P0010 on 2013-2015 Cadillac ATS 2.5L: Intake Camshaft Solenoid Circuit Fault Causes and Fixes

What's Unique About the 2013-2015 Cadillac ATS

The 2013 Cadillac ATS with the 2.5L LCV engine is specifically known for this issue. General Motors acknowledged a high failure rate for the original camshaft position actuator solenoids by issuing Special Coverage bulletin #15824. This bulletin notes that an internal wire in the solenoid can break, causing an open circuit and triggering the P0010 code. This makes the solenoid itself the primary suspect, far more so than on other vehicles where wiring or oil issues might be more common first guesses. The same issue affects platform mates like the 2013 Chevrolet Malibu which also uses the 2.5L LCV engine.

Symptoms You May Notice

• Check Engine Light is on
• Rough or unstable idle
• Engine stalling, especially at low speeds
• Reduced engine power and poor acceleration
• Worse than normal fuel economy
• Engine vibration

Most Likely Causes

1. Failed Intake Camshaft Position Actuator Solenoid 🔴 High Probability GM issued Special Coverage #15824 specifically for this part on the 2013 ATS 2.5L, citing a tendency for an internal wire to break, causing an open circuit. This is a widely documented failure.
   How to confirm: Unplug the solenoid and test its resistance with a multimeter. A good solenoid should read between 4-12 ohms. A failed one will often show an open circuit (infinite or mega-ohm resistance). You can also swap the intake and exhaust solenoids; if the code changes to P0013 (exhaust circuit), the solenoid is bad.
   Typical fix: Replace the intake camshaft position actuator solenoid. The part number is 12662736. The intake solenoid is the one closer to the passenger side on the top of the valve cover.
   Est. part cost: $25-$60
2. Low or Dirty Engine Oil 🟡 Medium Probability VVT systems use oil pressure to function. If the oil is low, old, or sludgy, it can clog the fine mesh screens on the solenoid, preventing it from working correctly and potentially triggering a circuit code. While less common than outright solenoid failure on this model, it's a crucial first check.
   How to confirm: Check the oil level on the dipstick and inspect its color and consistency. If it's low or very dark/gritty, it needs to be changed.
   Typical fix: Perform an oil and filter change using the correct specification oil (dexos-approved 5W-20 or 0W-20, check your owner's manual).
   Est. part cost: $40-$80
3. Damaged Wiring or Connector ⚪ Low Probability While less common than solenoid failure on this specific model, other GM TSBs (like #PIP5724 and #PIP5553A) mention that pinched or chafed wiring harnesses can cause P0010 on other Cadillacs, indicating a potential pattern. The connector's locking tab can also become brittle and break during removal.
   How to confirm: Visually inspect the wiring harness and connector leading to the intake solenoid for any signs of fraying, melting, corrosion, or loose pins. Check for 12V power at the connector with the key on.
   Typical fix: Repair the damaged section of wire or replace the connector pigtail.
   Est. part cost: $10-$30

Rare But Worth Checking

• Faulty Engine Control Module (ECM): This is very rare. The ECM should only be considered after all other possibilities, including the solenoid and its entire circuit, have been thoroughly tested and ruled out.

Diagnosis Steps

1. Check Engine Oil: Verify the oil level is full and the oil is clean. If not, perform an oil change before proceeding. This is a simple first step that can sometimes resolve VVT issues.
2. Locate and Inspect: The intake and exhaust solenoids are on top of the valve cover. The intake solenoid is on the passenger side (front of the engine), and the exhaust is on the driver's side (rear). Inspect the electrical connector and wires for damage.
3. Swap the Solenoids: The intake (12662736) and exhaust (12662737) solenoids are physically similar and can be swapped for diagnosis. Unplug both, remove their single 10mm retaining bolt, and swap their positions. Clear the codes and drive the vehicle. If the code changes to P0013 (Exhaust Camshaft Position Actuator Circuit), you have confirmed the solenoid you moved is faulty.
4. Test the Solenoid Circuit: If the swap test is inconclusive, use a multimeter. Unplug the solenoid and measure the resistance between its two pins. A good solenoid will have a resistance between 4 and 12 ohms. A failed one, as is common with this TSB, will show an open circuit (infinite or mega-ohm resistance).
5. Test for Power: With the key on and engine off, probe the solenoid's connector harness. One pin should have 12V power. If not, check the related fuses and wiring back to the ECM.
6. Consider the ECM: If the solenoid, wiring, and power supply are all good, the problem may be with the ECM's driver circuit, but this is extremely unlikely.

Parts You'll Likely Need

• Intake Camshaft Position Actuator Solenoid (OEM #12662736) — This is the component identified in GM's Special Coverage bulletin #15824 as having a high failure rate due to an internal broken wire. Part number 12662736 supersedes older versions.
  Trusted brands: ACDelco, GM Genuine
  OEM price range: $40-$60
  Aftermarket price range: $25-$45

Related Codes That Often Appear With This One

• P0011 — P0011 indicates 'Intake Camshaft Position Timing - Over-Advanced'. If the P0010 circuit fault causes the solenoid to get stuck or fail in a certain position, it can lead to a mechanical timing error, triggering P0011 as well.
• P0013 — This is the equivalent circuit fault code for the exhaust camshaft solenoid (Part No. 12662737). These solenoids are often replaced in pairs as they are of the same design and age and prone to similar failures.

Technical Service Bulletins (TSBs) & Recalls

• 15824 BULLETIN: Special Coverage for the 2013 ATS 2.5L for a P0010 or P0013 code caused by an internal broken wire in the camshaft position actuator solenoid.
• PIP5724: Mentions P0010 as a possible code resulting from a pinched wiring harness on other Cadillac models.
• PIP5553A: Notes P0010 can be caused by a chafed wiring harness on other Cadillac models.

Platform-Specific Known Issues

• Special Coverage #15824: GM issued this bulletin for the 2013 ATS (2.5L & 2.0L) and 2013 Chevrolet Malibu which extended the warranty on the intake (P0010) and exhaust (P0013) camshaft position actuator solenoids to 10 years or 120,000 miles. It specifically notes the cause is often an internal broken wire in the solenoid. While this coverage is now expired for most vehicles based on age, it serves as a definitive confirmation of the common failure point.

Mechanic-Grade Diagnostic Values

• Intake Camshaft Position Actuator Solenoid Resistance — expected: 6.9 to 12 ohms. Failure: An open circuit (infinite resistance) or a reading outside the specified range. An open circuit is the most common failure mode for this part due to an internal broken wire.
• Voltage at Solenoid Connector — expected: 12V (B+) on one pin with key on, engine off.. Failure: 0V indicates a break in the power supply circuit, which could be a blown fuse or damaged wire.

Scan Tool Commands That Help

• GDS2 (GM Tech Tool) or equivalent professional scanner: Camshaft Position Actuator Control / Active Test — This bidirectional command allows the technician to command the solenoid on and off to verify its operation. If the solenoid clicks and/or the engine RPM changes when activated, the solenoid and its wiring are likely functional. If it does not respond, it confirms a fault in the solenoid or circuit.

Wiring & Ground Locations

• G110 — Located on the upper rear of the cylinder head for the 2.5L LCV engine.. This is a primary engine ground. A loose or corroded G110 can cause a variety of intermittent electrical issues and sensor faults, including circuit codes like P0010. Verifying this ground is clean and tight is a crucial step in diagnosing any electrical fault on the engine.
• X154 Connector — A large harness connector located on the lower left of the engine.. TSBs #PIP5724 and #PIP5553A for other Cadillac models mention that the wiring harness near this connector can become pinched or chafed, leading to a P0010 code. While not specific to the ATS in the TSBs, it highlights a known GM wiring vulnerability in that area.

Real Owner Repair Stories

• YouTube video on a 2013 Chevrolet Malibu 2.5L (2013 Chevrolet Malibu 2.5L with 120,000 miles (platform-mate with the same engine and failure mode)) — Remote start would not work, engine stalled after manual start, and surged/stuttered with light throttle from a stop. Check engine light was on.
  ❌ Tried (didn't work) The owner went straight to diagnosis and replacement, no other parts were tried first.
  ✅ What actually fixed it Replacing both the intake and exhaust camshaft position actuator solenoids resolved the P0010 code and all associated driveability symptoms. The owner chose to replace both due to the high mileage and common failure rate.

OEM Part Supersession History

• 12627117, 12655434 → 12662736 — GM regularly updates service parts to integrate new materials and technologies, likely to improve durability and address the known internal wire failure.

Diagnostic Flowchart

Other Known Issues on This Vehicle

Issues unrelated to this code that are worth knowing about as an owner of this generation:

• CUE Infotainment Screen Delamination 🟠 Medium — Extremely common. The screen develops bubbles, cracks ('spider-webbing'), and becomes unresponsive to touch, typically after 3-5 years. (Ref: Multiple TSBs (e.g., PIC6055C) and a special reimbursement program were issued, but no formal recall. Class-action lawsuits were filed over this issue.)
• High-Pressure Fuel Pump (HPFP) Failure 🟠 Medium — Can fail, leading to stalling, hesitation, and other fuel-related trouble codes. Replacement requires removing the intake manifold.
• Water Leaks into Trunk/Cabin 🟡 Low — Some owners report water leaks into the trunk area, often traced to failed seals around the taillights or sunroof drains. (Ref: TSB #PI1195 addresses water leaks from the roof ditch molding.)

Used vs. New Parts: Buying Guide for This Vehicle

When a used part is the smart pick: For this specific repair, buying a used solenoid from a junkyard is NOT recommended. The part has a known high failure rate due to an internal design flaw (broken wire). A used part is likely to have the same defect or fail shortly after installation.

What to inspect on the donor part:

• Not applicable as used parts are not advised.

OEM-only on this vehicle (don't cheap out):

• While not strictly 'OEM-only', it is highly recommended to use a new GM Genuine or ACDelco OEM part (12662736) for this repair. The cost is relatively low, and it ensures you are getting the latest revised part designed to fix the original flaw.

Aftermarket brands forum-validated for this vehicle:

• ACDelco (GM's own parts brand)
• GM Genuine Parts

Brands owners have reported issues with on this vehicle:

• Unnamed, low-cost 'no-brand' solenoids from online marketplaces may not meet GM's calibration standards and could fail prematurely. Given the low cost of the OEM part, it is not worth the risk.

Real Owner Stories

Aggregated from forums and TSBs cited above. Mileages and costs reflect what owners reported in those sources.

Related OBD-II Codes

• P0011 — Often appears alongside P0010; while P0010 is a circuit code, P0011 indicates the intake camshaft timing is over-advanced, which can be caused by the same faulty solenoid or dirty oil.
• P0013 — The exhaust-side equivalent of P0010. It indicates a circuit malfunction in the exhaust camshaft position actuator solenoid, which is the companion part to the intake solenoid.
• P0014 — The exhaust-side timing performance code; often triggered by the same mechanical or electrical failures affecting the VVT solenoids.
• P10 — A shorthand reference often used by owners and mechanics in forums (like 2CarPros) when discussing the P0010 intake solenoid circuit failure.
• P11 — A shorthand reference used in owner reports to describe the P0011 timing performance issue related to the intake actuator.

Frequently Asked Questions