P0011 on 2018-2019 Chevrolet Traverse: Causes for Camshaft Timing Over-Advanced

What's Unique About the 2018-2019 Chevrolet TRAVERSE

What's unique to the 2018-2019 Traverse and its platform mates (like the Buick Enclave and Cadillac XT5) is how this code interacts with the auto start/stop system. Multiple Technical Service Bulletins (TSBs) from Chevrolet directly link P0011 to rough running, reduced power, or stalling specifically when the vehicle is stopped and the start/stop feature engages. Unlike many other vehicles where P0011 points immediately to a mechanical part, on this Traverse the primary documented cause is often a software glitch that requires an ECM reprogram from a dealer.

Diagnostic Flowchart

Tap your situation to follow the diagnostic path that matches what you're seeing on this vehicle.

Symptoms You May Notice

• Check Engine Light (MIL) is on
• Engine runs rough, especially during an auto-stop event.
• Reduced engine power.
• Engine may stall, particularly when stopped.
• Low or unstable idle.
• Transmission shudder.
• Hard starting.
• Decreased fuel economy.
• Surging RPMs during light acceleration.

Most Likely Causes

1. Engine Control Module (ECM) Software 🔴 High Probability As documented in TSB N192266190, the factory ECM software may incorrectly command the camshafts during auto start/stop events, triggering the fault, often along with P0014, P0021, and P0024.
   How to confirm: A Chevrolet dealer can check if your vehicle's VIN is covered by TSB N192266190 in the GM Global Warranty Management system. This should be the first step if multiple cam codes are present.
   Typical fix: Reprogram the Engine Control Module (ECM) with updated software. This must be done by a dealer or a qualified shop with the correct tools and a stable power supply.
   Est. part cost: $0-$200
2. Low or Dirty Engine Oil 🔴 High Probability The VVT system is hydraulic and relies on clean oil at the correct pressure. The 3.6L LGX engine is sensitive to oil quality. Using oil that is low, past its change interval, or does not meet the GM dexos1 Gen 2 5W-30 specification can cause the solenoids to respond slowly or stick. An owner with multiple cam codes including P0011 found the issue was resolved simply by topping off very low engine oil. 🎬 See why you should check your oil before replacing parts.
   How to confirm: Check the engine oil level on the dipstick and inspect its condition. If it's low, dark, or sludgy, it needs to be changed. The presence of all four camshaft codes (P0011, P0014, P0021, P0024) can be a strong indicator of a low oil level.
   Typical fix: Perform an oil and filter change using a full synthetic oil that meets the GM dexos1 specification (typically SAE 5W-30) and a quality oil filter.
   Est. part cost: $50-$100
3. Faulty Camshaft Position Actuator Solenoid (Bank 1 Intake) 🟡 Medium Probability → Shop Engine Camshaft These solenoids control oil flow to the cam phasers. Their fine mesh screens can become clogged with debris from dirty oil, or the solenoid can fail electrically over time. They are a common failure point on the LGX engine family.
   How to confirm: A mechanic can command the solenoid with a scan tool to check its response. A common DIY method is to swap the intake solenoid with the exhaust solenoid on the same bank (if identical) and see if the code changes to P0014. The solenoid can also be removed (one 10mm bolt) and inspected for sludge or a stuck pintle, or tested with a multimeter for a resistance between 7 and 13 ohms. 🎬 Watch: A step-by-step guide to replacing the actuator solenoid valve.
   Typical fix: Replace the Bank 1 intake camshaft position actuator solenoid. It is located on the firewall-side valve cover. 🎬 Watch: How to replace the VVT solenoid on the LGX engine. All four solenoids on the LGX engine are often the same part number.
   Est. part cost: $30-$90
4. Faulty Camshaft Position Sensor (Bank 1 Intake) ⚪ Low Probability → Shop Engine Camshaft Position Sensor While less common than solenoid failure, the sensor that reads the camshaft's position can fail, sending incorrect data to the ECM. This is often misdiagnosed when the solenoid is the actual problem.
   How to confirm: A technician can monitor the sensor's output with a scan tool or oscilloscope to check for an erratic or missing signal. A failing sensor may also cause long crank or no-start conditions.
   Typical fix: Replace the Bank 1 intake camshaft position sensor.
   Est. part cost: $25-$70

Rare But Worth Checking

• Stretched Timing Chain or Worn Timing Components: → Shop Engine Timing Chain The newer 3.6L LGX engine has a more robust timing chain design than its LFX predecessor, making chain stretch less common. However, other TSBs like PIP5652A for other GM engines do mention that a stuck timing chain tensioner can cause rattle noises and set codes like P0011. This is a major repair and is often accompanied by other codes like P0016 or P0017.

Diagnosis Steps

1. Check the engine oil level and condition. If low, dirty, or not the correct dexos1 spec oil, perform an oil and filter change. This is the simplest and a very common fix.
2. Use an OBD-II scanner to check for other related trouble codes. The presence of P0014, P0021, and P0024 together is a strong indicator of the software issue or a systemic oiling problem.
3. Contact a Chevrolet dealer with your VIN to determine if TSB #N192266190 is open for your vehicle. If so, an ECM reprogram is the next logical step.
4. If software is not the issue, inspect the wiring and connector for the Bank 1 (firewall side) intake camshaft actuator solenoid and position sensor.
5. Test the Bank 1 intake camshaft actuator solenoid. This can be done by swapping it with the exhaust solenoid on the same bank (they are typically the same part) and seeing if the code changes to P0014. The solenoid is held by a single 10mm bolt. Alternatively, test its resistance, which should be between 7-13 Ohms.
6. If the solenoid is good, test the camshaft position sensor by monitoring its signal with a scan tool.
7. If all of the above steps fail to resolve the issue, a deeper mechanical diagnosis is needed to check for a stretched timing chain, faulty cam phaser, or leaking internal oil seals, which may require a professional.

Parts You'll Likely Need

• Camshaft Position Actuator Solenoid (OEM #12687219 (may be superseded by 12679099)) — This is the most common mechanical part to fail that causes P0011, usually due to oil contamination or electrical failure. All four solenoids on the 3.6L LGX are often identical.
  Trusted brands: ACDelco, Delphi, Dorman
  OEM price range: $50-$90
  Aftermarket price range: $30-$60

Related Codes That Often Appear With This One

• P0014 — This is the code for the exhaust camshaft on Bank 1. Both often set together as they are on the same cylinder bank. TSB N192266190 mentions them setting in pairs or groups.
• P0021 — This is the code for the intake camshaft on Bank 2 (radiator side). Seeing P0011 and P0021 together strongly suggests a systemic issue like low oil pressure/quality or the ECM software glitch mentioned in TSBs.
• P0024 — This is the code for the exhaust camshaft on Bank 2. Its appearance with P0011 points to a systemic issue like oil pressure or an ECM fault rather than a single component failure.

Technical Service Bulletins (TSBs) & Recalls

• N192266190 02 / N192266190: Addresses rough running, reduced power, or stalling during auto start/stop events, setting P0011 and other cam codes. The fix is an ECM reprogram.
• PIP5568E: Notes an official investigation into P0011, P0014, P0021, and P0024 setting together, indicating it's a known issue.
• 17-NA-317: Mentions P0011 in conjunction with a lit Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL), transmission shudder, and low idle conditions.
• PIP5652A: While for a different engine (2.0L LSY), it shows a precedent for P0011 being caused by a stuck timing chain tensioner, which could be a rare possibility on the 3.6L if other causes are ruled out.

Platform-Specific Known Issues

• TSB N192266190 documents that on some vehicles, during an auto-start event, the engine may run rough, have reduced power, or stall, setting DTCs P0011, P0014, P0021, and/or P0024. The official fix is to reprogram the Engine Control Module (ECM).
• Owners on forums describe frustrating experiences where intermittent stalling and drivability issues related to the auto start/stop system are difficult for dealers to reproduce, even when codes are stored.

Mechanic-Grade Diagnostic Values

• Camshaft Position Actuator Solenoid (VVT Solenoid) Resistance — expected: 7-13 Ω. Failure: A reading outside this range, or an open/short circuit (OL or 0 Ω), indicates a faulty solenoid.
• Camshaft Position Sensor Voltage (Key On, Engine Off) — expected: Power Wire: ~12V (Battery Voltage); Signal Wire: ~5V; Ground Wire: <10 Ω resistance to chassis ground.. Failure: Missing or incorrect voltage on power/signal wires, or high resistance on the ground circuit, points to a wiring or ECM issue, not a bad sensor.
• Scan Tool 'Camshaft Position Variance' PID — expected: A small, stable value near 0 degrees at idle.. Failure: A large or erratic variance that does not respond when the solenoid is commanded with a scan tool indicates a mechanical or hydraulic issue.

Scan Tool Commands That Help

• GDS2 / Tech2 (or equivalent professional scanner): Camshaft Position Actuator Solenoid Control / Test — This bidirectional command is used to manually activate and deactivate the VVT solenoid while the engine is running. A technician can observe a change in engine idle or monitor the 'Camshaft Position Variance' PID to confirm if the solenoid is mechanically functioning and if oil is flowing to the phaser. No change suggests a stuck solenoid, clogged oil passage, or wiring issue.

Wiring & Ground Locations

• Cylinder Head Grounds — On similar GM V6 engines, there are ground connections on the back of the cylinder heads that serve various sensors.. A poor ground connection on the Bank 1 (firewall side) cylinder head could cause an erratic signal from the camshaft position sensor or actuator solenoid, leading to a false code. Checking that these grounds are clean and tight is a valuable step in diagnosing electrical issues.
• ECM Connector Pin (Reference) — At the Engine Control Module (ECM). On a similar GM platform, the Bank 1 *Exhaust* solenoid control circuit is Pin 13 (Light Green wire) on connector C1.. While this is for the exhaust solenoid, it indicates the location and type of connection to look for. A technician with a vehicle-specific wiring diagram can use this as a reference to locate the correct pin for the Bank 1 *Intake* solenoid to perform continuity and voltage checks between the ECM and the solenoid connector.

Real Owner Repair Stories

• 2CarPros Forum User 'Sisco' (Vehicle with 3.6L V6 engine (Saturn Outlook, platform mate to first-gen Traverse)) — Codes P0011, P0014, P0021, and P0024 all present, along with a StabiliTrak warning. Engine was running sluggish with noise.
  ❌ Tried (didn't work) Initially suspected faulty sensors.
  ✅ What actually fixed it The user checked the oil and found it was very low. After adding two quarts of oil and clearing the codes, all symptoms and codes disappeared and the engine returned to normal operation.
• Reddit User 'wadenelsonredditor' (2011 Chevrolet Malibu (different vehicle, but relevant VVT system)) — Intermittent P0010 and P0011 codes.
  ✅ What actually fixed it Replacing both the Intake & Exhaust Camshaft Position Actuator VVT Solenoids. The user noted it was an easy self-repair and recommended performing an oil change first before replacing parts.

"I Checked Everything" — The Actual Cause

• In cases where P0011 (often with P0014, P0021, P0024) persists after replacing solenoids and verifying oil pressure, the root cause can be internal hydraulic pressure loss. On many GM V6 engines, small Teflon sealing rings are located under the front camshaft journal cap to seal oil passages for the VVT system. As these seals age, they can degrade and leak pressurized oil intended for the cam phasers. This causes the phasers to respond slowly or not at all, triggering the codes, even though all external components test perfectly.

OEM Part Supersession History

• 12655420, 12646783, 12628347 → 12679099 — Part revision and consolidation by GM.
  Heads up: Part number 12679099 is a widely used VVT solenoid for many GM engines. On the 3.6L LGX, all four VVT solenoids (Intake/Exhaust for Bank 1/2) are often the same part number, making them interchangeable. The part number 12687219 from the Pass 2 analysis is also a valid solenoid, and while not explicitly listed as being superseded by 12679099, they are likely interchangeable for this application.

Model Year Variations Within This Range

• 2018-2019: For the standard 3.6L V6 LGX engine, there are no significant mechanical or electrical system differences between the 2018 and 2019 model years that would alter the diagnosis or common causes of a P0011 code. The primary TSB (N192266190) applies to both years. The only notable powertrain variation was a 2.0L Turbo engine offered exclusively in the 2019 RS trim, which was discontinued afterward.