Engine light came back on

BJ2

MEMBER
2008 CHEVROLET IMPALA
4.5L
6 CYL
2WD
AUTOMATIC
177,000 MILES

I have replaced P0010 code; camshaft sensor, in my LT twice, thought maybe the first one was bad. Is there an underline problem that could be why engine light keeps coming on after replacing it twice? And the car seem to be using a lot of gas. I have an ODB2 scanner.
All scan come back with code P0010.
What more can I do to fix that problem?

1 Reply

HARRY P

MECHANIC
2,293 POSTS

P0010 is not for a camshaft position sensor problem. It is for the Camshaft position actuator.

What the actuator does: The camshaft position (CMP) actuator is attached to the camshaft and is hydraulically operated in order to change the angle of the camshaft relative to crankshaft position (CKP). The CMP actuator solenoid is controlled by the engine control module (ECM). The ECM sends a pulse width modulated twelve volt signal to a CMP actuator solenoid. The solenoid controls the amount of engine oil flow to the CMP actuator by extending a pintle within the solenoid. The pintle acts against a spool valve in the CMP actuator mechanism which is attached to the front of the camshaft. As the spool valve is moved, oil is directed to the CMP actuator, which rotates the camshaft. The CMP actuator can change the cam angle a maximum of twenty seven degrees.

What the code means: The ECM detects that the state of the driver and the state of the circuit do not match. The ECM will detect an open, short to ground, or a short to voltage on the high control circuit or an open on the low reference circuit for more than 6.25 seconds.

Basically you need to check the cam position actuator wiring for shorts or other issues. If you cannot find any apparent issues there, then you likely just need a new actuator.