2007-12 Chevy Colorado 2.9L P0017 OBD2 Code - VVT Solenoid Replacement

Time for a change of pace. #1 son needs a car for his soon-to-be licensed self. A Check Engine light on his gifted (thanks, Grandpop!) 2010 Chevy Colorado may make things a bit tricky. Can I clear the check engine warning light with a VVT valve replacement and save myself lots of $$? (wink-wink, nudge-nudge...nope!)
Part Link: smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B...
00:00 In the Beginning
01:43 VVT Solenoid Electrical Checks
05:02 VVT Basic Explanation
07:35 VVT Basic Explanation
10:16 VVT Solenoid Removal
11:50 Old VVT Testing
12:39 New VVT Installation
13:29 Retest
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[@Tachtronics]

Thanks for the video. Did you ever end up finding the culprit for the check engine light and if so, what did you have to do to fix it?

[@roundtailrestoration]

Oh, yeah. It was the timing chain and VVT sprocket. I didn't do that work myself and it was right around 3K to get it all fixed. Horrible given the fact that the truck isn't worth much more than that. If it wasn't a gift, it would have been gone. Working fine for a few months now, though.

[@Tachtronics]

@@roundtailrestoration yikes! That’s terrible. I have a P0336 code which isn’t the same but similar, hopefully mine doesn’t end up being the same 😐

[@bradydings-avery806]

@@Tachtronics did you find anything out with yours? I have P0017 and P0336 with my 2007 Canyon 3.7. It runs good now but I have the check engine light.

[@Tachtronics]

@@bradydings-avery806 mine ended up having the wrong engine installed in it. I swapped out for the correct one and worked like a charm.

[@bradydings-avery806]

@@Tachtronics you mean they physically installed the wrong engine? Lol.

[@storagecontainer4268]

I forgot to add and thank you for the thorough video I learned a lot when you were saying that pretty much everything has to be changed and other parts were already changed so it narrowed it down to your VVT so I'm doing the same changing them all one by one and hoping to get the same results, it was a 2007 Chevy Colorado 5 cylinder 3.5 engine size and after changing three components the VVT solenoid and the exhaust camshaft sensor and the intake camshaft sensor I'm still getting p0013 and p0014 right now . so I'm hoping when I change my cranksensor and reset my check engine light that this would be a happy ending and a great fix.😊.

[@roundtailrestoration]

Good luck! For me, it was the worst case, whole new timing chain and VVT sprocket. That repair cost almost as much as the truck is worth, so not cool.

[@scottyboy7462]

great vid- for 56 bucks, i will order one. my 09 colorado (just purchased) really hesitant to downshift when approaching an incline and sluggish to shift in general. you are appreciated!!

[@roundtailrestoration]

Good luck. I hope it works for you!

[@Bbbuddy]

What it will fix is the risk of the three little filter screens fracturing and getting into the oil flow. The replacement solenoid has improved filters.

[@roundtailrestoration]

Thanks, Bob. Good info!

[@ericraslich-noaaaffiliate6030]

Is the replacement made of plastic now? When I look on Rock Auto I only see black plastic looking crankshaft position sensors, none of them look metal like in this video. EDIT: Nevermind, I was looking at a crankshaft position sensor, this is a VVT solenoid. Weird that the code is the same?

[@storagecontainer4268]

I have a 2007 Chevy Colorado I'm dealing with my check engine light as well so I change the VVT solenoid and I changed the camshaft exhaust and also the camshaft sensor intake and I still got my check engine light on the last thing I'm going to change is my crank shaft sensor and reset it and take it from there I heard I have to change all four of these to get this check engine light off so I'm in process I'll keep you posted

[@roundtailrestoration]

No fun.

[@Brujiito333]

Did it fix it ?

[@legendaryflip3789]

Any luck?

[@vertronbussey8489]

I have the same code on a 2011 Colorado, but engine runs smooth. Did you have any hesitantation or rough idling issues?

[@roundtailrestoration]

Not that I remember, no. I personally think the tolerance of the code it too tight...that it doesn't account for normal chain wear. But, of course, I don't know for sure.

[@kevinwilliams2112]

Thank you for the video Chris. I am finding myself in the exact same situation. I have replaced the cam pos sensor, crank case pos sensor, vvt sensor, both O2 sensors, and the exhaust manifold. The computer refuses to relearn after repeatedly being cleared. My 09 2.9 has 180k+ and was told the clutch and timing chain have both been replaced. I dont get real eager to work on my vehicles like I once did. Looks like i will try and find a weekend to attach the chain and sprockets. It still runs around ok and gets 19mpg. It was starting to act a little funny after start up. I am hoping the new exhaust might help with that. Still cheaper to fill up than my duramax. Does anyone have anything new to report?

[@roundtailrestoration]

Yeah, it's a bummer. So expensive to fix for a truck that's barely worth the cost. Good luck!

[@dannyhodge3779]

Which side is the grey wire plug in right or left

[@roundtailrestoration]

No idea, I'll have to look. I can tomorrow and get back to you.

[@ericraslich-noaaaffiliate6030]

So does the P0017 code refer to both this VVT solenoid AND a crankshaft position sensor? This VVT seems like an easy swap, but the crankshaft position sensor seems much more involved... : (

[@roundtailrestoration]

Hi, Eric. No, not the same. I had to replace the crankshaft position sensor, too. The code was P0335, I believe. It's hard to get to, and you need a long extension, but I think it's a single 10mm bolt. I couldn't record a video because it was too hard to see. But, I did it in my driveway. Definitely not as easy as the VVT, but doable. Good luck!

[@ericpfiffner5615]

Ugh, timing chain. We have a trailblazer with the 4.2l inline 6 that is basically the same engine. It was definitely worth a try.

[@roundtailrestoration]

Yeah, it sucks. Truck was a gift from my father-in-law to his grandson, so we are ahead of the game. Not sure if I want to attempt this repair myself...it's pretty involved. 18 hours or so is what the flat-rate book says...at ~$100 an hour :(

[@ericpfiffner5615]

Aw man that's a bummer. YT South Main Auto has a excellent multi part series if you decide to research farther.

[@roundtailrestoration]

Yup, that's exactly the one I watched.

[@jthomas9916]

Is p0017 commonly paired with p0014? I recently picked up a 2.9 truck and it has these codes and wont idle, and dies shortly after it starts running (if i can get it to start)

[@roundtailrestoration]

Hi J Thomas. I don't know specifically, for this truck, that they are common. However, the p0014 code means that the exhaust camshaft is more advanced than the ECM told it to be, so to me it seems to make total sense and I would not find it unexpected for them to come together. One nice thing about OBD2 codes is that they are generic and not specific to a car model, so that code means the same thing on all cars. Hope this helps!

[@ch-zq3ld]

You ever figure it out? My 2010 does same thing.

[@roundtailrestoration]

It was the timing belt. Had to have it replaced. Not cheap...$3k.

[@bigwyy_osrs4131]

I can’t get my solenoid out any recommendations

[@roundtailrestoration]

Maybe some penetration oil and let it sit. You can also run the engine after a bit to use the heat from it's to help. Use gloves and try to remove when still hot. I would want to use brute force unless as a last resort. Good luck.

[@johnf5122]

You needed to swap it at the emmission test station, so it would pass prior to the 5-miles.

[@roundtailrestoration]

Not sure that would have worked. I think there is a reset clock that they won't inspect until that's cleared.

[@quinnydanny2060]

Mine is stuck

[@roundtailrestoration]

Sorry to hear that. I would spray a little PB Blaster or WD-40 around where it penetrates the engine. Let that sit for a bit, and then tap on it lightly with a hammer, if possible, trying to twist it. You've probably got some corrosion on there between the aluminum engine and the steel sensor that's holding it in. The hammer is just to jar it loose a bit, not drive it into the engine, so maybe come at it from the side (lightly), too. Good luck!

[@dannyhodge3779]

Someone cut the wires on the one im working on just need to know witch wire goes where tan and grey wire looks like just need to know if the tan is on the left or right when its plugged up

[@roundtailrestoration]

Why would you cut the wires? Wouldn't this spit a code when the computer lost communication with the valve? Or doesn't it work that way?

[@dannyhodge3779]

@@roundtailrestoration I didnt truck was bought at auction im just working on it fixed the exhaust manifold cracked and exhaust gasket owner said it didn't have no power notice the wires where cut

[@roundtailrestoration]

Ok. In that case, I'll get you the answer in a bit. Not home but will be soon.

[@dannyhodge3779]

@@roundtailrestoration thank you sir 🙏

[@roundtailrestoration]

Grey on top, black on bottom, looking at it from the top of the plug. Good luck!

[@quinnydanny2060]

Does not slide right out

[@roundtailrestoration]

It will. Maybe twist it or light tap with a hammer.

[@RG-od4jk]

My code reads vvt solenoid but its a p0014 yours is p0017 vvt solenoid

[@roundtailrestoration]

From what I understand, the codes are universal across all vehicles. Google says the "P0014 is the OBD-II generic code that the engine control module (ECM) has determined that the bank 1 exhaust camshaft is more advanced than what the ECM has commanded it be." Reading that in the research that I did on my issue, it makes sense that you are getting this if your timing chain needs to be replaced, which is ultimately what happened to me. Unfortunately, it's a few thousand dollars...almost as much as the whole truck is worth!

[@boobie456]

Haha damn sounds like my timing chain is f

[@roundtailrestoration]

Sorry. It's a really bad deal. So much money for what should probably be a program change to allow for a larger specification.