[Clare]

Yesterday I submitted a post about the problems I am having with my 11 Equinox, the same probs everyone else seems to be having...the start up noise, hesitation on acceleration and a few others. The replies and references I was given were very helpful but now I have another question about the parts that need to be replaced. One member said the actuator AND solenoids were replaced. And I just received a letter in the mail from Chevy about the recall saying the "camshaft position actuator solenoid valves" need to be replaced. And the dealer ordered "cam phasers". Heres where my confusion comes in. Are all of the things different parts? Or are they one part referred to with different names? Basically, members mention the actuator and selenoids as if they are seperate things and then chevy mentions them as being one thing, or one 'part' so Im confused. Some clarification would be greatly appreciated.

Also, Im new to this site and have a general question about posts. When I submit a post the page has several boxes that say 'options' and that you have to fill in at least 2. What are those for? I'm not sure what to put in them.

 

[IceMan]

Tell you what...it won't be long that 'every' thread on this forum will be a new one about this/these problems. One after the other.
Seems to me..that a Mod..or someone needs to come in and clean up some of the posts and threads that have only led to confusion...with some truthful info buried in the mess.
It also seems like a 'latest update' thread is ignored..'Search' bypassed..just to start another thread..
Jeesh...

 

[ChevyMgr]

Tell you what...it won't be long that 'every' thread on this forum will be a new one about this/these problems. One after the other.
Seems to me..that a Mod..or someone needs to come in and clean up some of the posts and threads that have only led to confusion...with some truthful info buried in the mess.
It also seems like a 'latest update' thread is ignored..'Search' bypassed..just to start another thread..
Jeesh...

X2 :thumb: :thumb:

 

[sumr616]

I'll at least answer your question for you.

The recall is for the "solenoids"...many here have had success with just the recall work alone. Before the recall existed, a few of us had that same work in the recall, as well as the "actuators" replaced- this was before the recall was issued and it was all in a long attempt at fixing multiple problems which now appear to all be fixed by the recall alone. The recall is only OFFICIALLY intended to address concerns over poor driveability and possible stalling. It is NOT intended to correct the start-up noise, BUT it appears that many people here have had the start-up noise clear up after the recall work. The confusion in language happens because the part description for the "solenoids" is something like "cam phase actuator intake solenoid valve"...The actual "actuators" have a simple description of "actuators." Thats where it gets confusing. Some dealers will call one part or the other "cam phaser" mostly because the part descrtiption is misleading. As long as the part numbers on your work order match up with the part numbers in the recall notice, you'll be fine.

Moral of the story- the "actuators" and "solenoids" are, in fact, two different parts, but because the part descriptions are misleading, it seems that every dealer calls them by a different name. The part that really matters is the part number itself.

Other names for actuators I've heard from dealers - cam phasers, and sprockets.
Other names for solenoids I've heard from dealers - cam phasers, actuators, actuator valve.

Kind of like calling it salsa, or hot sauce. In Texas, they tend to be one in the same.

 

[fourmoremarine]

Tell you what...it won't be long that 'every' thread on this forum will be a new one about this/these problems. One after the other.
Seems to me..that a Mod..or someone needs to come in and clean up some of the posts and threads that have only led to confusion...with some truthful info buried in the mess.
It also seems like a 'latest update' thread is ignored..'Search' bypassed..just to start another thread..
Jeesh...

So, why post just to RAG on someone??? Not everyone is as astute as others when posting to forums...

 

[IceMan]

So, why post just to RAG on someone??? Not everyone is as astute as others when posting to forums...

I didn't post to rag on someone. I fully understand someone making a new thread trying to find some 'clarification' (no pun intended) especially now among all the multiple threads and posts drifting back and forth on this same subject. Just pointing out 'why'. Git a grip..Marine...

At Ease

 

[Clare]

Thank you Sumr...your reply helped a lot. Thanks Marine for noting the ragging. As for the other posts...they werent very welcoming for someone like myself who had been a member for barely a day. And no, Im not familiar with blogs or forums...this is the first one I've joined one so perhaps theres a certain "etiquette" I must learn to follow but a simple heads up wouldve sufficed. And when someone mentioned in a previous post that I should be in the "issues" thread, I gave it a try. When I didnt find the issues thread I decided to post in the engine and drivetrain thread because that is what seemed to make the most sense since the parts/repairs I was curious about had something to do with the engine. And might I point out on top of that, that my questions were about the parts, not the problems, which yea...i have noticed many people are having. And lastly, I joined this forum becasue I couldnt get an answer from the dealer and I was hoping to get a little help from fellow consumers...so thanks for the assistance, and the warm welcome.

 

[sumr616]

No harm done. Everyone has to learn somehow. I agree it could have been handled with a little more care though.

But, then again, I'm a girl, and I'm sure my husband would say I'm way too picky about people being nice.... I see it as common courtesy though. lol

It all works out in the end.

 

[kooz]

I just brought my 11 nox to the dealer to have the ECM reprogramed and the camshaft position actuator solenoid valves replaced (haven't gotten it back yet, will post when I do). Initially the dealer told me they were only going to do a diagnostic test on my car, but I referred them to the GM letter that stated the above actions needed to be done (reprogram ECM AND replace camshaft valve), so they will do it (will follow up to make sure it was done before I leave). In addition I told them I've been having the symptoms that the camshaft position actuator solenoid listed (rough idle, stalling at low throlle opening, loud start up noise, etc), and they asked me what kind of gas I use. I told them I use either Costco or Shell and they said the Nox needs mid grade-premium gas, preferrably from Shell and that's why the car is stalling and having the loud noise. I questioned them on this and they said it's the fuel injector that's being primed. When I referred them to the camshaft position actuator solenoid symptoms it didn't mention anything about a fuel injector or anything about the type of gas used. They didn't have an answer. I further went to ask if it's just a grade of gas problem, why should anything need to be reprogrammed? Again no answer. When I initially bought the vehicle I asked the dealer what grade to use and he said anything (no mention to use a certain grade at all). Just wondering if anyone else has been told the same and/or if you noticed a change in symptoms after you got your car back from the recall or if you started using the "preferred gas" and see a big change? Can anyone validate what they're saying is true because I think it's a load of bs. After the reprogramming I'm worried about the gas mileage dropping, the constant low throttle stalling, the high RPM, and in some posts they mentioned the front dash started shaking out of no where, and who knows what else could happen...this is my first new car purchase, there's only 9000km on the Nox and being a brand new car nothing should be "reprogrammed" or brought into the shop unless your doing routine maintenance...

 

[Tdog]

I just brought my 11 nox to the dealer to have the ECM reprogramed and the camshaft position actuator solenoid valves replaced (haven't gotten it back yet, will post when I do). Initially the dealer told me they were only going to do a diagnostic test on my car, but I referred them to the GM letter that stated the above actions needed to be done (reprogram ECM AND replace camshaft valve), so they will do it (will follow up to make sure it was done before I leave). In addition I told them I've been having the symptoms that the camshaft position actuator solenoid listed (rough idle, stalling at low throlle opening, loud start up noise, etc), and they asked me what kind of gas I use. I told them I use either Costco or Shell and they said the Nox needs mid grade-premium gas, preferrably from Shell and that's why the car is stalling and having the loud noise. I questioned them on this and they said it's the fuel injector that's being primed. When I referred them to the camshaft position actuator solenoid symptoms it didn't mention anything about a fuel injector or anything about the type of gas used. They didn't have an answer. I further went to ask if it's just a grade of gas problem, why should anything need to be reprogrammed? Again no answer. When I initially bought the vehicle I asked the dealer what grade to use and he said anything (no mention to use a certain grade at all). Just wondering if anyone else has been told the same and/or if you noticed a change in symptoms after you got your car back from the recall or if you started using the "preferred gas" and see a big change? Can anyone validate what they're saying is true because I think it's a load of bs. After the reprogramming I'm worried about the gas mileage dropping, the constant low throttle stalling, the high RPM, and in some posts they mentioned the front dash started shaking out of no where, and who knows what else could happen...this is my first new car purchase, there's only 9000km on the Nox and being a brand new car nothing should be "reprogrammed" or brought into the shop unless your doing routine maintenance...

Kooz, I've run almost all Exxon regular since we got our Terrain. It is on the TopTier list but just regular.

 

[PolarBear]

Hi folks

I have the '11 nox and went to http://www-odi.nhtsa.dot.gov/cars/problems/recalls/recallsearch.cfm and only found a recall for seat belts.

Can someone enlighten me please.

Polar Bear

 

[RIT333]

Hi folks

I have the '11 nox and went to http://www-odi.nhtsa.dot.gov/cars/problems/recalls/recallsearch.cfm and only found a recall for seat belts.

Can someone enlighten me please.

Polar Bear

You are finding safety-related recalls - i.e. replacing the seatbelts. This noise issue is not life-threatening - at least to GM, or NHTSA - only to the owners ! :banghead:

 

[ChevyMgr]

Hi folks

I have the '11 nox and went to http://www-odi.nhtsa.dot.gov/cars/problems/recalls/recallsearch.cfm and only found a recall for seat belts.

Can someone enlighten me please.

Polar Bear

Call your dealer or send me a PM with the last 8 of your VIN and I/they can tell you if there are any recalls on yours.

 

[Chevrolet Customer Svc]

Hi folks

I have the '11 nox and went to http://www-odi.nhtsa.dot.gov/cars/problems/recalls/recallsearch.cfm and only found a recall for seat belts.

Can someone enlighten me please.

Polar Bear

I can also look into recall information for you with your VIN. Please feel free to contact me privately. Thank you.

Tricia, GM Customer Service.

 

[Zequinox]

Let me add some FUD to the debate.

Just talked to "Elaine" at Chevy customer service -- they called to survey my satisfaction with the recall service work. I asked her about the part numbers listed in recall 11195A versus the parts they installed on my vehicle. Her reply: All part numbers are specific to vehicles -- the part numbers listed on my service invoice are the specific parts for my 11 'Nox, and would be different for the Buick or GMC or Cadillac versions of the same engine.

I didn't tell her I used to work in a dealership parts department...

Have things changed that much since the '70's? Are they really stocking parts under a different part number for each different model??? God help the Chevy/Buick/GMC dealers if that's true!!!

That seems pretty inefficient...

 

[ChevyMgr]

Let me add some FUD to the debate.

Just talked to "Elaine" at Chevy customer service -- they called to survey my satisfaction with the recall service work. I asked her about the part numbers listed in recall 11195A versus the parts they installed on my vehicle. Her reply: All part numbers are specific to vehicles -- the part numbers listed on my service invoice are the specific parts for my 11 'Nox, and would be different for the Buick or GMC or Cadillac versions of the same engine.

I didn't tell her I used to work in a dealership parts department...

Have things changed that much since the '70's? Are they really stocking parts under a different part number for each different model??? God help the Chevy/Buick/GMC dealers if that's true!!!

That seems pretty inefficient...

For some parts that are different from makes yes (trim panels, headlights, etc) but identical parts (such as the recall) will have the same number. You got the newest parts so don't let it be a worry to you.

 

[43sbest]

Let me add some FUD to the debate.

Just talked to "Elaine" at Chevy customer service -- they called to survey my satisfaction with the recall service work. I asked her about the part numbers listed in recall 11195A versus the parts they installed on my vehicle. Her reply: All part numbers are specific to vehicles -- the part numbers listed on my service invoice are the specific parts for my 11 'Nox, and would be different for the Buick or GMC or Cadillac versions of the same engine.

I didn't tell her I used to work in a dealership parts department...

Have things changed that much since the '70's? Are they really stocking parts under a different part number for each different model??? God help the Chevy/Buick/GMC dealers if that's true!!!

That seems pretty inefficient...

We all know that's is a crock of you know what!

Does anyone on this forum actually believe the 2.4 in the 2011 Terrain is different from the one in the 2011 Nox, or 2 Buick's? The recall is for ALL 4 vehicles with the 2.4; She needs to read the recall (she probably wouldn't understand what she was reading). This is just another case of having someone at GM giving out information when they don't have a clue as to what they are talking about.
I guess the V6 in the Enclave, Acadia and Traverse are also all different.

 

[ChevyMgr]

This is just another case of having someone at GM giving out information when they don't have a clue as to what they are talking about.

The call centers are contract, not GM employees. But they do get information from GM Employees and they do represent GM.

I read about misinformation from dealer employees too (sales and service). That will happen in any industry. I don't profess to know everything about every aspect of a GM vehicle, but I try to find out what I don't know and learn from it. She misspoke on this issue and that doesn't make her a clueless person, just misinformed.

 

[43sbest]

The call centers are contract, not GM employees. But they do get information from GM Employees and they do represent GM.

I read about misinformation from dealer employees too (sales and service). That will happen in any industry. I don't profess to know everything about every aspect of a GM vehicle, but I try to find out what I don't know and learn from it. She misspoke on this issue and that doesn't make her a clueless person, just misinformed.

Contract or not as you say they represent GM. I respect your opinion but I still say she is clueless as to the question ask her. To me it is obvious this person was just requesting information about the survey and has no knowledge of GM vehicles and was therefore not qualified to answer the question---------------and she should have said so when the question was ask.

 

[Jamessss]

I can also look into recall information for you with your VIN. Please feel free to contact me privately. Thank you.

Tricia, GM Customer Service.

do you still work for GM and can you check VIN