A big thing we’ve seen a lot of over the past year or so, has been timing chain problems on the Chevy Traverse, Saturn Outlook, GMC Acadia, and Buick Enclave. All of these SUV’s have the 3.6 liter V6 engine with dual overhead cams. What is happening on these vehicles is that the timing chains are stretching which leads to correlation errors with the cam sensors and actuators.
Usually we see this only on 2007-2009 model year vehicles. After 2010, General Motors has seemed to correct the problem with updated chains and ECM calibrations.
This was first thought to be caused by lack of oil changes, and there was a recall to update the vehicle’s computer to shorten the oil life monitor. This was supposed to get customers in sooner to change their oil, thus hopefully eliminating sludge build up, heat, and excess wear and tear that leads to the chains actually stretching some.
On the older models, this didn’t seem to matter. They would still be coming in with the check engine light on and usually running rough. There would most times be trouble codes for cam sensor/actuator correlation, usually on bank 1. Something like a p0017 and a P0008 would definitely mean the engine has stretched chains. Now, this is no small job!! The entire engine and transmission has to come out on a lift table. This requires much work, just even disconnecting all the wiring harnesses and sensors. The air conditioning system has to be recovered and lines removed from the compressor. The trans cooler lines and power steering cooler lines have to be disconnected. The shift linkage, complete engine harness, upper and lower radiator hoses, and fuse box just all come out just to name a few.
Then, once the engine is out and accessible, the real work begins! After removal of the valve covers, intake manifold, power steering pump, belt, tensioner, water pump pulley, alternator and crank pulley, the aluminum front cover can come off. There are quite a few bolts that hold it on and they all have a small rubber seal that goes on each bolt. Now, finally, you can access the actual timing chains where the problem lies.
Once you can get your hands on the chains, you can easily feel the excessive play in the chain from being too far stretched out. This leads to the timing being off, setting the check engine light on, and usually a rough idle. There are three different chains that will require replacement with the updated parts. There is also some special tools needed, such as camshaft holding tools, etc, that are needed to do this job.
The chains, guides, hydraulic tensioners can all be taken off and the chains removed. Now the engine can be placed at top dead center and the holding fixtures installed on the cams once the timing marks are lined up on the crank gear and oil pump cover. The left chain goes in first, following the timing procedure, then the primary chain, then finally the right side cam chain. Once all the chains have been installed, and their guides and tensioners, the process of putting it all back together can begin. Let’s just say this is NOT a job for the backyard mechanic. It will take even the most experienced technicians the better part of a whole day to do this job, sometimes longer.
Luckily for most customers, the powertrain warranty covers this repair up to 100,000 miles. Otherwise it would be very expensive to repair. So, if you’re having these symptoms, don’t wait another minute to go in to your dealership and get this checked out!
Below are two pictures so you can see just how involved this job is. The first pic is of the entire engine/trans assembly out of the Traverse and ready to disassemble. The second pic is a close up of the three timing chains that will be replaced. You can see there are quite a few sprockets, and things to go around!
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349 Comments on "Chevrolet Traverse And GMC Timing Chains Replacement"
Are the timing chain part numbers from a 2010 GM 3.6 L engine the same as part numbers from 2007 to 2009 GM 3.6 L engines and are they made by the same manufacturers?
Add me to the list. Waiting for an estimate now. My mechanic told me there is a good likelihood the engine is damaged and best to be replaced. From the sounds of the cost to replace the timing chain, replacing the engine is about the same cost. What a racket for Chevy/GM and a crime that they not only ignore it, but continue to cause the problem. If the law suit that was discussed materializes, someone please post the information.
2012 Traverse – 95k miles – rough idle, engine power loss- just diagnosed with the timing chain codes at my mechanic’s shop. Estimate is $3500 plus valve head cleaning. Oil changes have always been performed at less than 4K miles, so what’s the point of good preventive maintenance
GM?
First and last Chevy I’ll ever buy – any platform. The only thing this model can’t do well is traverse!
I am also looking to get in touch with a lawyer on this issue
I also have a 2012 Chevy Traverse and the timing chain went out on it I am fighting with General Motors to get this fixed as I am reading that there is a lot of issues with the 2012 timing chance on these vehicles I think it’s well enough knowing that it’s an issue with these and they need to have them recalled my estimate is $4,200 and I am 3000 over a hundred thousand miles if it would have hid under a hundred thousand miles they would have covered it
2008 Buick Enclave qith 149,000 miles. Fault Codes P0366, P0346, P0341, P0341, P0305, P0300, and P0205. Dealer said the timing chain needs to be replaced for $2800 just to begin determining what else is wrong with the engine. Sent an email to Buick who basically said “too bad” and talk with the dealer to resolve the issue.
I used to laugh at Honda owners who had to replace the water pump and timing chain at 100,000 miles for $1100. If you owned an American car, I said, they come with chains so you’d never have to replace it. He who laughs last, laughs best.
Honda, Toyota, or Nissan… here I come.
Add me to the list of timing chain issues, my 2011 Traverse has 61,000 miles, it started with the intermittent check engine light as well….piece of shit Chevy! GM is well aware but is NOT helping their customers, this is an expensive repair, in excess of $2100! Shame on you GM
Add me to the list with the timing chain issue… 2011 Traverse with just 67,000 miles started with the intermittent check engine light. Giving code P0008. Not running rough, same fuel economy and only a slight loss of power when the MIL is on. Power returns, MIL goes out. Bought from a dealer as a lease return vehicle. Have always used Mobile1 oil which is certified to 10,000 miles between oil changes, recommended by my trusted mechanic but will change at 5,000 to 7,000 along with tire rotation. He recommended Mobile1 because of the superior protection and doesn’t “sludge up”. Engine STILL ended up with the timing chain issue. Guess it has nothing to do with the frequency of oil changes. Have seen forums like this one that owners have had their GM product repaired at GM’s expense due to the “KNOWN” issue with the engine design, covering vehicles up to 2013. My drive train warranty ran out about 2 years ago yet older model year vehicles had their warranty extended to 10 years/100,000 miles up to 2009/2010.
Called GM for help…wasn’t notified of extended service 11340 document…thus at 119000 miles under said document but over 10yr mark which was May 17,2017…was basically told “its unfortunate”. No working with me at all even with them “knowing” the problems and me finding out through google search…will be my last GM
I too have the same problem AGAIN. First timing belt was fixed under power train and the problem happened again. Dealership said that the problem should not have happened and they might repair it again with no money out of pocket. Fingers crossed.
Has anyone had a problem with the reduced power engine light coming on around the time for an oil change and their car virtually loosing power? Is it possible that what we are dealing with is not a timing chain problem but rather an engine problem that breaks down the motor oil’s viscosity to a point where it is not able to properly lubricate the timing chain and causing it to overheat and thus stretch?
Hello my fellow, Chevy let me down cause the engine failed club members. I feel responsible for not looking online and seeing all these reviews first before buying my 2011 Traverse. I don’t even know what exactly is all wrong except timing chain for on. The only good thing is the motor isn’t completely locked up. It’s going to be expensive and hopefully can be fixed and I’m getting rid of it as fast as possible no matter what the loss is. 120000 miles and no warning, no engine light and it just gave up on me! To see now the magnitude of the problem and how common it is I’ll never buy a GM of any kind again!
This is not the real problem. And GM knows it. The problem isn’t JUST with the timing chains stretching… as Ryan stated below. The PROBLEM is with a manufacturing design flaw, and GM knows it. The Crankshaft timing chain sprocket pulley slips, once it slips, your engine is toast. Only repair options are… remove the engine, repair the part (GM part that will eventually do the SAME thing), Call up Jasper Engines to get one they have MODIFIED to prevent this from happening, and replace your engine, or find a used engine that it hasn’t happened on and replace your engine… (then dump it/trade it as fast as you can before it happens and let it become someone else’s problem… you know… the GM motto).
I’m not mechanical or technical enough to give all the ends and outs, but I do have a 2010 GMC Acadia 3.6L, and just discovered this MAJOR AND INSANELY EXPENSIVE issue. If this isn’t a class action lawsuit, it needs to be…
Add Your Comment Or Question Here…just found out that check engine light with code pending p008 is a death warrant for my 2010 Traverse, I kept oil changed as recommended and never had a moments problem until now. my mechanic says its a design flaw from the start and all gm 3.6 lt engines will do the same . putting in new timing chain is expensive and will not correct problem. cam is already moving and will do the same thing again. A new engine will not fix problem either, because it will eventually do the same thing.
GM should have told all buyers once it was found to be an issue with all makes and models with this engine. I will never buy a GM vehicle ever!!! Tell everyone about to purchase a GM vehicle to look at the web first.
I have a 2010 Traverse 130000 same problem, called and just got the run around. Timing chain/belt is not a wear item, can I get the info for the class action law suit.
Did you get the class action suit info I need it . I have just been told my 2011 traverse with 60,000 Mike’s needs the timing chain and cam sensors replaced. They set it is not under warranty.
Crankshaft timing chain sprocket failure… not a timing chain failure. EXTREMELY common problem, that GM is aware of. They’re just continuing to manufacture the same engine with the same components. GM Dealership service centers are telling people to take their “timing chain issues” to local service centers, instead of getting it on record that the problem isn’t a “timing chain”… it’s a manufacturing issue with the crankshaft chain sprocket pulley. I have to completely replace my engine… with an engine that Jasper Engines has modified to keep this from happening again. That’s going to cost me $6k+ on a vehicle that is no longer worth it.
Anybody ever had any problems with your traverse fowling coil packs. Mine had had three in a year. It also had the timing chain replaced at 114,000 miles. 2009 traverse. Thanks in advance.
Yes, coil issues. Now p17 obd code. Seriously disappointed.
There’s a Facebook page “Chevy Traverse Timing Chain Issues”. We must mobilize & put as much pressure on GM as possible. Thanks
I will add to the list. My car just went down yesterday. It’s a 2010 with just over 84,000 miles. The check engine light came on awhile back, and would go off for some time, and then come back on. Then yesterday it started sputtering and shaking, and the check engine started flashing. Took it to the dealership, and saying in need the timing chain, upper arms, catalytic converter, and the injectors replaced. Does it really need all of that, or is it all because the timing chain? Any movement on the lawsuit? I’m definitely in!
I am currently facing the same issues with my 2011. I really hope there will be some action regarding these issue.
2010 Acadia 80,000 miles. Timing chain needs replaced. No coverage or assistance with repair. Total estimate $2900 AC leak as well to the tune of $800. Absolutely ridiculous.
my 2010 traverse has been a nightmare and mind altering adventure from timing at 90000 miles replaced at 3500 suspension you name it i replaced control arm swaybar links motor mount shocks shock mounts uggg. this car has ball joints going now. over 7000 in repairs and still going. Im about to snap on this car seriously. GM is done in my book. Never again.
2010 Traverse 55,000 miles same situation bought new,…..also had wipers switch,and condenser for air repaired 2 months ago
Timing chain replaced a year ago still under warranty. Atleast they say they replaced the timing chain. They had the job done in less than 8 hours. I find it very hard to believe they did all this work in less than 8 hours. 1 and a half years later timing chain fails again and engine is possibly blown. Dealership refused to help out saying they don’t back their work after 1 year. Never buying a chevy again.
This is the exact problem I am going through right now!!
2010 Traverse 146,000 miles and it’s in the shop right now for timing chain replacement. $3500 is the repair cost quoted from the chevy dealer. What a horrible design, I wish I had known this prior to purchasing, it just makes me wonder how long the new timing chain will last….
Is it still running
We have a 2010 traverse and the check engine light came on a week and half ago. All the timing chains have to be replaced at our cost even though it only has 111,000 miles on it. Chevy won’t even acknowledge there is a problem at all! It will cost more than the car is worth to replace them. I’m going to try and fight this at the suggestion of my personal mechanic, but we may end up having to trade it for what we can get. I’m definitely going to join the class action lawsuit though, bet on that!
Anyone know of a Class Action Lawsuit? I googled it and found nothing under a Traverse Timing Chain…any information would be greatly APPRECIATED! TIA
The warranty on this issue has been extended to 120,000.00 they should be fixing it for nothing. I just had mine fixed by chevy at no charge…. however the actuators (4) and solenoids (4) which are pricey parts are not included in the warranty. My issue was they took the engine apart to replace the timing chain and did not bother changing the fore mentioned sensors. They then told me it would cost 2200.00 to drop the engine and replace the sensors. I went to the general manager and got that prices knocked down to parts and a few extra labor hours… I was not paying them to drop the engine again when they should have replaced those parts in the first place.
What year and what model. My wifes just went out on hers
Who did you call about the warranty.
Kat
My wife has a 2012 traverse and the time chaine is gone we have 101,000 mil on it. What do you mean they have exstanded? To you! Or in general?
I have a 2011 Traverse with 101900 miles. It is in the shop now for timing chain. Estimate was $2388 plus tax at dealer. I called a ton of mechanics and no one will touch this car. Even the service guy at the dealer said the car is not built well. I had to spend $4000 earlier this year to get this car fixed. I am beyond upset.
Timing chain went also. 2008 Saturn Outlook 81k. Gonna cost @$3000.00 to fix.
2010 Saturn Outlook – 98000 miles – not covered, $2800 to fix P0008 code. Car has been meticulously taken care of. Worried mine won’t even be covered after GM ends up having to deal with this, since there were only a little over 3000 Outlooks built in 2010.
2010 Chevy Traverse 50000 miles had the engine light come on . Got it checked needed timing belts,repaired with the dealer not honored under warranty. One month out of warranty. GM did not budge. Now 70000 miles nave the engine light coming on again and the same codes with the timing issue. I have all gm cars 4 total and planning on purchasing a foreign cars in the near future. GM bailed out buy the american people, and they don’t even want to here and admit about any problems with this issue. When other customers having the same problem. Bad customer service. I hope people read these posts and buy foreign cars.
2010 Chevy Traverse. Check engine light code P0017 diagnosed as Timing Chain. GUESS WHAT??? GM did NOT fix this problem! I’m being quoted around $3000 for the repair. GM is NO help! I will never buy GM again!
2012 Chevy Traverse with 111,000 miles on it and I got the engine power reduced message while heading down the road and barely was able to make it back to work from lunch. Had the vehicle towed to the dealership and have a quote for $2400 due to the timing chain. This issue just seems to be manufacturer wide with these motors. I contacted GM to see if they’ll help in any way due to the close proximity of the powertrain warranty and am awaiting their response. My guess is they won’t help in any way.
2010 chevy traverse. 90,000 miles and timing belt went as well. is there a way for gm to fix this?
I have a 2010 traverse with 95000 on it dealer replaced timing chains 5000 miles ago and now it broke a intake valve off in # 3 and pushed it up into intake. Anyone elses do this? Of course dealer dont know what caused it BUT OF COURSE ITS NOT THEIR PROBLEM.
2011 Chevy Traverse, only 49,000 miles and same problem! Not covered!! Unbelievable!!