Code P0013?

Tiny
ALEXISHOUSTON142800
  • MEMBER
  • 2011 CHEVROLET EQUINOX
  • 2.4L
  • 4 CYL
  • 4WD
  • 121,500 MILES
The code p0013 showed up on my dashboard. So, I went and had and changed the intake and solenoid VVTS. Cleared the code and then the next day the code was back. When I went to go get the code red again it was still the same code, but with c0800-07. I thought maybe I didn't put good solenoids in, but I tested them with the multimeter, and they were fine. A couple of days ago my car went into limp mode. But then the next day it was out of limp mode. It doesn't drive horribly, but I can tell acceleration isn't that great. Sometimes a little sputtering. A couple of months ago before I bought the car the timing chain was changed as well. What do you think this could be?
Wednesday, May 17th, 2023 AT 5:47 PM

5 Replies

Tiny
STEVE W.
  • MECHANIC
  • 14,234 POSTS
So, you had a code P0013 and changed the intake solenoid? That is the code for the exhaust solenoid control circuit. Or did you mean to say you did both?
The C0800-07 code is Device Power 1 Circuit Voltage Above Threshold That means it detected a voltage above 18 volts for more than 5 seconds. The odd thing is that it was only one code for one device. However, the test would be the same, use a meter to test the voltage at the battery with the engine off, with a good battery you should see between 12.4 and 12.8 volts on a good battery. Now start the engine and watch the voltage. If the alternator is working properly, you should see a voltage increase to between 13.8 and 15 volts. You want it to be no higher than 15 and preferably not much past 14 if it's a warm day. If you see higher than that then you should take it to a shop and have them run a charging system test on the battery and charging system. This is the basic test, but it may not show you odd items like the charging testers they use would.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-check-a-car-alternator
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Wednesday, May 17th, 2023 AT 6:34 PM
Tiny
ALEXISHOUSTON142800
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  • 3 POSTS
Yes, I change both intake and exhaust solenoids. I actually happened to get a new car battery two days ago. I just went out there and tested it and it tested as it should. So, the alternator seems good. I wonder if since I got a new car battery that second code would still come up. Still though the first code still doesn't make sense. Nor can I or anyone I know figure it out.
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Wednesday, May 17th, 2023 AT 9:20 PM
Tiny
STEVE W.
  • MECHANIC
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The P0013 code means there is an issue with the control signal to the solenoid. So that when the ECM tries to activate the VVT it doesn't move the way it is supposed to. Examine the connector and the harness for any damage or corrosion, use a scan tool to watch the timing actuator activation as you command it on and off. If there is no change then you need to use a meter to watch the voltage change at the connector, then at the pins on the ECM.
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Thursday, May 18th, 2023 AT 9:33 AM
Tiny
ALEXISHOUSTON142800
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Okay, I will try these things. In your opinion do you think it's okay if I'm still driving it? Could driving with this code for a couple more months destroy it? Or should I not drive it.
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Thursday, May 18th, 2023 AT 11:20 AM
Tiny
STEVE W.
  • MECHANIC
  • 14,234 POSTS
It shouldn't destroy it but it's not best to drive it that way. What I would probably do to be able to drive it is to unplug both of the solenoids so the system won't change state. You will get another light, but you will know what it is. Then repair it ASAP. Avoid driving it whenever possible if it's practical.
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Thursday, May 18th, 2023 AT 4:11 PM

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