any specific order) I can't do the compression test though because the engine won't turn over. It hard chugs as it tries to start, but won't turn over. It sounds like the timing is off.
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Thursday, August 20th, 2020 AT 5:25 PM
Tiny
DANI1983
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And thank you for your fast reply! :-)
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Thursday, August 20th, 2020 AT 5:25 PM
Tiny
ASEMASTER6371
  • MECHANIC
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You are welcome.

Yep, that is what happens when the chain moves.

Remove the spark plugs and see if it cranks over.

I attached the code possibilities for you. The 2 codes have the timing chain in common.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/checking-a-service-engine-soon-or-check-engine-light-on-or-flashing

There is no 339. Can you verify?

Roy

U0073 is a serial data line or communication line code.

DTC U0073 or U2100

Diagnostic Instructions

Perform the Diagnostic System Check - Vehicle prior to using this diagnostic procedure. See: Vehicle > Initial Inspection and Diagnostic Overview
Review Strategy Based Diagnosis for an overview of the diagnostic approach.
Diagnostic Procedure Instructions provides an overview of each diagnostic category.

DTC Descriptor

DTC U0073 00
Control Module Communication Bus Off

DTC U0073 71
ECU HS Bus Off

DTC U0073 72
ECU LS Bus Off

DTC U2100 00
Controller Area Network (CAN) Bus Communication

DTC U2100 47
Controller Area Network (CAN) Bus Communication

Circuit/System Description

The serial data circuits are serial data buses are used to communicate information between the control modules. The serial data circuits also connect directly to the data link connector (DLC).

Conditions for Running the DTCs

Supply voltage at the modules are in the normal operating range.
The vehicle power mode requires serial data communications.

Conditions for Setting the DTC

The module setting the DTC has attempted to establish communications on the serial data circuits more than 3 times.

Action Taken When the DTCs Sets

The module suspends all message transmission.
The module uses default values for all parameters received on the serial data circuits.
The module inhibits the setting of all other communication DTCs.

Conditions for Clearing the DTC

A current DTC clears when the malfunction is no longer present.
A history DTC clears when the module ignition cycle counter reaches the reset threshold of 50, without a repeat of the malfunction.

Circuit/System Verification

1. Refer to Data Link References to determine which serial data system is used for a specific module. See: Information Bus > Initial Inspection and Diagnostic Overview > Data Link References
2. This DTC cannot be retrieved with a current status. Diagnosis is accomplished using the symptom Scan Tool Does Not Communicate with High Speed GMLAN Device or Scan Tool Does Not Communicate with Low Speed GMLAN Device.
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Thursday, August 20th, 2020 AT 5:41 PM
Tiny
DANI1983
  • MEMBER
  • 4 POSTS
That code should have been the crankshaft position sensor. I will try that tomorrow when I go over there to work on it again. Thank you so much for your input. We've been going crazy trying to figure this one out.
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Thursday, August 20th, 2020 AT 9:37 PM
Tiny
4DRTOM
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Hi I'm Tom,

The VVT solenoid will be at the head of the cam shaft. You should be able to see two wires leading in somewhere there.
Tom
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Thursday, August 20th, 2020 AT 10:58 PM
Tiny
ASEMASTER6371
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Do your compression test first before replacing anything as I think you have an issue far beyond the VVT solenoids. I would not like to see you throw expensive parts at it to find out you need major engine work.

Roy
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Friday, August 21st, 2020 AT 3:44 AM

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