Chevrolet Sonic manuals

Chevrolet Sonic Repair Manual: Camshaft Actuator System Description

Chevrolet Sonic Repair Manual / Powertrain / Engine / Valvetrain / Camshaft / Camshaft Actuator System Description

Camshaft Actuator System Overview


(1) Camshaft Actuator Vane
(2) Timing Chain Sprocket
(3) Engine Oil Pressure-For retarding the camshaft
(4) Camshaft
(5) Input Signals from Engine Sensors
(6) Engine Control Module (ECM)
(7) Camshaft Actuator Solenoid
(8) Engine Oil Pump
(9) Engine Oil Pressure Supply
(10) Engine Oil Drain
(11) Engine Oil Pressure-For advancing the camshaft
(12) Camshaft Actuator Rotor
(13) Camshaft Position Sensor Reluctor
(14) Camshaft Actuator Lock Pin
(15) Camshaft Actuator Housing

The camshaft actuator system enables the engine control module (ECM) to change camshaft timing of all 4 camshafts while the engine is operating. The camshaft position (CMP) actuator assembly (15) varies the camshaft position in response to directional changes in oil pressure. The CMP actuator solenoid valve controls the oil pressure that is applied to advance or retard a camshaft. Modifying camshaft timing under changing engine demand provides better balance between the following performance concerns:

The CMP actuator solenoid valve (7) is controlled by the ECM. The crankshaft position (CKP) sensor and the CMP sensors are used to monitor changes in camshaft positions. The ECM uses the following information in order to calculate the desired camshaft positions:

Operation

The CMP actuator assembly has an outer housing that is driven by an engine timing chain. Inside the assembly is a rotor with fixed vanes that is attached to the camshaft. Oil pressure that is applied to the fixed vanes will rotate a specific camshaft in relationship to the crankshaft. The movement of the intake camshafts will advance the intake valve timing. The movement of the exhaust camshafts will retard the exhaust valve timing. When oil pressure is applied to the return side of the vanes, the camshafts will return to 0 crankshaft degrees, or top dead center (TDC). The CMP actuator solenoid valve directs the oil flow that controls the camshaft movement. The ECM commands the CMP solenoid to move the solenoid plunger and spool valve until oil flows from the advance passage (11). Oil flowing thru the CMP actuator assembly from the CMP solenoid advance passage applies pressure to the advance side of the vanes in the CMP actuator assembly. When the camshaft position is retarded, the CMP actuator solenoid valve directs oil to flow into the CMP actuator assembly from the retard passage (3). The ECM can also command the CMP actuator solenoid valve to stop oil flow from both passages in order to hold the current camshaft position.

The ECM operates the CMP actuator solenoid valve by pulse width modulation (PWM) of the solenoid coil. The higher the PWM duty cycle, the larger the change in camshaft timing. The CMP actuator assembly also contains a lock pin (14) that prevents movement between the outer housing and the rotor vane assembly. The lock pin is released by oil pressure before any movement in the CMP actuator assembly takes place. The ECM is continuously comparing CMP sensor inputs with CKP sensor input in order to monitor camshaft position and detect any system malfunctions. If a condition exists in either the intake or exhaust camshaft actuator system, the opposite bank, intake or exhaust, camshaft actuator will default to 0 crankshaft degrees.

CMP Actuator System Operation

Driving Condition

Change in Camshaft Position

Objective

Result

Idle

No Change

Minimize Valve Overlap

Stabilized Idle Speed

Light Engine Load

Retarded Valve Timing

Decrease Valve Overlap

Stabled Engine Output

Medium Engine Load

Advanced Valve Timing

Increase Valve Overlap

Better Fuel Economy with Lower Emissions

Low to Medium RPM with Heavy Load

Advanced Valve Timing

Advance Intake Valve Closing

Improved Low to Mid-range Torque

High RPM with Heavy Load

Retarded Valve Timing

Retard Intake Valve Closing

Improved Engine Output

Camshaft
...

Camshaft Cover Installation
Clean the sealing surfaces. Note: The thickness of the sealing bead should be 2 mm (0.0787 in). Apply sealing compound to areas (1) and (2). Refer ...

Other materials:

Low Fuel Warning Light
This light comes on for a few seconds when the ignition is turned on as a check to indicate it is working. If it does not come on, have it fixed. This light comes on when the vehicle is low on fuel. The low fuel warning light comes on when there are approximately 6.0 L (1.7 gal) of fuel rema ...

Brake Assist
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Water Outlet Installation
Clean the sealing surfaces. Install the water outlet (2) and a NEW water outlet seal ring (1). Caution: Refer to Fastener Caution. Install the 3 water outlet bolts (3) and tighten to  8 Y (71 lb in). ...

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