Some 2011 Chevy HHR vehicles may show a Service Engine Soon light on, with DTCs P0016 and/or P0017 stored. This may be the result of a camshaft reluctor that has moved on the camshaft.
The reluctor is press-fit and is not indexed/keyed to the camshaft. An overheat condition may contribute to the concern, causing the reluctor to spin on the camshaft when hot.
The procedure listed here was developed for 2006 and later 2.4L LE5 engines. The reluctor position on other engines may vary. It may be necessary to compare the reluctor position of other engines to a known good engine of the same RPO code. If the engine is timed properly and service diagnosis does not isolate the cause of the concern, perform the suggestions listed here.
To check the exhaust cam reluctor position (LE5 only):
With the exhaust camshaft positioned so that the valves for #4 cylinder are at maximum lift (fully opened), the reluctor should be flush/parallel to the rocker cover gasket surface as shown in the photo. If the reluctor position does not line up correctly, the exhaust camshaft must be replaced.
To check the intake cam reluctor position (LE5 only):
With the intake camshaft positioned so that the valves for #1 cylinder are at maximum lift (valves fully open), the reluctor should be flush/parallel to the rocker cover gasket. If not, the intake camshaft must be replaced.
NOTE: Each of the procedures listed here may not detect a small movement in the reluctor. It may be necessary to compare to a known good engine if in doubt. Also note that the cam cover gasket surface does not line up with the same face/slot on the intake and exhaust reluctors.
