P0024 on 2018-2019 Chevrolet Traverse: Causes for Over-Advanced Exhaust Cam Timing

What's Unique About the 2018-2019 Chevrolet TRAVERSE

For this specific generation of the Chevrolet Traverse and its platform mates, a primary cause for P0024 is not a faulty part, but an issue with the Engine Control Module's software, particularly after an auto stop/start event. General Motors released Service Update N192266190 acknowledging that P0024, often appearing with P0011, P0014, and P0021, can cause rough running, reduced power, or stalling. The official fix is an ECM reprogram performed by a dealer. This makes checking for applicable TSBs via the vehicle's VIN a critical first step before attempting to replace any parts.

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 illuminated
• Engine running rough, especially at idle
• Reduced engine power or hesitation during acceleration
• Engine stalling, particularly after an auto-stop/start event or when coming to a stop
• Transmission shudder
• Decreased fuel economy
• Rattling or ticking noise from the engine

Most Likely Causes

1. Engine Control Module (ECM) Software Calibration 🔴 High Probability → Shop Engine Control Module (ECM) GM Service Update #N192266190 specifically calls out this group of codes (P0011, P0014, P0021, P0024) as being caused by a software anomaly on 2018 models, often triggered by an auto stop/start event.
   How to confirm: A GM dealer can check your vehicle's VIN against their system to see if Service Update N192266190 is open and applicable. This should be the first step in diagnosis.
   Typical fix: Reprogramming the Engine Control Module (ECM) with updated software. This must be done by a dealer or a qualified shop with access to GM's programming tools.
   Est. part cost: $0 (if covered by warranty/update)
2. Low or Dirty Engine Oil 🔴 High Probability The VVT system is entirely dependent on oil pressure to function. The LGX direct-injection engine requires clean, correct-viscosity oil to prevent sludge from clogging the small passages in the actuator solenoids.
   How to confirm: Check the engine oil level on the dipstick and inspect its condition. If it's low, dark, or past its service life according to the oil life monitor, it needs to be changed.
   Typical fix: Perform an oil and filter change using a full synthetic 5W-30 oil that meets GM's dexos1 Gen 2 specification.
   Est. part cost: $50-$100
3. Faulty Camshaft Actuator Solenoid (Bank 2 Exhaust) 🟡 Medium Probability → Shop Engine Camshaft These solenoids control oil flow to the phasers and can become clogged with sludge or fail electrically, causing them to stick in one position. This is a common failure point on many modern VVT engines.
   How to confirm: A technician can command the solenoid on and off with a scan tool to check its response. A common DIY method is to swap the suspect Bank 2 exhaust solenoid with the Bank 1 exhaust solenoid (if accessible and the same part number) and see if the trouble code changes to P0014.
   Typical fix: Replace the Bank 2 exhaust camshaft actuator solenoid. The Bank 2 solenoids are on the front of the engine (radiator side) and are relatively accessible.
   Est. part cost: $40-$90
4. Faulty Camshaft Position Sensor (Bank 2 Exhaust) ⚪ Low Probability → Shop Engine Camshaft Position Sensor
   How to confirm: Monitor the sensor's output with a scan tool for erratic readings. A failed sensor will often, but not always, set its own specific trouble code (e.g., P0365-P0369). It is far less likely to be the cause than the actuator solenoid for a P0024 code.
   Typical fix: Replace the Bank 2 exhaust camshaft position sensor.
   Est. part cost: $30-$70

Rare But Worth Checking

• Worn Timing Chain or Components: → Shop Engine Timing Chain While the LGX engine has an improved timing chain system compared to its predecessors, excessive wear or a stretched chain can still cause timing correlation codes. This is a complex and expensive repair, often accompanied by rattling noises on startup.
• Failed Camshaft Phaser: → Shop Engine Camshaft The phaser is the mechanical gear at the end of the camshaft that is hydraulically adjusted. It can fail internally, break, or get stuck in the advanced position. This is also a significant mechanical repair requiring removal of the valve cover and timing components.
• Electrical System Issues: In some documented cases on similar GM V6 engines, a P0024 code was ultimately traced to a poor electrical ground or a corroded battery terminal, which can cause erratic voltage to the ECM and its components.

Diagnosis Steps

1. Contact a GM dealer with your VIN to determine if Service Update N192266190 is open for your vehicle. If it is, this is the first and most likely fix.
2. Check the engine oil level and condition. The VVT system is highly sensitive to oil quality and level. Perform an oil change with full synthetic 5W-30 dexos1 Gen 2 oil if it is low, dirty, or near the end of its life.
3. Using an OBD-II scanner, check for any other accompanying codes. The presence of P0011, P0014, and P0021 strongly suggests the software issue.
4. Inspect the wiring and connector for the Bank 2 (front/radiator side) exhaust camshaft actuator solenoid for any damage or corrosion.
5. If software and oil are ruled out, test the solenoid. With a capable scan tool, command the solenoid on and off and listen for a click. Alternatively, swap the Bank 2 exhaust solenoid with the Bank 1 exhaust solenoid (rear bank, may be harder to access) and see if the code changes to P0014 after clearing codes and driving.
6. If the code persists after the above steps, the issue may lie with the camshaft position sensor, the phaser, or the timing chain itself, which may require professional diagnosis.

Parts You'll Likely Need

• Camshaft Position Actuator Solenoid Valve (Exhaust) (OEM #12688785) — This solenoid controls oil flow to the exhaust cam phaser on Bank 2. It's a common failure point that can get stuck or clogged, leading to timing issues. It is the most likely hardware component to fail for this code after software and oil issues are ruled out.
  Trusted brands: ACDelco, GM Genuine Parts, Dorman
  OEM price range: $60-$90
  Aftermarket price range: $35-$60
• Camshaft Position Actuator Solenoid Valve (Intake) (OEM #12688784) — This is the intake solenoid for the same bank. While not the direct cause of P0024, it is often replaced at the same time as the exhaust solenoid as a preventative measure, since they are of the same age and subject to the same conditions. It is also the part you would swap with for diagnosis. 🎬 Watch: A step-by-step walkthrough of the VVT solenoid replacement.
  Trusted brands: ACDelco, GM Genuine Parts, Dorman
  OEM price range: $60-$90
  Aftermarket price range: $35-$60
• Engine Oil and Filter — Correct oil level and cleanliness are critical for the VVT system to function. An oil change using full synthetic 5W-30 dexos1 Gen 2 oil is a simple and often effective first step.
  Trusted brands: ACDelco, Mobil 1, Pennzoil
  OEM price range: $70-$120
  Aftermarket price range: $50-$80

Related Codes That Often Appear With This One

• P0011 — Intake 'A' Camshaft Position Timing Over-Advanced (Bank 1). Seeing all four codes (P0011, P0014, P0021, P0024) together is a very strong indicator of the software glitch addressed by TSB N192266190.
• P0014 — Exhaust 'B' Camshaft Position Timing Over-Advanced (Bank 1). Often set with P0024 due to a systemic issue like dirty oil or the ECM software problem.
• P0021 — Intake 'A' Camshaft Position Timing Over-Advanced (Bank 2). This is the intake camshaft on the same bank as P0024. Seeing them together points strongly to an issue affecting the entire bank, like an oil passage blockage, or the overarching ECM software issue.

Technical Service Bulletins (TSBs) & Recalls

• N192266190 02: A 'Service Update' bulletin stating that DTCs P0011, P0021, P0014, and P0024 may set after an auto stop/start event, causing rough running or stalling. The official correction is to reprogram the ECM.
• PIP5568E: A 'Preliminary Information' bulletin that documented the initial investigation into this group of DTCs setting together, sometimes in pairs, and causing drivability concerns. This was later superseded by the fix in N192266190.
• 17-NA-317: An earlier TSB that also connected various drivability issues like transmission shudder and stalling with this group of DTCs, indicating a history of VVT control issues on this platform.

Platform-Specific Known Issues

• GM Service Update #N192266190 directly addresses P0024 appearing on 2018 Traverse models (and platform mates). It states that an engine control software issue can occur during an auto stop/start event, causing drivability issues and setting multiple cam timing codes. The prescribed fix is to reprogram the ECM, not replace hardware.
• GM Preliminary Information Bulletin #PIP5568E was the initial investigation into P0011, P0014, P0021, and P0024 setting together. It noted the cause was a software anomaly where the ECM would report '0' for cam positions after a restart, leading to roughness while it commanded the actuators to move. The initial instruction was to clear codes and release the vehicle, as no parts replacement would fix it.

Mechanic-Grade Diagnostic Values

• Camshaft Position Actuator Solenoid Resistance — expected: 6.9 to 12 Ohms. Failure: A reading of 0 Ω (short) or infinite/OL (open) indicates a failed solenoid.
• Voltage to VVT Solenoid Connector (Key On, Engine Off) — expected: Should show battery voltage (e.g., ~8.6V to 12V+). Failure: No voltage indicates a wiring or ECM driver circuit issue upstream of the solenoid.

Scan Tool Commands That Help

• GDS2 (GM Techline Connect): Camshaft Position Actuator Control — This bidirectional test allows a technician to command a specific camshaft actuator solenoid on and off to verify its mechanical operation. This is used to confirm if the solenoid is physically stuck or responding correctly to ECM commands, helping to isolate the fault between the solenoid itself and the wiring/ECM.

Wiring & Ground Locations

• G110 — On the right rear of the engine, mounted to the back of the cylinder head. On some diagrams, it appears on a bracket directly above the power steering pump pressure hose.. This is a critical ground point shared by the Engine Control Module (ECM) and Transmission Control Module (TCM). A poor connection at G110 can cause erratic behavior and communication issues between modules, potentially leading to incorrect sensor readings or false trouble codes.
• Bank 2 Location — The side of the engine closest to the radiator/front of the vehicle.. P0024 specifically refers to Bank 2. Technicians must correctly identify Bank 2 to test or replace the correct exhaust camshaft sensor and actuator solenoid.

Real Owner Repair Stories

• 2CarPros Forum User (Saturn Outlook (similar GM V6 platform)) — Sluggish running, engine noise, and all four camshaft codes (P0011, P0014, P0021, P0024) plus a stability track warning.
  ❌ Tried (didn't work) Initial thought was to replace all four sensors.
  ✅ What actually fixed it The owner checked the engine oil and found it was very low, despite being 1,000 miles away from the next scheduled oil change with no visible leaks. Adding two quarts of oil and clearing the codes resolved all symptoms and the codes did not return.

OEM Part Supersession History

• 12666666 → 12690959 — Part revision or supplier change for the Intake Camshaft Position Actuator.
• 12690283, 12693854 → 12654646 — Part revision or supplier change for the Exhaust Camshaft Position Actuator.

Model Year Variations Within This Range

• 2018-2019: The 2018 and 2019 Traverse models with the 3.6L V6 engine are mechanically identical, both producing 310 horsepower. The primary cause of P0024 related to software (TSB N192266190) specifically lists the 2018 model year, though the underlying issue may persist in early 2019 models before factory software updates were implemented. A 2.0L Turbo engine was available on the RS trim in 2019, which would have different VVT components.