Timewalker

So this happened yesterday on the way home from breakfast.
No symptoms, just the light and then I checked with the OBD Bluetooth dongle.

a search brought this thread up.

https://www.chevyhhr.net/forums/how-...13-14-a-28779/

Would it be this part if there's no symptoms? Oil life is at 18% but it was low earlier this week so I added a quart.

(So yeah, for those keeping track, we're driving the 2008 with the coolant leak now.)

Oldblue

I’ve corrected the link , low oil and dirty oil can cause the code so can loose wires and such. As tge link explained

donbrew

What symptom would you expect, other than the computer telling you the exact fault?
I would suggest replacing both at the same time to save some time.
When dirty oil is involved we are talking filthy oil not nearly due for a change oil. The VVT valves have very fine screens on them that can get clogged causing the code, or something internal goes bad.

What oil are you using? Using a quart in 9,000 miles is a little unusual. Should be 5W30 with a DEXOS label. I found that Mobil 1 burns more than others.

Timewalker

Usually Valvoline or Castrol 5w30 high millage.
A Google search for the code said stuttering and poor acceleration are usually symptoms.

J W Davis

I was told to NEVER use High Mileage oil in these engines. FYI

PulpFriction

P0011 means the ECM thinks the VVT intake cam isn't going where it's commanded to go. This could be a malfunctioning phaser, but is almost always a malfunctioning valve section in the VVT intake solenoid valve assembly. If you pull it out you may find junk clogging the screen, but the problem could be inside.

This is a case where in make sense to replace both the intake and exhaust solenoid valves, because the underlying cause is usually deferred oil changes.

If it were my car, I would:

• Immediately add 1/2 quart of ATF or seafoam to the oil. After about 50 miles, change the oil, using any well-known brand of 5-30 Dexos full-synthetic. Do NOT use "high mileage" oil now or ever again.
• Once the oil is changed, replace both solenoid valves. Use the latest OEM or AC Delco superseding p/n.
• Never go beyond 50% oil life on the DIC. Too many things can go wrong in these engine with gunky oil.

CEL should eventually go out on its own. Or you could clear it, and if you solved the problem, it won't come back.

Re: the oil consumption, I would do a compression check.

How many miles on the car? Not that it's terribly relevant, just curious, 2.2 or 2.4?

Timewalker

Thanks. 2.4L
166k miles.

PulpFriction

Yeah I think that stuff may be a bit over-rated. My car ate it, too.

firemangeorge

Is this the same car that overheated ? And you haven’t changed the oil since that overheating ? Dirty, overcooked oil is not good for those solenoids.

greg8453

Say it ain't so.