Low engine oil level and harsh shifts

Jan. 1, 2020
Some Chevrolet Cobalt vehicles equipped with the 2.4L engine and the 4T45E transaxle, may exhibit a check engine light that is on with Diagnostic Trouble codes P0010 or P0011.

Some Chevrolet Cobalt vehicles equipped with the 2.4L engine (Variable Valve Timing) and the 4T45E transaxle, may exhibit a check engine light that is on with Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs) P0010 Intake Camshaft Position Actuator Solenoid Control Circuit fault or P0011Intake Camshaft Position Actuator Solenoid System performance fault, along with harsh shifts.

The cause may be low engine oil or a faulty Intake CMP actuator causing a performance problem with the actuator. Both of these codes cause a computer strategy to raise line pressure causing the shifts to be harsh. This is not a Transmission problem!

To correct this condition, clear diagnostic trouble codes and verify that the engine oil level is correct. This is the first step in the diagnostic tree, as low engine oil can cause improper control of the Intake CMP actuator. Drive the vehicle to see if the code resets, if the P0010 resets, refer to the appropriate factory manual to check the electrical circuit of the actuator.

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About the Author

Wayne Colonna | POWERTRAIN PRO Publisher

Wayne Colonna is president of the Automatic Transmission Service Group (ATSG) in Cutler Bay, Fla., and a frequent speaker/instructor for transmission training around the globe.

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