# 2013 Chevrolet Equinox P0014 DTC **URL:** \ **Category:** Maintenance/Repairs\ **Created:** [December 9, 2019, 3:01am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/2013-chevrolet-equinox-p0014-dtc/154299 "2019-12-09T03:01:43Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 8\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![edb1961](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/user_avatar/community.cartalk.com/edb1961/32/122_2.png) [@edb1961](https://community.cartalk.com/u/edb1961)\ **Post date:** [December 9, 2019, 3:01am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/2013-chevrolet-equinox-p0014-dtc/154299/1 "2019-12-09T03:01:43Z")
2013 Equinox 2.4 4 cyl, 91k miles. Pistons, rings, and a timing chain replaced at 42k due to oil consumption issue. Oil changes every 5k with Valvoline Full Synthetic 5w-30 Dexos compatible oil. Last oil change was at 88k miles, oil is clean and level is good. I was driving home tonight and the check engine light came on, the engine was running normally before/after the light came on. My code reader came back with a P0014 - exhaust camshaft position sensor timing over advanced. Being that it is an Equinox with the infamous 2.4 engine I am a little concerned. For now I cleared the code and will wait and see if it reappears. Any thoughts or suggestions? Ed B. ---
**Author:** ![edb1961](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/user_avatar/community.cartalk.com/edb1961/32/122_2.png) [@edb1961](https://community.cartalk.com/u/edb1961)\ **Post date:** [December 9, 2019, 4:36pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/2013-chevrolet-equinox-p0014-dtc/154299/2 "2019-12-09T16:36:31Z")
If the P0014 code returns would be worth replacing the Intake and Exhaust Variable Valve Timing (VVT) Solenoids proactively? It looks like a fairly simple job on the Equinox. Ed B. ---
**Author:** ![shanonia](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/9de053/32.png) [@shanonia](https://community.cartalk.com/u/shanonia)\ **Post date:** [December 9, 2019, 6:40pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/2013-chevrolet-equinox-p0014-dtc/154299/3 "2019-12-09T18:40:38Z")
Is 5W30 the recommended oil? Many now call for 5W20 or lower. VVTs, compared to most components in an engine, are very needful of the correct oil. There may be a newer recommendation, retroactive to your engine. Honda said 5W30 when my 1999 Honda was new; they now say to use 5W20 in it, last time I checked. ---
**Author:** ![kurtwm1](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/k/13edae/32.png) [@kurtwm1](https://community.cartalk.com/u/kurtwm1)\ **Post date:** [December 9, 2019, 10:27pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/2013-chevrolet-equinox-p0014-dtc/154299/4 "2019-12-09T22:27:48Z")
Maybe this clip helps. Shows how to test the solenoids and replace them. ---
**Author:** ![edb1961](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/user_avatar/community.cartalk.com/edb1961/32/122_2.png) [@edb1961](https://community.cartalk.com/u/edb1961)\ **Post date:** [December 10, 2019, 3:52am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/2013-chevrolet-equinox-p0014-dtc/154299/5 "2019-12-10T03:52:43Z")
The CEL came back on tonight after another 40-50 miles of driving. Same P0014 code. I will take it to my local mechanic for a proper diagnosis rather than throw parts at it. I will post back with the results. Ed B. ---
**Author:** ![George\_San\_Jose1](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/e5b9ba/32.png) [@George\_San\_Jose1](https://community.cartalk.com/u/George_San_Jose1)\ **Post date:** [December 10, 2019, 3:58am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/2013-chevrolet-equinox-p0014-dtc/154299/6 "2019-12-10T03:58:33Z")
Hopefully it is just one of the VVT actuators or associated sensor, given your excellent oil & filter replacement regime. ---
**Author:** ![edb1961](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/user_avatar/community.cartalk.com/edb1961/32/122_2.png) [@edb1961](https://community.cartalk.com/u/edb1961)\ **Post date:** [December 11, 2019, 2:17pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/2013-chevrolet-equinox-p0014-dtc/154299/7 "2019-12-11T14:17:03Z")
It turns out my mechanic is going on vacation until early January and is booked up. He did hook it up to his scanner to confirm the P0014 code. He recommended I change the oil immediately for now until I can get it in the shop. I changed the oil last night, it was very dark and thin for 3k miles. I’m wondering if I used 5w-20 instead of 5w-30 for the previous oil change. The CEL still comes on after 20 or so miles. I used Valvoline Max Life (high mileage +75k) 5w-30 synthetic oil instead of the regular synthetic oil but I don’t think that should make a difference. The Equinox is still running fine for now. If I have a chance I will replace the VVT solenoids over the holiday. Ed B. ---
**Author:** ![edb1961](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/user_avatar/community.cartalk.com/edb1961/32/122_2.png) [@edb1961](https://community.cartalk.com/u/edb1961)\ **Post date:** [December 16, 2019, 2:23am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/2013-chevrolet-equinox-p0014-dtc/154299/8 "2019-12-16T02:23:53Z")
Replaced the Intake and Exhaust VVT solenoids on Saturday. So far after 70 miles no CEL. Even though it was running fine with the CEL on, mpg dropped about 15%, it looks like the mpg has returned to normal after the repair. I feel like I’ve dodged a bullet. Ed B.