SERVICE FIX
Timing Chain Stretch and/or DTC’s P0008,
P0009, P0016, P0017, P0018, P0019
VZ@VE, WL, WM, VE, CG, RA, with HFV6
Group 6A Ref. No. TL1551 – 0804
This techline explains HFV6 timing chain elongation
diagnosis for the following applications, VE
Commodore, WL/WM Statesman/Caprice, CG
Captiva, VZ@VE Commodore Wagon/Ute and RA
Rodeo.
It is written to inhibit unnecessary replacement of
parts such as ECM’s and engine harnesses and limit
exorbitant diagnostic time, by systematically
checking and eliminating obvious causes for the
following DTC’s, as per Holden standard service
instructions.
CONDITION
A condition may occur with the HFV6 engine that will
cause the MIL to illuminate and may log DTC’s
P0008, P0009, P0016, P0017, P0018, and P0019.
These codes all relate to Engine Position
Performance and Crank / Cam Position Correlation.
Important Note:
This condition, in isolated cases, only affects the
7.7 mm pitch timing chain installed in engines
built after the following engine numbers:
H053340001 VZ@VE, VE, WL, WM
H051530001 CG
H051580001 RA
The 9.525 mm pitch timing chain installed in
earlier HFV6 engines is not affected.
The customer will only notice an engine warning light
in the Instrument Panel. This timing chain elongation
condition does not cause any obvious driveability
concerns or any abnormal engine noises.
CAUSE
There was an issue with the timing chain
manufacturing process that caused, in a small
number of engines, the chain links to be outside
design specifications, which over time, may result in
chain elongation.
The degree of chain elongation will depend on the
number of affected links and the drive cycle of the
engine during its life. Typical expectation is that ECM
detectable chain elongation would only occur in early
engine life. i.e. 10,000km to 20,000km.
CORRECTION – Vehicle Production
Improved timing chains were introduced from the
following breakpoint:
Engine Number : Eng Built Date:
H071380576 18/05/07
CORRECTION – Vehicles In Service
If the vehicle meets the criteria explained, with any of
the previously mentioned DTC’s logged in the ECM,
the standard service instructions for DTC’s P0016,
P0017, P0018, P0019 and P0008 and P0009 must
be followed, prior to any diagnostic work being
carried out on the timing chains.
For VE/WM refer:
Engine Controls & Fuel – 3.6L, DTC P0016, P0017,
P0018, P0019, or document # 1985724 in the (SI)
Service Information.
Engine Controls & Fuel – 3.6L, DTC P0008, P0009,
or document # 1985715, in the (SI) Service
Information.
For CG Captiva refer:
Engine Controls & Fuel – 2.8, 3.2, 3.6L, DTC P0016,
P0017, P0018, P0019 or document # 1805995 for
MY07 or # 1991028 for MY08 in the (SI) Service
Information.
Engine Controls & Fuel – 2.8, 3.2, 3.6L, DTC P0008
or P0009 or document # 1805994 for MY07 or #
1990838 for MY08 in the (SI) Service Information.
For RA Rodeo (HFV6 only) refer:
Engine HFV6, Section 6C1-2, Engine Management -
V6 Diagnostics, in the current (SIP) Service
Information Package.
For VZ@VE Commodore refer:
V6 Engine, Section 6C1-2, Engine Management – V6
Diagnostics, in the current (SIP) Service Information
Package.
Basic checks such as bank to bank swaps of any
suspect parts, for example; cam actuators, cam
sensors, cam phasers and wiring checks, as part of
the above standard service instructions must be
carried out, prior to any chain replacements.
If the above instructions are complete and there is no
fault detected, then it is likely that there could be an
elongated timing chain in the camshaft drive system.
Please contact TAS for diagnosis confirmation!
Timing chain replacement is only permitted once all
diagnosis is complete and TAS confirmation
determined that there is an elongated timing chain
condition present.
Only the timing chains need to be replaced.
Idlers, guides and tensioners do not require
replacement. However, inspect the guides for any
abnormal wear and replace only if necessary.
Once the original used chains have been removed,
check the free length against new unused chains to
confirm diagnosis. Ensure the chains are either laid
flat on a bench and pulled straight with no kinks, or
hung out straight vertically. Typical chain elongation
observed is a minimum of 3mm on a doubled up
chain, taking an approximate measurement.
Refer to the illustration attached below for a
stretched chain example.
Please ensure that any elongated chain
measurements are included in the 3C's data entered
in the warranty system.
PARTS INFORMATION
Part No.: Description Qty:
12616609 Primary Timing Chain x 1
12616608 Secondary Timing Chain x 2