G.M. 2.2L and 2.4L Ecotec Timing Set Tech Info and Diagnostic Tips

Here are some of the things that I have learned that may help you if you are trying to set up the timing on a Ecotec engine. Please share this video with your friends as there is a lot of helpful information here that could save you a lot of time.

[@briangermann9158]

Thank You Joseph, You provide much useful info on GM's flaw(s)! I must add these 2.4l Ecotec's are known for (cracked exhaust manifolds), I'm removing one tomorrow, I've seen some removed split in half. Thank you Joseph

[@eamonnmayfield1732]

Mines cracked right now haha

[@petehanneman9179]

Thanks. You just saved my ass

[@mrbigmoney2081]

You said something about setting the cam reluctor on the 2.4 after it spun...do you have a video on that, or can you explain the process? Car has really low miles, and timing chane and guides look new... p0014 and p0017

[@TyTowriss]

Joseph. Would appreciate your input. My wife's car 2013 Chevy Equinox 2.4L, 74K miles. Owned it new and well maintained by me with oil changes every 3K-3500 miles, Seafoam treatments, etc. Started getting a P0017 code. So I started replacing stuff. Replaced exhaust cam sensor. Cleared ECM still got P0017 code. Replaced the OCV (VVT) solenoids. Cleared ECM still got P0017 code. Replaced exhaust cam sensor again. Cleared ECM still got P0017 code. Replaced intake cam sensor with the 1st new one removed from the exhaust side. Also replaced crankshaft sensor. Cleared ECM still got P0017 code. Replaced timing chain kit and VVT phasers/sprockets, even though the original showed everything was in time and original parts looked good. Inside components looked beautiful. 0 sludge and barely any carbon. Replaced anyway because a GM guy told me the phasers were likely the culprit, so went ahead and just replaced it all. New spark plugs and gaskets. Cleared ECM still got P0017 code. Since the kit came with two new OCV solenoids, I said what the heck, can't sell 'em for much, let's just try replacing those again. Cleared ECM still got P0017 code. Popped valve cover to see if new timing chain marks still coming back to sprocket marks at TDC. Yes, still in perfect time. Torqued everything back together a 2nd time. This car runs great. Purrs like a kitty. Puling my har out. Seems all that's left is probably where I should have started. Electrical connectors and possibly ECM. What are your thoughts? Thanks.

[@JosephVollmar]

Hopefully this will help a little bit. The P0017 code generally correlated directly to the cam position sensor for the exhaust camshaft. This will be mounted on the rear of the head on the drivers side of the car. You will have a identical sensor on the front of the head, this is for the intake cam. Make sure both sensors are plugged in and the connectors have not come loose. If no loose connections are found, swap the sensors, clear the codes and drive the car. If a P0016 code pops up your sensor the you moved from the back that is now in the front is bad, replace it and the code should go away. If the P0017 comes back after swapping sensor locations then your most likely cause is a wiring problem between the plug on the rear sensor and the ecm. The other cause for this problem which is less likely unless your engine has gotten hot at some point is that the relucter wheel on the exhaust cam has moved. It is only a friction fit, and if the engine temp gets too high it can move and cause this problem. You can move the wheel with a brass drift if it is out of position, and there is a way to check it that I believe I talk about in my video on the 2011 Malibu with the 2.4L. I would say that is a last resort as that is not as common as a wiring problem. Hopefully you find this helpful, and if you have any other questions don’t hesitate to ask. Thanks for watching, Joe

[@JosephVollmar]

As I just re read your original path of diagnosis, I see you already moved the sensors. I would start looking at the wiring between the sensors exhaust sensor and the pcm. I don’t have access to a wiring diagram at home, but if you can find the pins at the PCM for the sensor you could run a resistance or continuity test on the wires, if you don’t find a bad one that way take a incandescent tail light bulb fashion it so you can use it as a test light and test both wires running power through them to light the light. If the light is nice and bright and does not get dim or flicker when you wiggle the wires they are good. I have had wires that have had broken strands pass a resistance or continuity test but barely light a light bulb because they cannot carry a load. Hopefully some of this helps.

[@TyTowriss]

@@JosephVollmar man thanks so much. I really appreciate you taking the time to respond. As I said in another comment below, your videos are awesome and helped me so much. If I lived near you I'd sent everybody your way, and send you my own head-scratcher too. By the way, happy to throw you a Google review and 5-star rating and some glowing comments if I knew the name of your business and location. I'm in an emissions county in metro Atl area of GA. If I don't get this fixed by my birthday at the end of the month then I can't plate it. So I'm a little under pressure. You seem like a really cool, good dude who enjoys helping folks. Blessings to you and yours Joe. One more question. Have you ever seen an ECM be the culprit in a situation like this? I can buy a used one for $37 on Ebay. Get'n desperate. It's down to where I need to fix this fast.

[@JosephVollmar]

@@TyTowriss thank you for the kind words. We are all doing well at the moment. If I make it down that way I’ll have to look you up and maybe we can grab a beer. I work for D&S Auto Repair in Bloomsdale, MO. Apparently there are a few D&S Auto Repair businesses through the country but we are not affiliated with any of them, just a little independent shop. I have not seen this particular issue caused by an ECM, and for the most part don’t really see any issues with GM ECM’s. I wouldn’t buy one off of E-Bay though because GM programming is vin specific and I don’t know if a dealer would reflash a take out ECM. If you get to the point where you suspect it may be the ECM contact Solo Auto Electronics in Miami, FL. There contact info is online, and they can test and repair most ecm’s and you won’t have to pay a dealer to reflash it. We send them a lot of ones that are fixable, and it is often much cheaper that a new one, and they will stand behind their work. Hope this helps, and good luck. Sometimes these things can be a real pain, but every one you figure out is truly a learning expierence. The 2011 Malibu I made one of the timing videos on was a car I bought with a broken timing set and bent valves to put together for my son. The reman head that I ordered through a reputable company came with the cams installed backwards (intake cam on exhaust side and vice versa). I did not know they would run that way, but they will just not very well. Didn’t figure out what was really going on until it crashed the valves when the VVT system kicked in. I feel your pain, but I learned more on that job than I have on any other single job, and probably burned out a few more brain cells than necessary trying to ease the frustration with a cold 1 or 10, lol. Keep me posted and let me know what you find.

[@TyTowriss]

@@JosephVollmar Google 5-star review for D&S Bloomsdale. Mentioned you by name. Hope that's cool.

[@fer8888888]

2011 2.4 Malibu. I have replaced all the timing components except cam phasers at 160k miles. About 5k miles later it has the valve train rattle like crazy sound at idle again. Some days it starts up no rattle but after getting hot starts the rattle sound again. I took the valve cover back off and looked down the side and see no broken guides. I rotated the camshafts and checked for stuck lifters and none seemed to be stuck. Do you know if the cam phasers cause valvetrain rattle like noise when worn out? I am not sure if the locking pins on these wear out and then the cam bounces slightly back and forth at idle. Also no engine codes.

[@bobpalmer4740]

say i had to change the complete timing set. chain guides phasers and vvt solenoids and tensioner now i get p0016and 17 i do not hear any rattling and the codes set after clearing if i rev the engine then turn it off and restart after clearing them. now revving may not have anything to do with it but the engine light will does not show until i have shut it off and restarted the engine. i have photos of the timing marks after i installed the new chain the engine is the lea or le8 and it has 2 exhaust cams and the same phasers. i found that out after i got repair parts and they did not work. anyway the crank i set at about 4 o clock and the exhaust is at around 10 o clock and the intake is about 2 o clock. the chain has colored marks that are aligned to the timing marks on the sprockets and the phasers were locked in when i set the chain marks to the sprockets. so do you have any idea what i may try to get this fixed? i just pulled the vvt solenoids and they were clean but i put new onse back in just case, as they were old solenoids. thanks

[@markdavisphoto]

I replaced the TC on a 2.2 Ecotec in a 2005 classic. Just sprockets, not variable actuators. Somehow I got the cams out of their original position. I Installed the new chain. The car runs but lacks power on the low end. I am certain I had the 10 and 2 and 5 all set accurately. One or both cams must be 180 out. Is there a way to visually look at the cams to know each is in its correct position? I need to fix it but unsure which way to turn the cam with the chain off and the pistons lowered to avoid valve slap to get it running correctly. Any idea?

[@johnnymackbrownjr8660]

Been working on my 05 cobalt for a year replace timing chain with friend who didn't tighten down exhaust cam sprocket long story short it broke I replaced two lifters on cylinder 3 prior to breaking down motor I did compression test which revealed 180 PSI across all four that's when I decided to replace timing chain after replacing head gasket along with two bent exhaust valves I made sure that they retained water upside down for 24 hours I reinstalled with cheap head gasket off of Amazon needless to say I ended up having to rip it all back apart because my compression was 130 across 1 2 3 but a 100 on four after taking a head back apart notice coding on head gasket flaked apart allowing coolant to mix with oil and air to escape Chambers I got a felpro replaced it with new head bolts third set by the way I'm pulling 125 across 1 2 3 and 117 on 4 I'm throwing a code between 2000 and 3000 RPMs misfire on 4 I'm beginning to think I set timing wrong I brought chain slack up from main crank to intake cam so that way I can set exhaust cam sprocket needless to say as I trying to set exhaust cam sprocket I have to rotate intake cam to make it latch on camshaft the fact that I'm at a lower PSI and all cylinders is making me think my exhaust cam lifters are being engaged before they're supposed to be been all this project for a year and any help would be greatly appreciated thank you

[@michaelvandeneede4074]

e. Thank you for the video. I am working on a 2007 with a 2.2 ecotech. I was able to remove both chains and all sprockets. my problem is the timing set up. I was set fine before disassembly, but slightly moved the cam and exhaust shafts. can you recommend which video would be the best to watch to make sure everything si set before i put the engine cover back on and the timing is screwed up to the point where I have to tear it all down again. Thanks again!

[@JosephVollmar]

The exhaust cam will move slightly when you pull the chains. When you are putting it all back together use a 24mm wrench on the cam flats to move it where you need it and you will be fine. Just make sure your colored links line up with your timing marks on the sprockets and you will be ok.

[@TyTowriss]

Man thanks for this video. I'm dealing with the same issue on a 2013 2.4L Equinox with only 74k miles. LEA engine. P0017. I'm a home D.I.Y guy so I diagnose by replacing the sensors 1st. Worked my way through replacing 2 cam position sensors and the crank position sensor. Still got P0017. Then replaced VVT solenoids. Still got P0017. Then talked to a GM service guy who told me he thinks it's likely the phasers need replaced. Popped the valve cover, timing chain cover. No broken parts. Well serviced engine. No sludge. No metal. I have yet to order parts and trying to figure what I am gonna start with. So I'm curious, did replacing the exhaust side phaser again end up fixing this for you? Thx. Great videos. So much appreciated.

[@JosephVollmar]

Sorry it took me a little bit to get back to your question. I replied with that no to your other comment. I hope something is helpful.

[@davidmosa7407]

Hey how you on my 07 g5 2.2 ecotec when i check for spark on each cyclinder with sparktester everyone shows spark but cyclinder 2 is this a timing issue? Repaced plugs,coils,fuelinjectors,etc still shows no spark on 2 cant figure out why?

[@robertmonaco5720]

I have a 2016 2m4 and I took the tensioner out before setting TDC and now I'm not sure how to get it back to TDC ?

[@rauldiaz2343]

Hey man I’m About to do my first 2.4 engine head cylinder and timing chain replacement. I can’t find anywhere how to set the timing or where are the markers any help please abs thank you???

[@aarongilbert6630]

Is it possible if a 2.2 jumped a couple of teeth on chain, that it didn't bend a valve. Ran a cam into each cylinder no obvious crashes, pulled valve/can cover chain slack but still in position. It gave a crank position fault right before a no start issue.

[@terrycarlton6991]

While looking at live data . . . what value range should I see for ignition timing on cylinder #1 (for the 2.4l) ?

[@douglasreid500]

I have trying so hard to clear p0017 on my 2.4 is there anyway I may have not tdc my crankshaft? My keyway was at 12 when I did my chain?

[@user-in6fj1xm9t]

2010 2.4 replaced phasers and chain . In the same boat ! Had it apart 5 times and still not correct. What did it end up to be ?

[@mickual100]

I removed the timing chains and i was rotating the camshaft phasers now i don't remember where the how to re-time the 2.4 ecotec engine how to tell when you are on TDC of the stroke to properly time the engine. Thanks.

[@grudierjason]

Would you know how to time a 2013 chevy malibu with a 2.5 liter?

[@jamessimmons7349]

If I need to set the timing on the crank and exhaust cams up top on a 2010 equinox, what would be the ideal means/proper process to do so?

[@JosephVollmar]

james Simmons make sure the engine is at top dead center exhaust on cylinder 1. This should put the timing marks 2o’clock intake cam, 5 o’clock crank, and 11 o’clock exhaust cam. Then line up the marks with the appropriate colored links on the chain. You will have to remove and deactivate the timing tensioner to do this, and remove the lower bolt from the tensioner guide and move the guid up out of the way so you can rotate the chain around. Always line up your timing marks intake cam, crank, exhaust cam only rotating the one you are matching up with the chain. After you reinstall the guide and tensioner use a 24mm wrench on the exhaust cam to pull all of the chain slack back to the tensioner, then use a soft tip pry bar to gently push in on the tensioner guide and this will activate the tensioner. You will also need to remove the exhaust cam phaser/ sprocket to have enough slack to rotate the chain. I hope this helps.

[@chriswinekoff6565]

Are you able to tell me how / where to set the cams for new timing chain install. Timing chain had a bad rattle and I had the P0016 and P0017 codes. I put my car to TDC exhaust then took apart. Then I was told it had to be TDC compression, was told to just rotate cams to line up marks on chain. (I had some bad info from someone I thought knew what he was talking about.) Now Car starts but runs rough at idle n is still giving p0016 & p0017 code along with p0113, p0301,p228D, p0089.

[@JosephVollmar]

Your intake cam should have the intake arrow about 1 o’clock, the exhaust should be about 11 o’clock, and if I remember correctly the dot on the crank sprocket should be about 5 o’clock with the key way in the crank pointing vertically up the centerline of the engine. Just make sure the colored links line up exactly with the appropriate timing marks and you should be just fine.

[@jimsiebert6719]

I have s 2.4L equinox motor in my buick regal. Changed the intake cam gear, to a regal one. Drove it for 1000+ miles, the engine reduction code came back on. (Which Watson when I put the equinox motor in at first. So I took it the chevy dealership, they claim the intake gear was out 120 degrees. So they moved it, now I have no compression. Car wont start for them. Now they want to pull the head off at my expense, claiming it was fault for having the gear on wrong. I dont think I would have drove it for 1000 miles if this interference motor was out of spec that much. I think maybe one tooth max! What is your thought?

[@barrettwattier6922]

I’m trying to time my 2010 cobalt I had chain the tension and ended up skipping the chain I got the top 2 phasers just have to do the bottom sprocket and I was not sure if I had to take the motor mount off or not and if both thos codes would be the timeing chain tensioner broken

[@barrettwattier6922]

Change**

[@ronaldmay5325]

I replaced head and reset the timing and I'm getting no compression at all motor just rolls over im stuck could u tell me what im doing wrong I lined up all the marks still no compression

[@lifeofageneratortechnician1854]

I pulled my head off 2.2 ecotec. I'm looking at timing the pistons at tdc with camshafts at 10 and 2 on exhaust stroke. Does the bottom half of the pistons make a difference? It just needs to be at 12oclock mark?

[@diegocalvin1571]

i know I am kind of randomly asking but does anyone know of a good website to stream newly released series online ?

[@maximiliantommy1839]

@Diego Calvin Flixportal :D

[@diegocalvin1571]

@Maximilian Tommy thank you, signed up and it seems like they got a lot of movies there :D I appreciate it !!

[@maximiliantommy1839]

@Diego Calvin Glad I could help xD

[@deeme14]

I pulled the head off the motor and rotated the crankshaft. I cleaned the pistons off. I did not place the the rotating assembly back to its original position. Once I set the rotation assembly at TDC and reassembled the engine it starts then stalls out. I forgot to set the engine block back to its orginal position. How do I fix this issue? Do I rotate the camshafts 180?

[@mikephillips6678]

I took my head off my Chevy cobalt had it redone put a new head gasket on and now my cam sprocket dont line up can I move them with out hurting anything

[@JosephVollmar]

Yes, as you rotate the cam shaft to the proper position take your time and go slow. If you feel it bind up don’t force it, just move the crank a few degrees it should move the pistons just enough to clear the valves. If you feel the crank bind go the opposite direction. Make sure you pull the spark plugs, that way you are not fighting the compression of the engine, and it is easier to tell if there is a change in resistance.

[@stevedanhof519]

How do I check the intake reluctor .the exhaust is out in the open .

[@smorales4526]

Hi , I’m serafin I have a 2011 equinox 2.4 with stall problem every time I accelerate can gift me some idea what can be?

[@michaelwhitlock9077]

Have a question. Just changed timing chain and solenoids. Still not cranking. Throwing p0016 and p0017 codes. Sound like there is no compression. Could it be that its out of time that bad? Just curious. Don't really know where to go from here. After watching videos I feel we timed it right but maybe not. Any suggestions?

[@JosephVollmar]

If it broke the time my guides while the engine was running you have bent valves. I would bring each cylinder to top dead center on compression and apply compressed air. If it shoves the piston down the valves are sealed, if you hear the air rushing out of the intake or exhaust you are dealing with bent valves and the head will have to come off.

[@johnnymackbrownjr8660]

Did 37 ft lb with 150° rotation in sequence

[@johnnymackbrownjr8660]

Is it possible that the head isn't tightened down properly

[@aidanharper7873]

Are the reluctor wheels different from the 2.2 and the 2.4