2012 Sonic, engine code P0014

[Legacy]

It's been a while since I've posted but have been very happy with my 2012 Sonic...up until 250 miles before warranty expired. That was the first engine code. I was on the road so used OnStar for diagnosis. They said "some kind of engine problem but has cleared itself." Light turned off after a few miles. Now I'm at 36,675 miles. Engine light. Car was running great, no changes in mileage or power so drove it home and pulled out auto scanner/analyzer that I have here. P0014 Camshaft Position Actuator B - Bank 1 Timing Over-Advanced.

I am upset by the fact that it coded something right before it went out of warranty and I reported to OnStar who said it cleared itself. It isn't clearing itself now that it is out of warranty...of course. I did find a Service Notice online for this problem on 2012 Sonics but was never informed. But then it doesn't look like it was recalled for it either.

Car is still running fine but I want to get this taken care of. Since I am pretty darned sure the dealer will charge me an arm and a leg for what I have researched is a $50 part, can anyone tell me where this thing is located in the engine compartment before I go ahead and order the part?

Thank you
Legacy
2012 Sonic 1.8
2013 Sonic 1.4 Turbo

 

[Swordsmith]

Sounds like part of the powertrain, which is a 100K miles warranty.

 

[Luv2xlr8]

Unless it's a sensor, powertrain warranty might not cover that part. I remember the dealer telling me that sensors are not part of powertrain warranty, I could be wrong though.

 

[Legacy]

Thank you for your replies...I spoke with the dealer's service guy today. The one who has worked on both of my Sonics. He is looking into it and will let me know. In the meantime, the 2012 is taking a break in my driveway (even though it is running great) since I am leary about driving it and bending something or making things worse. I'll check back in and let you know what the service guy says.

Legacy
2012 Sonic 1.8 5 speed
2013 Sonic 1.4 Turbo

 

[Italianjoe1]

Lol that's a common problem on VVT engines, the actuators fail all the time. It's covered under powertrain, and it's not an expensive/difficult repair if you wanted just to do it yourself and be done with it.

Most of the failures are due to oil issues, particularly extended oil change intervals and use of poor-quality oils.

 

[SuperFudd]

If it is considered part of the "anti smog" stuff, it may still be covered.

 

[Legacy]

Well, it is the actuator and it is being covered under the powertrain warranty. I drove it to work this morning so I could drop it off after work. Was sitting at a light in neutral. For the first and only time, it gave a hard shudder and went right back to it's normal smooth idle. Strange...you'd think it would be showing symptoms other than an engine light. Glad we have a scanner/analyzer that said it's a bigger problem than it seems. Service said they will have it done by Monday and sent me home in a 2014 Cruze automatic. Nice car but I want my Sonic back!

A bit disconcerted to hear that this might be a chronic problem due to the VVT but good to know it's not a difficult repair. If it ever happens again, I'll get my brother to work on it!

Legacy
2012 Sonic 1.8 5 speed
2013 Sonic 1.4 Turbo