P0024 on 2014-2019 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 5.3L: Causes and Fixes for Over-Advanced Exhaust Cam Timing

What's Unique About the 2014-2019 Chevrolet Silverado 1500

The L83 V8 engine in this generation of Silverado relies heavily on clean, correct-viscosity engine oil (0W-20 full synthetic) for both the VVT system and the Active Fuel Management (AFM) system. Oil-related issues are a primary driver for this code. While the solenoid is the most common failed part, it's often a symptom of oil contamination. The solenoids themselves are identical for intake and exhaust, allowing for a simple diagnostic swap. A key vehicle-specific challenge is that replacing the Bank 2 (passenger side) solenoids requires removing the engine motor mount and its bracket for access, making it a more involved job than replacing the Bank 1 (driver's side) solenoids.

Generation note: The 2014-2019 year range primarily covers the K2XX generation of the Silverado 1500. However, 2019 was a split year; Chevrolet also sold the all-new T1XX generation. This guide specifically applies to the K2XX models (2014-2018) and the 2019 'Silverado 1500 LD' (Legacy/Limited) which continued the K2XX platform with the L83 engine.

Symptoms You May Notice

• Check Engine Light illuminated
• Rough or unstable engine idle
• Engine hesitation or sluggish acceleration
• Reduced fuel economy
• Hard starting
• Engine stalling in some cases
• Rattling or knocking sounds from the engine

Most Likely Causes

1. Faulty Bank 2 Exhaust Camshaft Position Actuator Solenoid 🔴 High Probability → Shop Engine Camshaft The solenoid's internal filter screens can become clogged with debris from the engine oil, or the solenoid coil can fail electronically, causing it to stick. This is a known failure point on GM vehicles. Accessing the Bank 2 solenoids requires removal of the passenger side motor mount and bracket, adding significant labor compared to the easily accessible Bank 1 solenoids.
   How to confirm: Swap the Bank 2 exhaust (lower) solenoid with the Bank 2 intake (upper) solenoid. Clear codes and drive. If the code changes to P0021 ('A' Camshaft Position - Timing Over-Advanced Bank 2), the original exhaust solenoid is bad. 🎬 Watch a detailed breakdown of P0024 causes and fixes. You can also test the solenoid's resistance with a multimeter; it should be between 8 and 13 ohms. A scan tool can also be used to command the solenoid on and off to check for an engine response.
   Typical fix: Replace the Bank 2 exhaust camshaft position actuator solenoid.
   Est. part cost: $40-$80
2. Low, Dirty, or Incorrect Viscosity Engine Oil 🟡 Medium Probability The VVT system is hydraulic and extremely sensitive to oil pressure and cleanliness. The L83 engine specifies 0W-20 synthetic oil. Using thicker oil or extending oil change intervals can clog the small passages in the solenoids and phasers.
   How to confirm: Check the oil level on the dipstick and inspect the oil's condition and color. Check service records for the last oil change date and the type of oil used.
   Typical fix: Perform an oil and filter change using a high-quality full synthetic 0W-20 oil and a new ACDelco oil filter. Some mechanics recommend using an engine flush product before draining the old oil to help break up sludge.
   Est. part cost: $50-$100

Rare But Worth Checking

• Failing Camshaft Phaser: → Shop Engine Camshaft If the solenoid has been replaced and the oil is clean, the issue could be the phaser itself. The phaser is a mechanical gear on the end of the camshaft that can get stuck due to internal wear or debris. This is a much more involved and expensive repair.
• Wiring or Connector Issues: The wiring harness or connector to the solenoid can become damaged, causing an intermittent connection. Inspect the connector for broken pins and the harness for any signs of abrasion or heat damage.
• Software Anomaly: A GM TechLink article from May 2019 notes that on 2014-2019 L83/L86 engines, VVT performance codes including P0024 can be set due to a software anomaly that occurs during certain engine restart conditions. This may require a dealer visit for a software update.

Diagnosis Steps

1. Read the code with an OBD-II scanner and confirm P0024 is present.
2. Check the engine oil level and condition. If it is low, dirty, or the wrong viscosity, perform a full oil and filter change with 0W-20 synthetic oil. Consider using an engine flush beforehand. Clear the code and see if it returns.
3. If the code returns, locate the camshaft position actuator solenoids on the front of the passenger side (Bank 2) cylinder head. The exhaust solenoid is the lower of the two.
4. CRITICAL FOR BANK 2: Access to the Bank 2 solenoids is blocked by the engine motor mount and its bracket. You must support the engine from underneath and remove the motor mount and then the large bracket bolted to the block to create clearance. 🎬 Watch this video walkthrough of the motor mount removal and solenoid replacement. This makes the job significantly more difficult than Bank 1.
5. Disconnect the electrical connector and remove the single 10mm bolt holding the solenoid in place.
6. Carefully pull and twist the solenoid to remove it from the cylinder head. Inspect its screens for metal shavings or sludge.
7. For a definitive test, swap the exhaust solenoid with the intake solenoid (the upper one on the same head). Reinstall both solenoids and the motor mount/bracket. Clear the codes.
8. Drive the vehicle. If the code changes to P0021, the original exhaust solenoid is confirmed to be faulty. Purchase and install a new solenoid.
9. If P0024 returns after the swap, the problem is not the solenoid. Further diagnosis of the wiring, oil passages, or the camshaft phaser itself is required, which may necessitate professional help.

Parts You'll Likely Need

• Engine Variable Valve Timing (VVT) Solenoid / Camshaft Position Actuator Solenoid (OEM #12681018) — This is the most common failure point for code P0024. It gets clogged with debris or fails electronically, causing it to stick.
  Trusted brands: ACDelco (GM OE), Delphi
  OEM price range: $50-$90
  Aftermarket price range: $30-$60

Related Codes That Often Appear With This One

• P0014 — This is the equivalent code for the exhaust camshaft on Bank 1 (driver's side). If both appear, it strongly suggests a systemic issue like old/dirty oil or low oil pressure affecting both banks of the engine.
• P0021 — This code for the intake camshaft on Bank 2 may appear if a technician swaps the intake and exhaust solenoids for diagnostic purposes and the exhaust solenoid was the faulty part.
• P0011, P0014, P0021 — A GM TechLink article indicates that a software anomaly can cause multiple or all VVT phaser performance DTCs to set at once on these engines.

Technical Service Bulletins (TSBs) & Recalls

• GM TechLink - May 2019: Mentions a software anomaly on 2014-2019 L83/L86 engines that can cause multiple VVT codes, including P0024, to set simultaneously.
• PIE0369: An engineering information bulletin from 2016 requesting data on VVT codes (including P0024) on V6 engines, outlining the solenoid swap as a key diagnostic step.
• N232430470: A Special Coverage program for 2020 Colorado/Canyon models extending the warranty for failures of the Bank 2 exhaust camshaft actuator that cause code P0024.

Platform-Specific Known Issues

• A GM Special Coverage program (N232430470) was issued for 2020 Chevrolet Colorado and GMC Canyon models for this exact failure (Bank 2 exhaust actuator) causing code P0024. While the Silverado is not covered, it demonstrates a known pattern of failure for this component family in GM trucks.
• A May 2019 GM TechLink article acknowledges that P0024, often with other VVT codes, can be set by a software glitch on 2014-2019 models with L83/L86 engines.

Mechanic-Grade Diagnostic Values

• VVT Actuator Solenoid Resistance — expected: 8 to 13 Ohms. Failure: A reading of 0 Ohms indicates a short circuit. A very high or infinite reading (OL, Mega-Ohms) indicates an open circuit. Readings that fluctuate wildly when wiggling the connector indicate an internal failure.
• VVT Solenoid Bench Test — expected: Audible click and visible movement of the internal plunger when 12V and ground are applied to the pins.. Failure: No movement or sound when power is applied indicates the solenoid is mechanically stuck.

Scan Tool Commands That Help

• GDS2 / Professional Scan Tool: Camshaft Position Actuator Solenoid Control — Used to command the solenoid on and off while the engine is running to see if there is a corresponding change in engine performance or in the actual vs. desired camshaft angle PIDs. A lack of response points to a faulty solenoid, clogged oil passage, or wiring issue.

Wiring & Ground Locations

• VVT System Fuses — In the underhood fuse block.. Power for the VVT solenoids is supplied through dedicated fuses. On similar GM truck platforms, these include fuses F74, F87, F88, F89, F90, F91, F100, F101, F102 and relay 92. A blown fuse will deactivate the solenoid and can set a control circuit code, but may also contribute to performance codes like P0024.
• Main Engine Ground — A ground strap runs from the negative battery cable directly to the passenger side cylinder head.. A poor ground connection at this point can cause a variety of electrical issues for sensors and actuators on the engine, including the VVT solenoids.
• Chassis/Body Ground — A key ground point is located on the passenger side chassis, behind the front wheel splash shield.. The ECM and other modules rely on clean chassis grounds. Corrosion or looseness at this point, which is exposed to road spray, can cause intermittent and hard-to-diagnose electrical faults.

OEM Part Supersession History

• 12633123, 12734067 → 12681018 — Standard part evolution for improved reliability or manufacturing efficiency.
  Heads up: The new part number (12681018) is a direct replacement for the older numbers on this platform.

Diagnostic Flowchart

Other Known Issues on This Vehicle

Issues unrelated to this code that are worth knowing about as an owner of this generation:

• AFM/DFM Lifter Failure 🔴 High — Widespread issue, particularly in 2014-2021 models. Can occur as early as 50,000 miles but is common from 80,000-150,000 miles. (Ref: Multiple TSBs exist, including 15-06-01-002E, addressing diagnosis and repair.)
• 8-Speed Transmission Shudder (8L90/8L45) 🟠 Medium — Very common in 2015-2019 models equipped with the 8-speed automatic. Shudder is often felt between 40-70 mph under light throttle. (Ref: TSB 18-NA-355 recommends a fluid flush with a specific Mobil 1 synthetic ATF as the first step.)
• Cracked Dashboard 🟡 Low — Extremely common on the preceding GMT900 platform (up to 2014) and still reported on early K2XX models. Cracks typically form around the instrument panel and passenger airbag area. (Ref: No recall was issued. A class-action lawsuit was filed but ultimately dismissed.)

Used vs. New Parts: Buying Guide for This Vehicle

When a used part is the smart pick: A used VVT solenoid from a junkyard can be a cost-effective option, but it is a significant gamble. This part's failure is heavily linked to oil quality and maintenance history. A used part should only be considered if it comes from a very low-mileage, verified running donor vehicle and includes a warranty.

Donor-vehicle mileage cap: roughly under 50000 miles for the part to have meaningful remaining life.

What to inspect on the donor part:

• Ask for the VIN of the donor vehicle to check its history.
• Inspect the solenoid's screens for any signs of sludge or metallic debris. If they are not perfectly clean, do not buy it.
• Check the plastic connector for any cracks or brittleness.
• If possible, test the resistance with a multimeter before purchase; it should be between 8-13 ohms.

OEM-only on this vehicle (don't cheap out):

• While not strictly 'OEM-only', electronic components like the VVT solenoid have a much higher rate of success when using the OEM (ACDelco) or original supplier (e.g., Delphi) part. The labor involved, especially for Bank 2, makes it unwise to risk a low-quality part failing prematurely.

Aftermarket brands forum-validated for this vehicle:

• ACDelco (GM Original Equipment)
• Delphi (Often the OE supplier)
• Hitachi (Reported by some to be an OE supplier and a reliable alternative)

Brands owners have reported issues with on this vehicle:

• Dorman: While Dorman makes some excellent replacement parts, their electronic components like sensors and solenoids have a reputation among professional mechanics for higher-than-average failure rates.
• No-name/white-box brands from online marketplaces.

Real Owner Stories

Aggregated from forums and TSBs cited above. Mileages and costs reflect what owners reported in those sources.

Related OBD-II Codes

• P0021 — This code ('A' Camshaft Position - Timing Over-Advanced Bank 2) will appear if the faulty Bank 2 exhaust solenoid is swapped with the Bank 2 intake solenoid during diagnosis.
• P0014 — A related VVT code often diagnosed alongside P0024, involving the exhaust camshaft timing on Bank 1.
• P0011 — A VVT timing code that may set simultaneously with P0024 due to the software glitch identified in the May 2019 GM TechLink article.
• P0017 — A crankshaft/camshaft correlation code that can be triggered by the same oil sludge or solenoid debris issues that cause P0024.

Frequently Asked Questions