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P0020




DTC P0010, P0013, P0020, or P0023

Diagnostic Instructions

* Perform the Diagnostic System Check - Vehicle (Initial Inspection and Diagnostic Overview) prior to using this diagnostic procedure.
* Review Strategy Based Diagnosis (Initial Inspection and Diagnostic Overview) for an overview of the diagnostic approach.
* Diagnostic Procedure Instructions (Initial Inspection and Diagnostic Overview) provides an overview of each diagnostic category.

DTC Descriptors
DTC P0010
- Intake Camshaft Position (CMP) Actuator Solenoid Control Circuit Bank 1

DTC P0013
- Exhaust Camshaft Position (CMP) Actuator Solenoid Control Circuit Bank 1

DTC P0020
- Intake Camshaft Position (CMP) Actuator Solenoid Control Circuit Bank 2

DTC P0023
- Exhaust Camshaft Position (CMP) Actuator Solenoid Control Circuit Bank 2

Diagnostic Fault Information





Circuit/System Description

The camshaft position (CMP) actuator system is comprised of 4 CMP actuator solenoids, 4 oil control valves, and 4 CMP actuators. The engine control module (ECM) sends an electrical signal to the CMP actuator solenoids through the control circuits when a camshaft timing change is desired. The ground circuits of the CMP actuator solenoids are used as a return. The CMP actuator solenoid uses electromagnetic force to pull on the plunger of the oil control valve. The oil control valve will port the pressurized engine oil to either the advancing or retarding chambers of the CMP actuator. The CMP actuator, in turn, changes the CMP relative to the crankshaft position (CKP). If the desired CMP does not match the actual CMP for a calibrated amount of time, DTC P0010, P0013, P0020, or P0023 will set.

Conditions for Running the DTC

* DTC P2088, P2089, P2090, P2091, P2092, P2093, P2094, P2095 are not set.
* The engine is running.
* The CMP actuator has been commanded for more than 1 second.
* The ignition voltage is between 11-18 volts.
* This diagnostic runs continuously.

Conditions for Setting the DTC

* The ECM detects incorrect voltage on a CMP actuator solenoid control or ground circuit.
* The above condition is met for more than 1.6 seconds.

Action Taken When the DTC Sets

DTCs P0010, P0013, P0020, P0023 are Type B DTCs.

Conditions for Clearing the MIL/DTC

DTCs P0010, P0013, P0020, P0023 are Type B DTCs.

Reference Information
Schematic Reference

Engine Controls Schematics (Electrical Diagrams)
Connector End View Reference

Component Connector End Views (Connector Views)
Description and Operation

* Camshaft Actuator System Description (Camshaft Actuator System Description)
* Lubrication Description (Description and Operation)

Electrical Information Reference

* Circuit Testing (Component Tests and General Diagnostics)
* Connector Repairs (Component Tests and General Diagnostics)
* Testing for Intermittent Conditions and Poor Connections (Component Tests and General Diagnostics)
* Wiring Repairs (Component Tests and General Diagnostics)

DTC Type Reference

Powertrain Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) Type Definitions (Diagnostic Trouble Code Descriptions)
Scan Tool Reference

Control Module References (Programming and Relearning) for scan tool information

Circuit/System Verification

1. Observe the engine oil level. The engine oil level should be within the operating range on the oil indicator stick.
2. Start the engine; allow the engine to reach normal operating temperature.
3. Using the scan tool monitor the engine oil pressure parameter value. The engine oil pressure must be at or above the minimum hot oil pressure values. Refer to Engine Mechanical Specifications (Specifications).
4. Using the output control function of the scan tool, command the CMP actuator solenoid to 20 degrees. The CMP Desired parameter value should match the CMP Angle parameter value.
5. Observe the CMP Variance value, on the scan tool. The CMP Variance value will increment for several seconds, until the CMP Angle value matches the Desired CMP value. The CMP Variance value should then return to zero degrees.
6. Operate the vehicle within the Conditions for Running the DTC. You may also operate the vehicle within the conditions that you observed from the Freeze Frame/Failure Records data.

Circuit/System Testing

Important: You must complete the Circuit/System Verification before proceeding with Circuit/System Testing.


1. Ignition OFF, disconnect the appropriate CMP actuator solenoid harness connector at the appropriate CMP actuator solenoid.
2. Test for less than 1 ohm of resistance between the low reference circuit terminal A and ground.

• If greater than 1 ohm, test the low reference for an open/high resistance. If the circuit tests normal replace the ECM.

3. Connect a test lamp between the control circuit terminal B and the low reference circuit terminal A.
4. Command the CMP actuator solenoid from 0-20 degrees. The test lamp should turn ON and OFF when changing between commanded states.

• If the test lamp is always ON, test the control circuit for a short to voltage. If the circuit tests normal replace the ECM.
• If test lamp is always OFF, test the control circuit for a short to ground, an open/high resistance. If the circuit tests normal replace the ECM.

5. If all circuits test normal, test or replace the CMP Actuator solenoid.

Component Testing

Static Test
1. Ignition OFF, disconnect the appropriate CMP actuator solenoid harness connector at the CMP actuator solenoid.
2. Test for 8-12 ohms of resistance at 25°C (77°F) between the control terminal B and the low reference terminal A of the CMP actuator solenoid.

• If the resistance is not within the specified range, replace the CMP actuator solenoid.

Dynamic Test

Important: Do not allow the solenoid to be energized for more than 2 seconds.


1. Install fused jumper wire between the control terminal B and 12 volts. Install a jumper wire between the low reference terminal A and momentarily connect to ground.
2. Listen for the solenoid to click.

• If the function does not perform as specified, replace the CMP actuator solenoid.

Repair Instructions

Perform the Diagnostic Repair Verification (Verification Tests) after completing the diagnostic procedure.

* Control Module References (Programming and Relearning) for ECM replacement, setup, and programming
* Camshaft Position Actuator Solenoid Valve Solenoid Replacement - Bank 1 (Right Side) Intake (Service and Repair)
* Camshaft Position Actuator Solenoid Valve Solenoid Replacement - Bank 1 (Right Side) Exhaust (Service and Repair)
* Camshaft Position Actuator Solenoid Valve Solenoid Replacement - Bank 2 (Left Side) Intake (Service and Repair)
* Camshaft Position Actuator Solenoid Valve Solenoid Replacement - Bank 2 (Left Side) Exhaust (Service and Repair)
* Camshaft Timing Drive Components Cleaning and Inspection ()

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