P0024 on 2017-2022 GMC Canyon 3.6L V6: Exhaust Cam Timing Over-Advanced Causes and Fixes

What's Unique About the 2017-2022 GMC Canyon

The VVT actuator solenoids are a known failure point on the GM 3.6L LGZ engine and its LGX car-based sibling. The issue is common enough that for certain 2020 model year Chevrolet Colorado and GMC Canyon trucks, GM issued Special Coverage program N232430470 to replace the failing Bank 2 exhaust solenoid, which directly causes the P0024 code. This official program makes the solenoid the primary suspect, far more so than on other vehicles where causes might be more varied.

Generation note: The 2017-2022 model years all fall within the second generation of the GMC Canyon (2015-2022). However, this guide is specific to the LGZ 3.6L V6 engine, which was introduced in 2017, replacing the previous LFX V6. The information is consistent across this 2017-2022 range as the LGZ engine and its VVT system remained largely unchanged.

Symptoms You May Notice

• Check Engine Light is on
• Rough or unstable idle
• Engine hesitation or stumbling on acceleration
• Reduced engine power or 'limp mode'
• Poor fuel economy
• Engine stalling, especially at low speeds

Most Likely Causes

1. Failed Camshaft Position Actuator Solenoid (Bank 2 Exhaust) 🔴 High Probability → Shop Engine Camshaft This is a well-documented failure part on this engine, confirmed by GM's Special Coverage N232430470 for 2020 models due to a high failure rate. The solenoid can fail electronically or its internal screens can become clogged with oil debris, especially if oil change intervals are extended.
   How to confirm: Swap the Bank 2 (driver's side) exhaust solenoid with the Bank 2 intake solenoid. The exhaust solenoid is the one located further outboard, away from the engine's centerline. Clear the codes and drive. If the code changes to P0021 (Intake Cam Position Over-Advanced Bank 2), the solenoid is confirmed faulty. Alternatively, test the solenoid's internal resistance with a multimeter; it should be between 8 and 13 Ohms. 🎬 See how to test and fix the P0024 fault code.
   Typical fix: Replace the Bank 2 exhaust camshaft actuator solenoid. An oil change at the same time is highly recommended. The torque spec for the retaining bolt is 10 N.m (89 lb-in). 🎬 Watch this step-by-step walkthrough for replacing the VVT actuator solenoid.
   Est. part cost: $40-$80
2. Low, Dirty, or Incorrect Viscosity Engine Oil 🟡 Medium Probability The VVT system is entirely hydraulic and relies on clean engine oil at the correct pressure to function. The LGZ engine specifies a full synthetic 5W-30 dexos-approved oil. Using conventional oil or the wrong viscosity can lead to sludge that clogs the fine mesh screens on the VVT solenoids, restricting oil flow and causing this code.
   How to confirm: Check the oil level on the dipstick and inspect its color and consistency. If the level is low or the oil is dark, thick, or past its recommended change interval, this is a likely contributor.
   Typical fix: Perform an engine oil and filter change using a full synthetic oil that meets GM's dexos1 specification. In some cases, an oil change alone can resolve the code if it was caused by minor sludge.
   Est. part cost: $50-$100
3. Low System Voltage / Poor Connection ⚪ Low Probability Not a platform-specific issue, but a real-world documented fix. A corroded battery terminal can cause low system voltage, leading to erratic behavior from various sensors and actuators, including the VVT solenoids.
   How to confirm: Inspect battery terminals for white or greenish corrosion. With the engine off, check battery voltage with a multimeter; a healthy battery should read above 12.4V. One owner on Reddit noted their dash display showed 11.8V before cleaning the terminals, which jumped to 12.6V after.
   Typical fix: Clean the battery terminals and posts thoroughly with a wire brush. After cleaning, the owner saw voltage rise to 14.5V while running, and the code disappeared. If the battery is old and fails a load test, replace it.
   Est. part cost: $0-$5 for cleaning supplies

Rare But Worth Checking

• Chafed Engine Wiring Harness: GM TSB #18-NA-307 notes that the engine harness can rub against the edge of the camshaft cover or cylinder head, causing wires to short. While this TSB doesn't list P0024 specifically, it does list its Bank 1 equivalent (P0014) and is a plausible cause for an electrical fault to the Bank 2 solenoid.
• Stretched Timing Chain: → Shop Engine Timing Chain While a known issue on the older LFX 3.6L engine, the LGZ in the 2017+ Canyon has a much-improved timing chain design and is less prone to stretching. This is a more severe problem that usually triggers correlation codes like P0018 or P0019 along with P0024. If you only have P0024, this is an unlikely first cause.
• Failing Variable Displacement Oil Pump: In rare cases, especially if P0014 and P0024 appear together and persist after solenoid replacement, the issue could be insufficient oil pressure from a failing oil pump. One owner of a related 3.6L engine replaced all four solenoids to no avail, and the root cause was a bad oil pump starving the VVT phasers at idle.

Diagnosis Steps

1. Check the engine oil level and condition. If it is low, dirty, or past its service interval, perform an oil and filter change with a quality 5W-30 dexos-approved synthetic oil. Clear the code and see if it returns.
2. Inspect the battery terminals for corrosion and clean them if necessary. Verify system voltage is stable and within spec (>12.4V engine off, ~14.5V engine running).
3. For 2020 models, contact a GM dealer with your VIN to see if your vehicle is covered under Special Coverage N232430470 for a free solenoid replacement. This covers the repair for 15 years or 150,000 miles.
4. Locate the Bank 2 (driver's side) VVT solenoids on the front of the cylinder head. The exhaust solenoid is the outer one, and the intake is the inner one.
🎬 Watch this guide to identify engine banks and solenoid locations.
5. Perform a 'swap test': Unplug and unbolt the exhaust solenoid (10mm bolt) and the intake solenoid next to it. Swap their positions. Clear the codes and drive the truck.
6. If the code changes to P0021 (Bank 2 Intake Over-Advanced), the solenoid you moved is confirmed to be faulty. Purchase and install a new solenoid in the exhaust position.
7. If the P0024 code returns, the issue is not the solenoid itself but could be a wiring problem or an internal engine issue. Carefully inspect the harness for chafing near the cam cover, as noted in TSB 18-NA-307.

Parts You'll Likely Need

• Camshaft Position Actuator Solenoid (OEM #12732244) — This is the most common failure part for code P0024 on this engine. It is responsible for controlling oil flow to the cam phaser. GM has updated this part multiple times; 12732244 is the latest version and supersedes older numbers like 12687167, 12690515, and 12707054. All four solenoids (Intake/Exhaust for both banks) are typically the same part number.
  Trusted brands: ACDelco (OEM), Dorman, Delphi
  OEM price range: $60-$90
  Aftermarket price range: $40-$70

Related Codes That Often Appear With This One

• P0014 — This is the same over-advanced exhaust cam code, but for Bank 1 (passenger side). Seeing both P0014 and P0024 together strongly suggests a systemic issue like dirty oil, low oil pressure, or a failing oil pump affecting the entire engine.
• P0019 — This is a Crankshaft-Camshaft Correlation code for Bank 2. Special Coverage N232430470 explicitly mentions that a failing Bank 2 exhaust solenoid can cause both P0024 and/or P0019.

Technical Service Bulletins (TSBs) & Recalls

• N232430470: Special Coverage for Bank 2 Exhaust Camshaft Position Actuator Valve Solenoid failure on certain 2020 models. Explicitly mentions it can cause DTC P0024 and/or P0019.
• 18-NA-307: Addresses potential for engine wiring harness to chafe on the camshaft cover or cylinder head, causing various electrical faults and DTCs, including the Bank 1 equivalent code P0014, as well as P0365 and P0366.
• Bulletin #PIP5096C: A manufacturer service bulletin notes that technicians may find DTCs P0011, P0014, P0021, and/or P0024. If no other drivability concerns are found, the bulletin advises inspecting the engine EUN sticker for specific sequence markers.

Platform-Specific Known Issues

• Special Coverage N232430470: For certain 2020 model year GMC Canyon and Chevrolet Colorado vehicles, GM has extended the warranty on the Bank 2 exhaust camshaft position actuator valve solenoid to 15 years or 150,000 miles. Owners of affected vehicles are eligible for a free replacement at a GM dealer if diagnosed with this specific failure. The program also covers reimbursement for prior repairs.

Mechanic-Grade Diagnostic Values

• VVT Solenoid (Camshaft Position Actuator) Internal Resistance — expected: 8 to 13 Ohms. Failure: A reading outside this range, or infinite resistance (open circuit), indicates a faulty solenoid coil.
• VVT Solenoid Connector Power Supply Wire Voltage — expected: Battery Voltage (approx. 12.6V with Key On, Engine Off). Failure: Low or no voltage points to a wiring issue, a blown fuse, or a problem with the engine main relay.
• Camshaft Position Variance (Desired vs. Actual) — expected: Less than a few degrees of variance at stable RPM.. Failure: A variance greater than the calibrated threshold (e.g., >20 degrees) for several seconds will trigger the DTC.

Scan Tool Commands That Help

• GDS2 (GM Global Diagnostic System 2): Camshaft Position Actuator Solenoid Test / Control — This bidirectional control allows a technician to manually command the Bank 2 exhaust VVT solenoid ON and OFF while monitoring engine RPM and live cam angle data. A healthy solenoid will produce an audible click and a noticeable change in engine RPM or may cause the engine to stumble/stall. This confirms the solenoid, wiring, and ECM driver are all functional, helping to isolate a mechanical phaser problem from an electrical/hydraulic control problem.

Wiring & Ground Locations

• Bank 2 Exhaust Camshaft Position Actuator Solenoid Connector — On the front of the driver's side cylinder head. It is the outermost connector of the two VVT solenoids on that head.. This is the direct electrical connection to the component that causes P0024. The two pins are for the 12V power supply and the Pulse Width Modulated (PWM) ground signal from the ECM. Testing for voltage and signal at this connector is a key diagnostic step.
• Engine Block Ground (e.g., G103/G104) — Typically bolted to the engine block or cylinder head itself. Specific locations vary slightly, but they provide the main ground path for engine-mounted components.. While not a direct cause, a poor engine ground can introduce electrical noise and voltage drops, potentially affecting the performance of sensitive components like the VVT solenoids and their controlling modules. This is an unlikely but possible contributing factor.

Real Owner Repair Stories

• Reddit user on r/MechanicAdvice (2018 Chevrolet Colorado 3.6L V6) — Check Engine Light with code P0024.
  ❌ Tried (didn't work) Initially suspected the VVT solenoid itself based on the code definition.
  ✅ What actually fixed it The owner noticed the battery voltage was low (11.8V engine off) via the dash display. They found a corroded negative battery terminal, cleaned it with a wire brush, and the voltage returned to normal (12.6V off, 14.5V running). The Check Engine Light turned off on its own, resolving the issue without replacing any parts.

OEM Part Supersession History

• 12687167, 12690515, 12707054, and others → 12732244 — GM regularly updates service parts to integrate new materials, technologies, or address known failure patterns.
  Heads up: The latest part number, 12732244, is the correct service replacement for all previous versions on the LGZ engine and is fully compatible. Using an older, new-old-stock part is not recommended as it may not have the latest design improvements.

Model Year Variations Within This Range

• 2020: Certain 2020 models are subject to GM Special Coverage N232430470, which extends the warranty on the Bank 2 exhaust VVT solenoid to 15 years/150,000 miles due to a higher-than-normal failure rate.
• 2017: The 2017 model year was the first for the LGZ 3.6L V6 and 8-speed (8L45) transmission in the Canyon, replacing the previous LFX V6.

Diagnostic Flowchart

Other Known Issues on This Vehicle

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

• 8-Speed (8L45) Transmission Shudder 🔴 High — Very common on 2017-2019 models, typically appearing between 30,000-60,000 miles. Feels like driving over rumble strips during light acceleration. (Ref: TSB 18-NA-355)
• Thermostat Failure (Stuck Open/Closed) 🟠 Medium — Common failure part, often leading to code P0128, engine running cold, or overheating. Can occur at various mileages.
• High-Pressure Oil Pump Failure in Cold Weather 🔴 High — Less common, but severe. Affects 2017-2018 models in very cold climates, potentially causing catastrophic oil loss and engine damage. (Ref: Customer Satisfaction Program 18368)

Used vs. New Parts: Buying Guide for This Vehicle

When a used part is the smart pick: For this specific repair, sourcing a used VVT solenoid from a junkyard is NOT recommended. The primary failure modes are internal sludge buildup from poor oil maintenance or electronic failure, neither of which can be reliably assessed visually.

What to inspect on the donor part:

• Not applicable, as used solenoids are not advised.

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

• While not strictly 'OEM-only', using a genuine ACDelco VVT solenoid (part #12732244) is highly recommended. Given the known issues and multiple part revisions, the OEM part is the most reliable choice to ensure compatibility and longevity.

Aftermarket brands forum-validated for this vehicle:

• Dorman (often offers an engineered solution)
• Delphi (often an OEM supplier)

Brands owners have reported issues with on this vehicle:

• No-name, unbranded parts from online marketplaces should be avoided. The cost savings are minimal compared to the risk of premature failure and the labor to replace it again.

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 for Bank 2 Intake Over-Advanced often appears during a 'swap test' if the faulty exhaust solenoid is moved to the intake position.
• P0019 — Explicitly mentioned in Special Coverage N232430470 as a companion code that may appear alongside P0024 due to Bank 2 exhaust solenoid failure.
• P0014 — The Bank 1 equivalent to P0024; it is also associated with wiring harness chafing issues described in TSB 18-NA-307.
• P0365 — A camshaft position sensor circuit code that can be triggered by the same wiring harness chafing issues identified in TSB 18-NA-307.
• P0366 — A camshaft position sensor performance code related to the same wiring harness interference issues as P0014 and P0365.
• P0128 — A common related engine code for this platform caused by a failed thermostat, which is a known issue for the LGZ engine.

Frequently Asked Questions