This bulletin applies to a number of Chevy vehicles including 2013-2014 Captiva, 2006-2010 Cobalt, 2010-2017 Equinox, 2006-2011 HHR, 2014 Impala and 2007-2013 Malibu, equipped with a 2.0, 2.2 or 2.4L engine. While the engine may be properly timed, a crank-no-start issue may be present, accompanied by DTC P0016 and/or P0017.
This may be the result of a camshaft reluctor that has moved on the camshaft. The reluctor is press-fit and is not keyed to the camshaft. An overheat condition may contribute to this concern, causing the camshaft reluctor to spin/shift. If the reluctor moves far enough, it can create a crank-no-start condition. On rare occasions, the engine may crank and not run and not set any codes. This could be caused by a spun camshaft reluctor or a faulty camshaft position sensor or solenoid, or a faulty mass airflow sensor.
To check the exhaust cam reluctor position on the 2.4L LE5 engine only, with the exhaust camshaft positioned so that the valves for #4 cylinder are at maximum lift (fully open valves), the reluctor should be flush/parallel to the rocker cover gasket surface. If the reluctor position does not line up correctly, the exhaust cam must be replaced.
To check the intake cam reluctor position on the 2.4L LE5 engine, with the intake cam positioned so that the valves for #1 cylinder are at max lift, the reluctor should be flush/parallel to the rocker cover gasket surface. If not, replace the intake cam. The reluctor position on other engines may vary, so check with the service manual.
If the engine cranks but does not start and no codes are set, unplug one sensor or solenoid and crank the engine to see if it runs. Plug the sensor or solenoid back in and unplug a different one and crank to see if it runs. Perform this procedure for: intake cam position solenoid, exhaust cam position solenoid, intake cam position sensor, exhaust cam position sensor and the mass airflow sensor. If the engine cranks and runs with one of these sensors or solenoids unplugged, typically that sensor is faulty.
