DIY - GMC Canyon Bad Idle Fix (2.9l)

How I repaired a systemic idle issue with my GMC Canyon 2.9l. Also applicable to the Colorado. the symptom were; idle dives and recovers, dives and stalls, pre-ignition nocking and difficulty starting. Some times I had to push the gas peddle to the floor to start it.
#righttorepair #DIY #Canyon

[@lucaspaterson8064]

This video saved my trucks life, it was idling so rough that it would just shut off. I took the old solenoid out and all of the screens were missing. I changed it out and everything works perfectly again. Thank you very much for this! Saved me tons of time and money 👍👍

[@layback209fixorsmash3]

Your most welcome, 👍. Glad your up and running again.

[@thangknowa3288]

My 05 Colo had an early recall on that solenoid, all my screens were intact. Good idea to replace that pcv hose when you go under the cover, hot oil fumes softens/rots that hose, cheap to replace, insures adequate flow. Change your spark plugs while you are under there, every 100,000 miles works for me. Always iridium plugs - a must!

[@marvinseay6938]

My GMC 05 canyon quit today sound like a little motor running in the throttle body

[@tainchains]

Just in case I wanted to ask. I cleaned my Throttle body while in the truck and have starting issuses since then. I did not disconnect the tps when I did it. I replaced all the plugs. The mechanic hit the tps with a scanner and it smoothed everything out and started immediately. But today it isn't starting again. Usually it will start again after some time and then run fine.

[@layback209fixorsmash3]

Dang, it sounds like the variable valve actuator to me. If it doesn't start on the first go, try and restart with the trottle to the floor when cranking. I used to have difficulty starting when it was humid, or if I only drove a short while then had to re-start. It would eventually start if I waited l9ng enough, or if I cranked with the trottle peddle fully pressed to the floor. If it gets bad, maybe pull the actuator and inspect the screens to rule it out. Sorry to hear your having problems. I'm not a fan of this engine At all. I like the truck but not the engine.

[@tainchains]

Thanks. Is that the part in the video with the screens? If yes I replaced that last summer and it made a big difference. I think its the ThrottlePS. I need a scanner that acesses the TPS. It makes no difference if I push the gas pedal down. So far it usually restarts after it sits for awhile.

[@layback209fixorsmash3]

@tainchains gotcha, one thing you can try is a hard re-set. It's done by disconnecting the battery. And touching the vehical leads together. Returns the computer to baseline settings, then recalibrates. I think your on the right track. I've heard of tps issues as well.

[@chucksheldon7701]

Could you tell me what the symptoms were? My canyon runs like crap. The rpms won't read or will be fidgeting between 0 and 1000 rpm and my truck seems like it's stuck in a gear or something because it will take way too long to get up to speed then it will not want to slow down when I'm coming to a stop and the truck will be shaking a bit. This happens about 6 days a week with occasional weeks out of the year it will perform fine with no issues but then out of nowhere it's back at it. Been like this for almost 2 years now. GMC dealership and others have no idea what it is l.

[@layback209fixorsmash3]

Sounds like your throttle body may be causing your symptoms. Have you tried cleaning off the oil build up that happens from the crank case oil vapor vent system. Sometime you need to replace the whole thing as it gets out of calibration, its digitally actuated and not connected to your throttle peddle with a cable unfortunately. For my case it would stall at idle, had a pre-ignition nocking sound and check engine light, Related to the vvt system.

[@chucksheldon7701]

@@layback209fixorsmash3 I completely replaced my throttle body less than 2 months ago

[@terrybain777]

Where to find gmc 2011 caynon 2.9L fuel shut off valve?

[@TinyGoHomes]

Blow out that vent hose. I’m taking a peek at mine for an official fix I think it need to be clean inside and drilled bigger for ventilation.

[@layback209fixorsmash3]

Let us know if it helps. In my case it was a faulty solenoid, the vent line was clean and clear. Others have had a loose intake manifold, it's plastic too. I'm not a fan of this engine design at all, its like something that was quickly slapped together to meet a new emissions regulartion or something. If I could drop a 4.0L HO inline 6 I would.

[@TheLastTaco]

8/17/2023 replaced my intake manifold gasket. on inspection found all but 3 bolts were loose... i am still having rough idle so next will be inspection of VVT solenoid. *2012 colorado, owned for 10 years* @@layback209fixorsmash3

[@jrod2800]

What is the full name of the part, please?

[@layback209fixorsmash3]

Variable Valve Timing solenoid / actuator (VVT).

[@jrod2800]

@@layback209fixorsmash3 Thank you!

[@vdittycc]

I have one with 243k on 2012 when oil gets dirty it runs bad so it could be dirty oil

[@layback209fixorsmash3]

That's for sharing that is very interesting. In my case it was independent of oil condition, didn't notice a difference between fresh and near service oil condition. It was just bad. For a little while I could limp it along by resetting the computer by holding the battery leads together to discharge the vehical. I like the truck but unfortunately this seems to be systemic with this engine from what ive observed on the forums...etc.... I'm not a fan of the engines

[@vdittycc]

@@layback209fixorsmash3 the oil pressure is what it uses to adjust timing so when oil gets bad the timing goes off mine even dies out. Change oil and it’s like new. The screens could be clogged and also can be bad but most of time is dirty oil. Be careful because many oil change places say they use mobil but they use cheapest oil around