2006 HHR 2.4 Automatic, 155K. Pulling code P0014. Did oil and filter change and replaced ntake and Exhaust Camshaft Actuator Solenoids. Also replaced spark plugs and oil and air filter at the same time. Drove for about 10 miles and CEL and TC lights both came on again. Hard shifting. Code P0014 reappeared. No rattling on start up. Sluggish acceleration and seemingly running rich indicates to me timing is still wrong despite replacing the solenoids. Suggestions on where to look next?

 

Welcome to the forum.

When you replaced the solenoids, did you erase the p0014 code via a code reader, or erase it via disconnecting the battery Neg side for a short while? If not, give that a try.

Some people have had problems with solenoids that were of dubious quality (but the price was right) - what was the brand of the solenoids, and do you have a link to them on the web?

Do a double check on the MAF sensor connection on the intake tube - a few people have had problems with it not being connected properly, or have forgotten to plug it back in - that can cause rough running etc.

Lastly, what spark plugs did you install? These engines for whatever reason favor Ac Delco plugs - any other has often caused rough running and or throws code due to misfires:
2.2L/2.4L - AC Delco part number 41-103 (iridium)
2.0L Turbo - AC Delco part number 41-108 (iridium)

 

I had the negative disconnected for well over an hour while I did all the stuff I was doing, so it should have cleared. The code didn't reappear until about 10 miles after I started driving again, so I'm assuming it cleared. I did double check the MAF as I've done that before, but it's tight. Wondering if it needs to be cleaned. Bought some MAF cleaner but haven't gotten to it yet. I also checked the connections on the solenoids and they look tight also. I used Delco Iridiums. It's all I ever put in that engine. As for the solenoids, I did get them off Amazon so maybe that's my issue. Powerworks brand. Fit perfect but maybe I should find some Delcos to put in?

 

Delco’s try RockAuto

 

Ok. Ordered some Delcos through Rock Auto. Will put them in this weekend and hopefully that will make a difference. Might as well clean the MAF Sensor while I'm in there anyway.

 

thanks for the link - loved the one comment on that page:


Question:

Answer: Yes but do not buy, I had to take out after a day. Better off getting ac delco cost more but work these were crap
By Keith on August 22, 2019


The connectors on the top of the solenoids have been difficult for some to figure out how to remove them. Did you encounter any problem or crack/break the plastic hold down for the connector on the end of the harness?

 

There is a possibility that P0014 is warning you about the timing chain.

 

THIS SHOULD BE A BANNER ON THE SITE

For real though, this is one of the most overlooked things with the whole solenoid debacle. the P0010/11 codes are for the actuator solenoids, the 13/14 are for the camshafts. If you have a 13/14 WITHOUT a 10/11 you probably need to have the chain and timing looked at before you have to replace the engine.

Also, to add, the car starts to shift hard to give a physical alert to the driver that there is potentially something very bad going on and needs attention. Does not necessarily mean there is a trans issue. More of a way the engineers startle and alert the owner to have the car serviced. A"limp mode" if you will

 

Usually it is P0016 that indicates the chain because of the physics of a chain drive, but they both indicate there is a problem in the cam timing not in the sensors or solenoids.

P0010 & P0013 are for the electronic circuits, could be a short or open in the coils could be a broken wire.
P0011 & P0014 are for the mechanical bits, could be dirty oil clogging the system or a loose chain, could be a bad sensor. Sensors are passive coils of wire sealed in epoxy.
P0016 & P0017 is definitely some problem with the chain. They both mean that the sensors are functioning and finding a fault NOT that they are malfunctioning

 

My P0016 was the timing chain off one tooth at the Crank sprocket, my fault not triple checking before closing up the front cover. I now clamp the chain in place , while I install the timing chain and cam sprockets.