GM 6.2L V8 VVT solenoid actuator replacement.

Replacement of the Magnetic solenoid actuator on a 2007 GMC 6.2l V8 with Variable Valve Timing (VVT) along with Camshaft position sensor. FYI reports of cam valve bolt NEEDS to be replaced if removed. TTY bolt.

[@dragonslair888]

I just did this earlier today and it wasn't easy but I was able to get the sensor out without destroying it. I sprayed carb cleaner on it through the vvt actuator solenoid hole then worked out back and forth until it was out Far enough to clamp needle nose vice grips on it behind the wing directly on the main body of the sensor and turned it back and forth and pulled it outward at the same time. Hopefully this helps someone else. Kudos

[@DavidBennett505]

Awesome!!! Thanks for the tip!

[@jennyyyarriaga7778]

Great video. Thanks

[@stormshockin]

What happened after you reused that bolt? Your description said you needed to replace it?

[@tonyshower9835]

What codes did you have and what were the symptoms?

[@punker4Real]

Remember boys and girls *NEVER* touch the throttle plate !! you will damage it and have to pay a LOT OF MONEY TO FIX IT! yes it's fun to play with flapper things but do it to something else... Also to save time replace the water pump and belt because you all ready got everything off IT WILL save you time in the end and money on the coolant. also check and make sure the pulleys are good and not leaking grease or has oil residue while everything is off

[@DavidBennett505]

Great tip!

[@joshuamrshll22690]

I have an 07 escalade esv with the cam actuator code. When removing the actuator solenoid that you took out & cleaned, did you have to turn the harmonic balancer or set the timing or were you just able to remove the actuator?

[@preachercharleshadeniii3764]

Hey David, can a faulty magnetic solenoid actuator interfere with the camshaft position sensor and cause the vehicle to not start? Just wondering because I had to replace my camshaft sensor while doing a timing cover gasket and oil pan gasket replacement. The old sensor ended up getting broken when I was trying to remove it. I replaced it but my truck will not start now. It was starting before I change out the gaskets and sensor. I have a 6.2 2008 Yukon Denali XL.

[@kaamike]

Do you, by chance, know the part numbers for both the Solenoid Actuator and the Actuator Magnet? Trying to order new from AcDelco but can only find ones that aren't for the Yukon. Thanks!

[@j2d1m76]

good camera work

[@DavidBennett505]

joshua martin lol thanks i think not sure if you're being serious or not just started making videos by hand.

[@dennyportz9388]

@@DavidBennett505 I think you have the best camera work I've seen on camshaft position sensor dialog!!! everyone Mumbles about the hard to reach bolt but I couldn't find it at first so thanks!!

[@margaritohernandez4297]

Very good job man

[@DIABLO_4_Tester_Sacramento]

Does 2011 L99 engine have the same location of the VVT actuator ?

[@mikebas7325]

I bought a 2011 Avalanche and been trying to determine what all has been done internally. My magnetic solenoid actuator is just hanging in front of the timing cover, there is no hole in the timing cover for it to attach so the cover has been replaced for sure. I still drive it every day, any ideas?

[@chadbird2045]

I have a 2010 escalade with the 6.2 vvt deleted i bought it like that and it ran fine for 6 months now it stalls hard to start and when i stop fast it revs and bucks on me plus burning alot of gas codes are p0010 and p0011 any ideas?

[@james79764]

and also what is the actual magnetic Heart Card I was trying to look it up and I couldn't find it and also the actuator what is it actually called

[@lorenzoolivas901]

Did you have to take the camshaft sensor out to get the actuator out

[@alyssawalker3393]

Question, I just replaced everything in the video. The only difference is that I started with prying the sensor out as i was prying, a magnet piece came out from inside the engine thought nothing of it. Also I did not hold the engine in place as I tightened the vvt solenoid. Put everything back together new cam sensor light came on. Mechanic says the sensor is working. Im thinking the camshaft postion actuator was damaged. The vehicle runs ok I can hear a new ticking sound and gas mileage sucks. Anyone have any idea what could be wrong before I take everything apart again?

[@DanielGarcia-nt4nh]

Can someone please tell me if this effects timing chain or anything of that nature

[@aladdincafe9699]

Did changing those 3 thing fixed the issue??

[@unknownvip1]

Can i ask, does the crankshaft pully move when trying to change the solenoid? I need to change mine and hoping its just a simple case of removing the front dorman and unbolting the solenoid with a wrench. If you can please let me know if its not complicated to remove the solenoid, thanks.

[@DavidBennett505]

It can.. but just keep a bar or strap wrench on the balancer and you should be ok

[@sargepent9815]

That job can definitely go sideways. I rebuild these for a living and have seen a bad VVT solenoid in the shop have to come out. It's possible that the cam phaser can get damaged while doing this which would require removal of the phaser. All the LS engines run the same parts from 4.8 to the 6.2.

[@DavidBennett505]

Great tip. Thank you for your input to help others.

[@orangecrush50]

Could this trigger a P1380 code. Mine has had this code since I replaced the collapsed lifter. Haven't been able to pinpoint the cause of this. Any help would be appreciated

[@3sha214]

i am confused i am not a mechanic but i was told to get the parts for my srx 2004 v8, which are 4 actuators but watching your video you called one part Actuator and the other one the sensor but when I looked at it online they call the spark plug looking thing, Solenoid Actuator and the other one as the cam magnet, can you clear the terminology/names for me? My car guy is asking for 4 actuators, that magnet looking thing you mentioned as the actuators does that mean I need 4 of them? Thanks so much

[@jackfoster8319]

VERY THUROUGH AND CLEAR

[@roymartinez5074]

Im working on a 5.3 that is poping out of the intake port after the AFM is deactivated. Misfires on idle P0300. You deactivate the AFM no popping. Activate the AFM Popping. Replaced the VLOM better but still popping. Been working on this truck for 2 months any ideas. Is the variable solenoid causing cam to stay advanced?

[@DavidBennett505]

Honestly that sounds like one of the afm lifters has failed. And is causing the valve to stay open.

[@james79764]

Hey Dave What code was it throwing out the reason you replaced it Lines at 0016 I already replace the camshaft p and the crankshaft positioning sensor still coming on still the same no change

[@juansorto6162]

Mine runs for 20 min then shuts off let it sit for a day and runs fine again

[@jorgecantu4684]

thanks bro you video helps allot i have a Yukon denali with the same problem 🖒

[@DavidBennett505]

your welcome. if you have really low oil pressure.. the O-ring for the sump pickup tube that meets the oil pump has been the issue also. it sucks air and throws the whole system off.. when i get my hands on another truck with this problem i will make another video.

[@paulmckinzie8132]

Hey David, got a couple of questions. I expect the cam bolt/valve is tight and will be tough to break loose. How'd you keep the engine from turning? Did you just use another breaker bar on the harmonic balance bolt for back pressure? I know the bolt/valve is actually the bolt that holds the whole vvt sprocket assembly on the end of the cam. I'm assuming all that stayed in place for you while you had the valve out? Just worried when I pull the valve out the sprocket assembly will come off the end of the cam and I'll end up pulling the whole front cover off. When you tightened it, did you go 48 ft. lbs. and then 90 degrees? And again, was it a problem keeping the engine from turning or holding it in place while tightening?I liked the video. So far it's the only one I've found for this particular job.Thanks - Paul

[@punker4Real]

go to the dealership for the part numbers

[@johnc475]

What was the torque specs on that part you reused. I believe it’s called the cam shaft position actuator?

[@romper4444]

Tight

[@carloshr24]

Cam u answer me the vvt solenoid can cause a missig fire on spark plugs because i scanned n says to replace spark plugs n wires i already did tha please answer me

[@DavidBennett505]

Im not too sure. I would be looking at the coils or cam position sensor along with crank sensor first.

[@MrSerioLok69]

How are you boss! Thanks for the video. I just purchase a pre-owned 07 Cadillac Escalade 2 days ago And everything was good till today when I was driving the check engine light pop on my screen. So u put my scanner to see what it reads and its a error code p0011 (1 of 2) bank. The truck is running excellent but I don't want to risk and make the issue worse!!! I also read a note on the screen (stabilitrak) then it's feels a little shaky if I'm at a red light. Soonest I park and turn off. Everything is back to normal except the check engine light will remain p0011. What can you recommend for me to do boss?

[@DavidBennett505]

MrSerioLok69 get it checked out. some of these motors have catastrophic issues.

[@FollowTheFood]

David Bennett what codes were you getting to discover this problem? i think i may be needing to do this

[@waynemecus2581]

I have the same issue with my 07 denali and now it just started running really rough . I'm going to change the oil pick up tube o-ring this weekend and hope it fixes it ....did you ever find a solution?

[@luigegonzalez7399]

Did you guys resolve any of the problems have a 07 Denali had the same problems I swapped the cam and everything worked great after but now I purchased a 07 Escalade motor and swapped it with 100k and the p0011 comes on just wanted to check if any one else has found something to fix the p0011

[@themagarmuch]

Dave, what was the reason for replacing the actuator? I have an Escalade with the same 6.2L engine, it has a rough idle, it has no codes and runs strong at speed but idle is rough most of the time, I'm suspecting a sticky solenoid actuator. Any advise will be appreciated.

[@DavidBennett505]

Check engine and trac control lights were coming on along with power being limited from the engine..... also found out that a cracked O-ring for the pickup sump in the oil pan also causes all these symptoms.

[@hennricce1467]

David Bennett hmm... I have same code issue in my 08 Denali. No rough idle, no limited power.. cleared the code and it came back after 15 miles. Might shoot for an oil change first but I’m within normal change and it’s at full level...

[@hennricce1467]

David Bennett light did come on a day after I was stuck in some snow (back and forth, rocked it out) for a couple minutes though...

[@DavidBennett505]

almost sounds like a connection issue in the wire harness. maybe some water got into a connector somewhere? i wish i could be everywhere to help people out.

[@hergarfer]

azir khan .

[@Cannanhijackedthisaccount]

Here’s a crazy one. Check engine light is on for the crankshaft position sensor . Replaced it and took it to a shop to re learn . They couldn’t . Said I need a new timing chain. Did that, light still on . They suggested a new motor which is ridiculous . Took it somewhere else and they said replace the vvt solenoid . But reading all these other issues I don’t see how that can be related . I know it has to do with timing , but in any of your expert opinions , would you do this ?

[@mercedes-amgforlife3237]

Did they check and make sure the sensor was good? Check wiring up to PCM to make sure no corrosion, frayed or broken wires, or bad connections exists.

[@AngelHernandez-el4er]

I have this same problem on my Denali 6.2 I've changed the sensor n oil pump n it's still low until I gas it it goes max about 30 psi 40 if pushing It. What do you think I should do?? They said my motor was gonna give out but it runs like champ so I'm confused

[@DavidBennett505]

It might be sucking air. There is a little o-ring that seals the oil pickup tube to the pump right behind the timing cover in-between the oil pan and the block that commonly goes bad.

[@dulcequintana2852]

I have the same issue on my 07 cadillac now my question is how did you take the vtt Solenoide out? Dose it move the time? because mine is really stuck and i dont want to risk maybe breaking it.

[@jamesroland7989]

Did u get an anwser

[@TheVik1019]

Prior to repair what CEL codes were you getting? Most likely facing the same repair- I have P0011 and P0016.

[@DavidBennett505]

it was actually throwing the stable track and ABS lights along with the VVT solenoid. cutting power to the truck.. replacing this did NOT fix the issue.. came across another common problem that is creating this issue.. the oil pickup feed tube O-ring in the pan cracks and starves the motor from oil. have not gotten around to replacing that but everyone seems to say that it is the problem.

[@igorigor2430]

David Bennett did you fix it ?

[@sweetdickrjones]

David Bennett .......did u get around to replacing the o ring and if so did it fix the problem

[@DavidBennett505]

sweetdickrjones no. the truck was sold. im sure the o-ring was the issue.

[@colassolorzano6353]

How much torque did you put on the big volt to the cam ?

[@DavidBennett505]

Full beans

[@cfcstl]

do you remember the technique you used to remove the camshaft position sensor from the block? I have mine about half way out but its really stuck. Did you grab and twist with pliers or something else?

[@DavidBennett505]

yes i destroyed the old one trying to get it out.. twist and pull and pry and twist and pull...

[@checkingthetoob]

cfcstl mine was stuck so bad I ended up drilling a hole in it and with a deck screw and vise grips pried it out!

[@rrandolph63]

@@checkingthetoob me TOO

[@larrytemen4789]

Give er the old dick twist. It’ll come right out

[@qualityseptictechnician3510]

I had to drill a bunch of holes in mine and hook tool the pieces out with a shop vac hose on it while I worked to keep shit from falling in. Worst sensor I have ever delt with.

[@batmanwcm266]

Big help bro

[@LovenotHate130]

I changed all them sensors I still get the code

[@rigosend86]

Was this done on a L92

[@The_mechanic58]

Did you have the code p0011 and traction control and stabilitrak trac come on? Waisted gas a lot and Trans shifted weird

[@carlosmencias68]

I have a 07 Yukon Denali XL, and on it, did that something after 5 hours of continuous driving, I had limp it 2 more hours to get yo my destination, and once I had it scanned it had the following codes, P0011, P0171 and P0174 ended up replacing the MAF sensor and it drove fine againg for another 5 hours, than it die while attempting to pass another vehicle on the interstate, pulled over, cranked back up and it rode fine until about 1/4 of a mile from the house, than the check engine light, traction control and service stability track lights came on. It's so frustrating. If anyone had this problem and found a fix, please let us know, I'm done with GMC products.

[@albertopastor4692]

How can i get this part online? Im having trouble finding it

[@stormshockin]

pretty sure you already solved your issues but... www.gmpartsstore.com/ Many times, btw, I go here, get the part number, then google, ebay,amazon search the part number for better prices still. But, some things are dealer only. This is where your local dealer goes for their stuff.. and obviously... you save money by buying where they buy :-D

[@Raider24]

What's the torque on the VVT Solenoid?

[@alexacasare]

RAIDERS 24 yeah the torque I need to know also

[@MarkJCarruthers]

I believe it is 48 lb ft + 90 degrees.

[@chrostek010]

Hey David, i'm from poland, i have escalade 6.2, I have a problem with the motor, you can help me? The engine goes out when it is hot, when it slows down, the engine speed drops and the car goes out. There is a problem with the engine getting started, but it helps to hammer the crankshaft, Is the solenoid valve stuck? I do not know how to diagnose this, please help

[@DavidBennett505]

is the check engine light on? if so you can google on how to check engine codes for your specific vehicle. if not and you are banging on the crank and it helps, in my opinion is that the crankshaft position sensor or cam position. But from what i have seen is the solenoid makes the traction control lights and check engine lights come on with reduced power from the engine..

[@chrostek010]

David Bennett , hm. Check engine light on but i have instalation LPG and I thought the light was for that reason. I can not find information on reading code errors in google and yt. Tomorrow will try to connect it in a workshop under the diagnostic computer. As for the engine it has full power when it goes out without any symptoms. So how is the variable valve timming does not work,engine lose power and a traction control light on and check? so the timing variables are not the cause,

[@chrostek010]

David, i have P0016 code error, What do you think?

[@DavidBennett505]

yes so that code is related to the Crankshaft and camshaft position sensor...... you might have to take them out and test them or just replace if you have alot of miles on the truck.. i would say crank sensor though.. IMO

[@chrostek010]

Thanks for the quick reply, there is some problem with the availability of parts but I will try to order two sensors and replace, I hope that these sensors are guilty

[@staceyjones2168]

Is the po011 code is the VVT bolt or the magnetic solenoid the problem...can anyone help please

[@illustr8phee100]

I’m changing both.. an valve cover

[@mustafanajm965]

@@illustr8phee100 did the issue gone please i have same code thank you

[@celestinosolano7141]

Thanks help

[@vicgloriapoulson6306]

Thanks for the video, you're a hero!

[@2literjamez]

Would this trigger the P0341 check engine light? I changed the cam position sensor but that didnt fix it. Took it to the dealer and they said my timing chain is stretched

[@DavidBennett505]

The chain could be stretched. A buddy of mine actually had this happen on his truck. It was replaced and ran better.

[@2literjamez]

@@DavidBennett505 working on mines as we speak. Too off the timing cover and it looks like the tensioner is worn out. To get to it, I have to drop the oil pan to take off the oil pump so I'm just gonna replace the pump, chain, and tensioner since I'm at that point already

[@DavidBennett505]

@@2literjamez Make sure you replace the O-ring on the oil pickup tube that goes in front of the oil pan. those have been known to crack and cause air to be sucked in instead of sucking up the oil and cause all kinds of issues.

[@2literjamez]

Changed the oil pump, timing chain, tensioner, cam sensor, water pump, and new oil. Reconnected the battery and drove it around for a few miles then the p0341 code came out again. Should I have changed the vvt solenoid like you did?

[@xtremo0364]

@@2literjamez i have the same problem what you did?

[@billytarpon9871]

when you install the vvt cam bolt it twists, this is the reason its a one time piece

[@stormshockin]

What can happen if you reuse it?

[@Magnacharger07]

@@stormshockin it's torque to yield so it puts a stretch on the bolt if you reuse the bolt it could break and cause you much more expensive repair

[@stormshockin]

@@Magnacharger07 thanks

[@eddiesgsr]

If anyone can help with the p0011 ill appreciate it. I changed every part in this video as well as the mini harness which the 2 sensors plug into also 2 oil changes everything dealer parts still have the code

[@arturoaraiza5788]

low oil pressure

[@eddiesgsr]

@@arturoaraiza5788 oil pressure is good. After I change the parts the engine light goes off sometimes but comes back before I changed them it stood on so I'm thinking I received a bad part

[@keysautorepair6038]

@@eddiesgsrDid you ever figure it out?

[@kingmode4]

Did you have to take the waterpump off?

[@mizzamberrae]

You have to move the whole water pump housing out of the way.

[@comaradelee]

what is the cause on changing this??

[@jdunderwood37]

P0011 on my 6.2 Yukon. It was stalling our at red lights and would idle weird.

[@Raider24]

Low oil pressure causing the engine to stall

[@gapplevr4915]

Dsm spotted in the driveway

[@Raider24]

When trying to loosen the solonoid with a socket ....does the chain and everything move with it?

[@jesusrubio9525]

Did u ever find out if it does move ?

[@Raider24]

@@jesusrubio9525 Everything does move as if your trying to turn the engine over by hand......you need an impact to take the solenoid off because doing it with a hand socket is like beating a dead horse and you wont be able to take it off

[@Raider24]

@@jesusrubio9525 I wish you had it here in my garage bc I know how to take it all apart and put it back together......I fixed my ladys esclade and it's been a champ so far

[@jesusrubio9525]

Lol just saw this . But so basically all I gotta do remove air filter belt pulley Nd water pump ?

[@Raider24]

@@jesusrubio9525 After the water pump u have to remove the timing cover witch reveals the solenoid your ganna be removing and the timing chain is visible

[@harryjohnson5580]

Does anyone know if the engine turns when you remove the VVT solenoid?

[@Raider24]

It does turn if your doing it with a hand socket .....you need a impact to take it off....I already been through that headache

[@illustr8phee100]

@@Raider24 so impact it off? an torque new one back on?

[@Raider24]

@@illustr8phee100 yes and I really didn't torque mine down.... I put it on by hand till I couldn't anymore and then barly tapped it with the impact..... I haven't had any issues

[@illustr8phee100]

@@Raider24 ain’t no point with the breaker bar?

[@Raider24]

@@illustr8phee100if ur in the middle of the job send me ur number at [e-mail]

[@billytarpon9871]

Hey guys ihave read that the cam bolt is a one night fling, she twists when you torq her and you need a new one on the next instillation! just sayin.

[@DavidBennett505]

This i have not heard. It is a hardened steel valve built not to stretch like head bolts. I have not seen an issue with anyone re using the valve

[@stephenr1999]

thats the reason im on here. book says to replace. oh its called torque to yield.

[@DavidBennett505]

if you are having issues with that then yes i would say replace it anyways... thats the reason people are watching this video... in this case we cleaned it out and it worked fine. if the cam VVT bolt was bad you would replace it anyways.

[@stephenr1999]

Book says replace it regardless. Says 48 ft. lb.s then 90 degrees. I started to re-use it but then it felt like it was gonna give so I ordered a new one. There were no issues prior.

[@trxrblu]

What did you torque the actuator to?

[@1crzflyer]

lots of people think the vvt valve is a solenoid.... its not..

[@DavidBennett505]

Yup, its a valve but some VVT valves have the solenoid built onto them and stuck into the heads. So i can see why people think that.

[@cutweldngrind]

Was your engine making a sound a few seconds after start up. Can you see my video in my channel that I made on my Alternator to see if the sound engine makes is related. I do get this engine code. P0011

[@jesusrubio9525]

Jorge Serna did you fix the p0011 code ?

[@cutweldngrind]

@@jesusrubio9525 My truck is parked and I have not used it. I want to finish my flatbed but have been working long hours. Do you have the same issue on your truck?

[@jesusrubio9525]

Jorge Serna i think so mine switches from v8 to v4 mode when it’s not supposed to and I have p0011 code , vvt solenoid just got here gonna be installing it today see if it fixes the problem

[@cutweldngrind]

@@jesusrubio9525 Good luck. My truck is a 4x4 so the frame makes it difficult to remove from the underside of engine.

[@maxvalles6872]

Hey i have a question for you

[@DavidBennett505]

whats your question?

[@maxvalles6872]

David Bennett the solenoid actuator how do i remove it?

[@DavidBennett505]

if you mean the solenoid that is bolted inside, that the actuator pushes on? put a socket on it and unscrew it out of the camshaft, i dont remember the size socket.. its basically a bolt that holds the cam gear onto the camshaft. be careful removing it after its unscrewed do not score the sides of it.

[@jenniferleon6244]

it's a 15/16. For some reason mine isn't budging. Any suggestions? Was yours hard to remove?

[@DavidBennett505]

impact and heat.. yes i used a breaker bar

[@stephenr1999]

Uh yeah. take it a shop that knows what there doing. That solenoid is a torque to yield bolt and cannot be reused. when it breaks you'll be buying a new engine. and 6.2 is the most expensive to rebuild.

[@stephenr1999]

warriorpluto I guess I should have said 1 of the most expensive to rebuild. Not hard as far as skill goes. But parts ain’t cheap. I know my shop charges more because of that. So knowing that U can’t reuse that solenoid it’s not for the diy’er. But I say that about all engines cause it’s how I feed my family.

[@brianboardley7838]

If the bolt did break off in the cam you would only need a new cam not a rebuild!

[@stephenr1999]

@@brianboardley7838 Actually the cam might survive, just need to extract that bolt but, Where do you think the cam gear will go? The bolt is $40. Do it right !! Or dont do it !!!

[@IanBuell]

Damn. I paid $1400 to have the dealership do what you just did...

[@Raider24]

I would have did it for 800

[@IanBuell]

@@Raider24 I would have loved to have saved $600. They did all that, but it still would turn itself off after about 40 minutes. I unplugged the sensor, I think it's on the camshaft position sensor ( the one behind the water pump) and now it doesn't stall out anymore and I can drive it, but I assume I'm not getting the benefit of the variable valve timing any more. It kinda hesitates a bit under acceleration. Do you know what may still be wrong with it?

[@hackervirus56]

Why the swearing