2011 Buick Regal CXL 2.4 is driving me insane!!!!!

Hello, I'd like to have some assistance on Error Code P0013-OO exhaust camshaft position actuator solenoid control circuit bank 1. I was advised to replace the exhaust camshaft solenoid valve which was done today but I am still having issues with the vehicle. Immediately after replacing the solenoid valve, the check engine light came back on. If I start the ignition and allow it to run for a while, the car would lose power and shut off. While driving, the car runs fine, when I approach a stop, the car would begin jerking and lose power again. It can start immediately after losing power and I drive normally but whenever the car is idle, it loses power. Additionally, before all of the above mentioned symptoms, whenever I shut off the ignition, the engine would sputter and have a "hard shut off" if that makes sense. Your input please. This is driving me crazy!

Hey Dash! Welcome to the forums!

First off, just to be clear, you've rechecked codes since the light came back on, and you got the same P0013? Also, did you do the solenoid replacement yourself, or someone else?

The P0013 code is very common, and usually IS a solenoid failure. It's unusual, however, to associate an engine running problem with that code. When the PCM detects a circuit problem for those VVT solenoids, it simply shuts the VVT off. What you're describing with the jerking and low power suggests another issue. Possibly related to the VVT, like the cams sticking, or possibly something else entirely.

What kind of scanner do you have access to? Just need to know so I know what kind of testing to suggest next.

Hi Tyler, thank you.

No I had someone else complete the scan, a mechanic but no one that is familiar with the wiring. Yes we rechecked the code since the check engine light came back on and still getting the same code. I will insert a few photos following this post. I'm not certain if the photos can assist you with determining the scanner. I did however received an additional two trouble codes both of which are no longer showing up when scanned after replacing an O2 sensor and both camshaft sensors.

almost sounds like a broken wire, since you said you replaced the solenoid and it came right back on.

Dash Deshay wrote: Hi Tyler, thank you.

No I had someone else complete the scan, a mechanic but no one that is familiar with the wiring. Yes we rechecked the code since the check engine light came back on and still getting the same code. I will insert a few photos following this post. I'm not certain if the photos can assist you with determining the scanner. I did however received an additional two trouble codes both of which are no longer showing up when scanned after replacing an O2 sensor and both camshaft sensors.

OK cool, I'll keep an eye out for the photos.

Was the O2 and cam sensors replaced after the exhaust solenoid?

check terminal b its going to be a ground, its either brown and white or blk and violet depending on if its early production or late production. if you have a ground id focus on the other wire that's the control wire

No, the o2 and camshaft sensors were replaced before the exhaust solenoid valve.

Okay great, I will have someone look into that.

Error Code

Error Code

They are all old photos before any work was done to the vehicle. The scan now shows error code P0172 Fuel Trim system rich as passed. The only other error code is now P0013.

Here's a video Paul did covering these solenoids and their testing. Hopefully this helps.

Thank you!

I will have the team view the video today when they come to do the inspection. I am realizing that the car drives perfectly when the engine is cool/sits overnight. After driving it for a while, it begins jerking/sputtering then eventually lose power when idle.

Dash! You still out there?

I think I just put together your symptoms. Rough idle, the P0172 fault code, the 'dieseling' (trying to keep running after the key is shut off), all are symptomatic of a leaking high pressure fuel pump. The pump leaks into the crankcase, which ends up in the PCV system, resulting in the rich condition AND the dieseling. Rough idle is a result of the rich condition.

Anyway, I think the P0013 is a red herring. I knew from the beginning that code and your symptoms didn't fit, and now I know why. The easiest way to prove the leaking pump is to pull the oil dipstick and smell for gas. If you smell raw fuel, then it's very likely the high pressure pump has failed.

HI Tyler,

Funny thing is I did not have the rough idle at the time the computer scan gave the P0172 code. The car ran normally with no driving issues. We got rid of the P0172 code by replacing the O2 sensor ironically. I will take your advice and check the smell for gas on the oil dipstick. I am supposed to take it to the repair store on Saturday. When I explained the issue that I am having with the car they are saying it sounds more like an electrical issue. I think this may very well be the case because while my engine was running, the mechanic shook one set of wires and the car just lost power with a hard shut down.

Awwww man! :lol: And I was all happy that I put the pieces together. :silly:

Oh well, thanks for getting back to me. Let us know what you find out?

:lol: Thank you!! I most definitely will. I'm just hoping its a minor issue and not something completely major. I'll keep you updated.

Hey Tyler,

I was advised that it's a timing issue so I have to purchase a complete timing chain kit. How convenient.

A timing issue? :huh: That's kinda surprising to hear... Did you happen to get any more details as to the exact nature of the problem?

These 2.4's (and most newer GM's) are very good at catching timing problems on their own. They have specific DTC's related to cam/crank correlation problems, and P0013 isn't one of them. Here's another thread we had going recently on an older 2.4L with a correlation code:

scannerdanner.com/forum/post-your-repair...ed.html?limitstart=0

You'd mentioned that you can run the engine cold with no problems, but run into the rough idle and stalling once warmed up. This doesn't match a base timing problem. The only thing I can think of that'd account for this would be a sticking camshaft actuator, BUT I think we'd be seeing cam/crank codes if that were the case. :blink:

Yeah I'm getting a second opinion because the repair cost is about $340 excluding parts. I can't find the kit here locally (Bahamas) and i really don't want to spend about 5-6 hundred dollars due to incorrect diagnosis. The error code p0013 does mention exactly on the computer "exhaust camshaft position actuator solenoid control circuit bank 1". I will review the thread mentioned.