P0014 on 2018-2019 Buick LaCrosse: Exhaust Cam Timing Fixes

What's Unique About the 2018-2019 Buick LACROSSE

For this specific generation of Buick LaCrosse, the most notable issue related to P0014 is a known software glitch in the Engine Control Module (ECM). General Motors issued Technical Service Bulletin N192266190 stating that P0014, often appearing with P0011, P0021, and P0024, can be caused by this software problem, especially after an auto start/stop event. The official fix is reprogramming the ECM, which is a crucial distinction from many other vehicles where the immediate suspect is a mechanical part.

Diagnostic Flowchart

Tap your situation to follow the diagnostic path that matches what you're seeing on this vehicle.

Symptoms You May Notice

• Check Engine Light is on
• Engine runs rough, especially at idle.
• Reduced engine power. [Bulletin #N192266190 02]
• Engine may stall when stopped. [Bulletin #N192266190]
• Hard starting.
• Poor fuel economy.
• Rattling or ticking noise from the engine, especially on startup.

Most Likely Causes

1. Engine Control Module (ECM) Software Issue 🔴 High Probability As documented in GM TSBs N192266190 and PIP5568E, a software condition can cause P0014 to set, often with other cam timing codes, particularly after an auto start/stop event.
   How to confirm: A GM dealership or a qualified shop with access to GM's software can check if the vehicle's ECM has the latest calibration. The presence of codes P0011, P0021, and P0024 alongside P0014 strongly suggests this cause. The TSB specifically applies to 2018 models.
   Typical fix: Reprogram the Engine Control Module (ECM) with the updated software. This must be done by a dealer or a shop with GM programming capabilities.
   Est. part cost: $0 (if under warranty), $100-$200 (dealer labor for reprogram)
2. Low, Dirty, or Incorrect Viscosity Engine Oil 🟡 Medium Probability The VVT system is hydraulic and relies on clean oil at the correct pressure to function. Debris can clog the fine mesh screens on the solenoids. One owner on a forum noted that their LGZ engine (a truck variant of the LGX) experienced cam phaser rattle on cold starts with Mobil 1 oil, which went away after switching to Castrol or Havoline, highlighting the engine's sensitivity. An owner on another forum fixed a case where all four timing codes were present simply by adding two quarts to a very low oil level.
   How to confirm: Check the engine oil dipstick for level and inspect the oil's color and consistency. If it's low, black, or sludgy, it needs to be changed.
   Typical fix: Perform an oil and filter change using the manufacturer-specified oil viscosity (SAE 5W-30 full synthetic for the 3.6L LGX).
   Est. part cost: $50-$100
3. Faulty Camshaft Position Actuator Solenoid (VVT Solenoid) 🟡 Medium Probability
   How to confirm: Unplug the solenoid and check its resistance with a multimeter (typically 8-12 ohms). 🎬 Watch: How to test and fix an over-advanced camshaft A more definitive test is to swap the exhaust solenoid with the intake solenoid on the same bank (Bank 1, firewall side). Clear the codes and drive. If the code changes to P0011 (Intake Cam Position), the solenoid you moved is bad. Inspect the old solenoid's screens for debris; clean screens on a failed solenoid point to an internal electrical failure.
   Typical fix: Replace the Bank 1 exhaust camshaft position actuator solenoid. It is held in by a single 10mm bolt. It is often recommended to replace both intake and exhaust solenoids at the same time, or all four on the V6.
   Est. part cost: $25-$90

Rare But Worth Checking

• Stretched Timing Chain: While a known issue on older GM 3.6L engines, the revised timing system in the LGX V6 is more durable and less prone to stretching. However, severe neglect of oil changes can still lead to premature wear and trigger this code. This is a serious and expensive repair.
• Failed Camshaft Phaser: The phaser is the mechanical gear at the end of the camshaft that actually adjusts the timing. It can become stuck in the advanced position due to internal failure or oil sludge, though this is far less common than a solenoid failure.

Diagnosis Steps

1. Check for Technical Service Bulletins (TSBs). Given the known software issue for 2018 models, this is the most important first step. If your vehicle's symptoms match TSB N192266190, a dealer visit for an ECM reprogram is the likely fix.
2. Inspect Engine Oil. Check the oil level and condition. If it is low, dirty, or the wrong type, perform an oil and filter change with the correct full synthetic oil (e.g., SAE 5W-30 dexos1).
3. Inspect the Camshaft Position Actuator Solenoid. Locate the Bank 1 exhaust solenoid (on the firewall side of the V6, typically the lower of the two). 🎬 Watch: Identify Bank 1 and 2 VVT solenoid locations Check the wiring and connector for damage.
4. Test the Solenoid. A simple diagnostic is to swap the exhaust solenoid with the intake solenoid on the same bank. Clear the codes and drive the vehicle. If the code changes to P0011, the solenoid you moved is faulty and needs replacement.
5. Clean or Replace the Solenoid. Remove the solenoid (one 10mm bolt) and inspect its filter screens for metal shavings or sludge. You can try cleaning it, but replacement is often the most reliable fix. Lubricate the new O-ring with clean engine oil before installation.
6. If the problem persists after these steps, more advanced diagnostics are needed to check for a stretched timing chain or a faulty camshaft phaser, which may require professional service.

Parts You'll Likely Need

• Camshaft Position Actuator Solenoid (VVT Solenoid) (OEM #12687225 (for 2.5L LKW), 12662737 (for 3.6L LGX)) — This solenoid controls the oil flow that adjusts cam timing. It is a very common failure point, getting stuck or clogged with debris, which directly causes the P0014 code. For the 3.6L LGX, this part number is often used for all four positions (intake/exhaust, Bank 1/2).
  Trusted brands: ACDelco, Delphi, Dorman
  OEM price range: $50-$90
  Aftermarket price range: $25-$50

Related Codes That Often Appear With This One

• P0011 — This is the code for the intake ('A') camshaft on the same bank. If both appear, it could point to a systemic issue like oil pressure or the ECM software problem mentioned in TSBs.
• P0024 — This is the same exhaust cam timing code but for Bank 2 (radiator side on V6). If P0014 and P0024 appear together, it strongly suggests a problem affecting the whole engine, like oil quality/pressure or the ECM software issue. [Bulletin #N192266190]
• P0021 — This is the intake cam timing code for Bank 2. Seeing all four codes (P0011, P0014, P0021, P0024) is a key indicator of the software issue described in TSB N192266190.

Technical Service Bulletins (TSBs) & Recalls

• N192266190 / N192266190 02: States that drivability concerns like a rough running engine, reduced power, or stalling can occur with DTCs P0011, P0021, P0014, and P0024. The specified repair is to reprogram the engine control module (ECM) on certain 2018 models.
• PIP5568E: Documents an investigation into DTCs P0011, P0014, P0021, and P0024 setting together or in pairs, causing drivability concerns.

Platform-Specific Known Issues

• A known software issue in the Engine Control Module (ECM) can cause P0014 to set on 2018 models, often along with P0011, P0021, and P0024, especially after an auto start/stop event. The official fix is an ECM reprogram by a dealer. [Bulletin #N192266190, #N192266190 02, 15]

Mechanic-Grade Diagnostic Values

• VVT Solenoid (Camshaft Actuator) Resistance — expected: 8 to 12 Ohms. Failure: A reading of 0 ohms (short), infinite/OL (open), or significantly outside the expected range.
• Engine Oil Pressure (3.6L V6 at warm idle) — expected: Minimum 20-25 psi. Failure: Pressure consistently below 20 psi at warm idle can starve the VVT system and cause timing codes, pointing to a potential oil pump or pickup tube issue.
• VVT Solenoid Connector Voltage (Key On, Engine Off) — expected: One pin should have battery voltage (~12V) and the other is the control circuit from the ECM.. Failure: Absence of ~12V power indicates a wiring or fuse issue upstream of the solenoid.

Scan Tool Commands That Help

• GDS2 (GM Global Diagnostic System): Camshaft Position Actuator Solenoid Test — This bidirectional control allows a technician to command the solenoid on and off while monitoring the desired vs. actual camshaft position angles. If the actual angle does not change when the solenoid is commanded, it confirms a failure in the solenoid, wiring, or hydraulic circuit (phaser/oil pressure). This is a definitive test before replacing parts.
• GDS2 (GM Global Diagnostic System): Fuel Trim Reset — After replacing a VVT solenoid or fixing an oil pressure issue that caused the P0014 code, resetting fuel trims can help the ECM relearn adaptive strategies faster, which may improve driveability immediately after the repair.

Wiring & Ground Locations

• G105 / G106 — Located at the left front of the engine compartment and on the front center of the frame cross rail, under the crank pulley.. These are primary engine and chassis grounds. G101, which is jumpered to G106, specifically grounds the Engine Control Module (ECM). A loose or corroded connection at these points can cause erratic behavior from the ECM and its actuators, including the VVT solenoids, potentially triggering false codes.
• Bank 1 Exhaust VVT Solenoid Connector — On the Bank 1 (firewall side) cylinder head, it is the lower of the two VVT solenoid connectors.. This is the direct connection point for the actuator. The two wires are typically Tan and Brown on the 3.6L LGX. Testing for voltage and ground at this connector is a primary electrical diagnostic step. The pins can be tested for resistance through the solenoid itself.

Real Owner Repair Stories

• Cadillac Forums user (Cadillac ATS with 3.6L LGX V6 (same engine family)) — Recurring P0014 and P0024 codes, rough idle, and engine noise.
  ❌ Tried (didn't work) Replacing all four camshaft actuator solenoids., Performing an ECM reprogram per the TSB., Multiple oil changes.
  ✅ What actually fixed it The root cause was a failing variable displacement engine oil pump. It was providing insufficient oil pressure intermittently, especially at idle, which starved the VVT phasers and caused the timing codes to set. Replacing the oil pump resolved all symptoms and codes.

When the Usual Fixes Don't Work

• While the TSB for an ECM reprogram is a very common fix for the 2018 model, it is not a guaranteed solution. In cases where P0014 (often with P0024) persists after the reprogram and after replacing the VVT solenoids, the underlying cause can be more mechanical. One documented case on a similar vehicle with the LGX engine revealed a failing oil pump was causing intermittent low oil pressure, starving the VVT system. This highlights the importance of verifying proper oil pressure with a mechanical gauge if the common software and solenoid fixes do not resolve the issue.

OEM Part Supersession History

• 12662737 → 12715960 — Standard part evolution, likely for improved durability or manufacturing consistency.
  Heads up: For the 3.6L LGX V6 engine. While the old part number may still be available, using the latest superseded part is recommended.
• 12687225 → 12715961 — Standard part evolution.
  Heads up: For the 2.5L LKW I4 engine. Use the latest part number for replacement.