[CamaroPA]

This is a comprehensive list of videos and guides for repairs, maintenance, replacements. updates and modifications.

Please advise of any broken links.

Battery https://youtu.be/URaxP0FuaL8
Blend Door - In Vehicle Method https://youtu.be/K0jajaoc-ro
Bosch EDC16 ECU - How To Take Apart https://youtu.be/UR-8CLIPv3c
Cabin Ait Filter https://youtu.be/-xJ1BIJZ7A4
Change Engine Oil https://youtu.be/qdk7Z98_x4A
Check Engine Fluid Levels https://youtu.be/H4bJK40M2Ow
Cooling Fan Assembly https://youtu.be/tspdfH1gXVs
Differential Fluid Replace https://youtu.be/WwejWy6qIOM
Door Panel https://youtu.be/VnDybfAMgR4
Door Speaker https://youtu.be/_6lL7-2ODLo
Door Tweeter https://youtu.be/nqKXm0TwxZ4
Engine Air Filter https://youtu.be/iH_P8fpSE6Q
Fog Light Assemblies https://youtu.be/7omvx3TVLw4
Fog Light Bezels https://youtu.be/fdIGL06yOXY
Front Brakes https://youtu.be/GlDiHibH1-Y
Front Bumper Cover https://youtu.be/9KvU_qxpLcM
Front LCA - Forward https://youtu.be/9YNdxXzuxQQ
Front LCA - Rearward https://youtu.be/dZb9lihkVL8
Front Lower Grille https://youtu.be/V9UJgW_7SKA
Front Side Marker Bulbs https://youtu.be/dD86NEa00LI
Front Struts https://youtu.be/jXuoPUC7xMw
Front Swaybar Links https://youtu.be/vXK2bNuSdhU
Front Upper Grille https://youtu.be/b3cPnnr0BFQ
Front Wheel Bearings https://youtu.be/b1rOV6FjsKU
Headlamp Assemblies https://youtu.be/Sp96S2YUWmY
Hood Struts https://youtu.be/qFK8jMShXjw
Horns https://youtu.be/WBQScebGpAo
Iner Tail Light Housing https://youtu.be/aOL9z_BiwJk
Inner Tail Light Bezel https://youtu.be/dM29SjXwJPw
MAF Sensor https://youtu.be/1xo4lBsERK0
Manual Transmssion Fluid https://youtu.be/d6k957Nm5iw
Melling Timing Kit for GM 3.6L Installation Tips https://youtu.be/1SC8Jy9NOJk
Oil Minder Reset https://youtu.be/qcgkAcOAqhQ
Outer Tail Light Bezel https://youtu.be/uns0CyCr7x0
Outer Tail Light Housing https://youtu.be/B0qz9U7W1dU
Power Mirror Switch/Adjuster https://youtu.be/l-9xsJY-P1k
Power Window Switch https://youtu.be/9EpgMxiIzew
Purge Soleniod https://youtu.be/SlSr87xLavs
Radiator Fan Assembly https://youtu.be/tspdfH1gXVs
Radiator Replacement https://youtu.be/5dAhBjwGoQo
Raise & Support Vehicle - Lift https://youtu.be/vdroW_Wpkf8
Rear Brakes https://youtu.be/YDuCnMM5E8o
Rear CV Axles https://youtu.be/L1OlaJlhMGo
Rear LCA https://youtu.be/YLL7KPZl9qY
Rear Struts https://youtu.be/Toc0VPgg2rM
Rear Swaybar Links https://youtu.be/10wtHcLf8O4
Serpentine Belt https://youtu.be/Gy-jQZ7IY-8
Serpentine Belt Tensioner https://youtu.be/6Z3Y1iqagCU
Side View Mirrors https://youtu.be/uhjXBenHEMI
Tail Light Bulbs https://youtu.be/CWFKGRupOPU
Timing Chain Failure, Reason & Fix https://youtu.be/7YaZLY91HD0
Trunk Cargo Net https://youtu.be/hCOltN4EFLM
Trunk Release Button https://youtu.be/uaGuTDnni6k
Upper Intake Tube https://youtu.be/Iog0GbxUdtY
Washer Pump https://youtu.be/UBOdxAIdV9k
Washer Reservoir https://youtu.be/dK77VR59vxk
Wheel Speed Sensor https://youtu.be/3Bo0XtgBWFQ

Modifications:
2012+ Steering Wheel Swap https://youtu.be/DUJ-910_FoQ
Black Decale Kit https://youtu.be/DiaFTy4tFpo
Moser Live Axle Conversion https://youtu.be/Vu1_0qYOlRk
PCV Valve Update (10-12) https://youtu.be/wCV1KMrX4uI
Reluctor Wheel Set Screw Update https://youtu.be/w4mbn6GRpKc
Strut Tower Brace https://youtu.be/faY6uNgGvls

2010-2015 (GEN5) CAMARO V6 ENTHUSIASTS
Contains Albums, Guides, and Files for repairs, mods, and specifications.
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[CamaroPA]

GM High Feature Engine (LLT/LFX), Common Issues:
Excessive Oil Consumption Water Pump Failure Front Cover Oil Leaks (Timing Chain Cover) Timing Chain Failure (mostly LLT engines)

1. Excessive Oil Consumption
The LFX engine is known to consume up to 1 quart of oil for every 2,000 miles. While GM claims this is normal consumption, problems are caused by the engines oil change intervals. The “change engine oil” light on the LFX is computer-calculated and generally appears every 8,000-12,000 miles.

The issue that arises is that at 1 quart per 2,000 miles the engine becomes very low on oil before the change engine oil light appears. While the low engine oil light may still appear prior to this, it is very common for drivers to find themselves low on oil in between oil changes.

When oil runs low on these engines, the cam phasers are the first component to be deprived of oil. When the phasers are not being properly lubricated the result is poor engine timing which can lead to cylinder misfires and codes being thrown for the camshaft sensor.

Additionally, the timing chain is the second component to become deprived of oil. Excess oil consumption resulting in low oil levels are a common cause of timing chain failure as mentioned above.

LFX Oil Consumption Symptoms
Low engine oil light
Losing 1 quart of oil every 2,000 miles or more
Camshaft sensor engine code
Timing chain failure

How to Prevent or Fix Oil Consumption
Unfortunately, the engine oil consumption is considered normal in these engines. The excess oil consumption is less of the problem however. The problem is people not checking oil levels and continuing to drive on low oil levels. If you follow GM’s recommend oil change intervals and wait 8,000+ miles for an oil change, you need to make sure you top off the oil in between changes.

For cars with OLM (oil life monitoring), GM did recall this item to recalibrate the system to suggest earlier oil changes. If you haven’t had this performed we would recommend doing so to prevent low oil levels.
While we recommend still changing the oil every 5,000 miles, you can alternatively keep an extra quart or two of oil in your trunk and top it off every few thousand miles.

GM does have an oil supply kit that will keep the cam phasers and timing chain adequately lubricated, but it requires about 15 hours of labor to install. Maybe this is an option if you still have some warranty left but otherwise the cost of adding the oil supply kit is not worth the benefit.

GM also has a passenger side valve cover gasket update:

Just make sure you keep your oil levels topped off, and check at least every other fuel fill up,
or every 500 miles.

2. LFX Water Pump Failure
Water pumps circulate coolant throughout the engine. They are the primary system responsible for keeping engine temperatures within spec. The internal components of a water pump are subject to high pressures. The internal pressure naturally causes the internal components of the water pump and the gasket and seals to wear down over time.

As the internal components begin to wear down, the pump has to work harder to maintain adequate coolant flow. Additionally, gasket or seal leaks cause pressure drops within the system again requiring the water pump to have to overwork itself.

On the LFX engine the water pump is known to go out around the 80,000-100,000 mile range. Fortunately, there are warning signs of a failing water pump and you can catch it before the pump completely fails and overheats the engine. The LFX water pump has a “weep” hole which is a small drain hole on it. When the water pump starts to leak internally, coolant will drip out of the weep hole which is a telltale sign that the water pump is on its way out.

LFX Water Pump Failure Symptoms
Coolant leaks onto underside of engine
Engine overheating (water pump has already failed)
Whining noise from engine

If you are overheating then the water pump has already failed. If you find small amounts of coolant leaks around the engine then the water pump is likely on its way out, but not completely gone yet.

We recommend replacing the water pump once you notice coolant leaks to prevent overheating. Overheating can toast head gaskets, internals, etc. and lead to numerous other problems if not addressed promptly. A dealership is probably going to quote you near $1,000 for a water pump replacement on the LFX. However, the parts themselves should be around $100 or less, and it can be DIY’d in a few hours, it is very easy.

3. LFX Timing Chain Cover
The timing chain cover, also commonly referred to as the “front cover” protects and lubricates the timing chain. The cover bolts directly up to the front of the engine block and prevents the timing chain from being exposed to road dirt and debris and helps prevent it from coming loose off of its gears. However, the most important purpose of the cover is to help lubricate the timing chain with engine oil.

The LFX uses a timing chain instead of a timing belt, and therefore has a metal front cover. The cover is bolted up to the block with a gasket between the two. Because the gasket sits right up on the engine block it is subject to a lot of heat. Over time this heat wears down on the gasket and causes oil to leak out of the front cover.

The gasket also seals the engine pressure or vacuum. A failed gasket will not only leak oil but will also leak air and engine pressure which can result in various performance related issues.

Symptoms of a Failing LFX Timing Cover Gasket
Oil leaking from timing cover (block/cover have noticeable oil on them)
Low engine oil light or excess oil consumption
Engine runs poorly, bad performance
Knock sounds from engine
Engine code for vacuum leaks, AFR issues, etc.
P0016, P0017, P0018, P0019 (usually associated with chain failure)

Replacement Options
While it is possible to crack a timing chain cover, most of the issues with the LFX arise from gasket failure. When the gasket fails it is important to replace it immediately as it can cause performance issues but can also result in low oil levels which can further damage the timing chain and engine internals.

4. LLT & LFX Timing Chain Failure
Most timing chain issues are caused by low oil levels. As mentioned with the excessive oil consumption problem, low oil levels are commonly caused by the oil change monitoring system recommending oil changes too infrequently. When oil levels become low, the timing chain is one of the first components to be starved of oil. When this happens, the timing chains aren’t receiving enough lubrication and the temperature of the chains metal increases from the increased friction.

The hardened rollers begin to oval with low oil (friction), thus increasing the space between the links:

As timing chain metal temps increase the chains elongate and can jump teeth on the gears.

Additionally, the timing chain tensioner worsens the problem. The tensioner is responsible for keeping the proper amount of tension in the chain so that it does not become loose and jump gears. The tensioner is hydraulically-actuated meaning it uses oil pressure to function. When the engine is low on oil, the tensioner does not receive enough oil pressure to keep enough tension in the chain, causing it to become loose.

The lack of lubrication can also cause the timing chain guides to wear down and need to be replaced too.
Is timing chain failure an LFX problem?

These timing chain problems were mostly associated with the LLT engine from 2007-2011. However, they also affected the 2012 models of the SRX, Camaro, and Impala. In April 2012, the timing chains received an upgrade which minimized the problems going forward.

With that being said, timing chains are maintenance items and can still fail over time. While they are known to fail as early as 30,000 miles on the affected 2007-2012 models, they should last closer to 150,000 miles on later model years without these issues.

For cars with oil life monitoring, GM did recall and recalibrate the OLM monitoring systems to prevent the extremely length oil change services and reduce the likelihood of running low on oil.

LLT & LFX Timing Chain Failure Symptoms
Various engine codes
P0008, P0009, P0016, P0017, P0018, P0019
Poor engine timing
Engine runs poorly, idles poorly, etc.
Cylinder misfires
Metal shavings in oil

When a timing chain fails, it throws the engines timing out of whack. If your timing chain completely falls off or jumps too many teeth it is extremely important to not turn the engine on. Running the engine with extremely poor timing can cause the valves to collide with the pistons causing serious internal engine damage.

Metal shavings in oil:

LFX Engine Reliability
The LLT engine got a bad rap for reliability primarily because of the commonality of timing chain failure. Fortunately, this issue was addressed for most LFX engines and cars with OLM were re-calibrated to prevent low oil levels.

The 2012 LFX models are going to be less reliable than 2013+ models as it suffered from the old timing chain issues. However, this problem is really only a problem if you let your oil levels run too low. Since the LLT and LFX is known to normally consume 1 quart every ~2,000 miles or so, I recommend either topping off oil in between changes or changing your oil more frequently. This consumption can increase to 1 quart every 1000 miles with age, and/or leaks.

While GM says service intervals in the 8,000-12,000 mile range are acceptable, we recommend changing the oil more frequently than that especially if you don’t drive that many miles yearly.

Outside of problems that can be caused by running low on oil, the LFX doesn’t have any catastrophic engine problems and has proven to be reliable. If you own or are planning on owning an LFX just be aware of the oil consumption issues and make sure you check your oil levels frequently to make sure they don’t get too low.

If oil levels are properly maintained, the LFX engine shouldn’t have any problem reaching the 200k mile mark. Just understand that by the time you reach these mileage levels there is likely a handful of maintenance items that will have arose like water pumps, hoses, timing chains, sensors, etc.

I have an LLT engine with over 301,000 miles as of this post. I keep an eye on everything.

 

[CamaroPA]

Valve Cover Gasket Replacement Tip:

Blend Door Failure:

This is common across every 2010-2015 Camaro, no matter what trim level.

The blend door will fall or get stuck.

To prevent this from happening. Loosen the screws that hold the actuator in place and remove the top screw.. While keeping an eye on the actuator, reach up and start turning the temperature dial till you see the actuator start to twist. Back off and it will straighten out. MARK where the dial is, and do not turn past it:

GM has not updated the part, nor have they corrected the problem. In the
first post of this thread, is a link for fixing the door should it fail. That is the
only way to repair it, cheap. The dealer has to remove the dashboard, and
they also have to remove the windshield to get some of the bolts out. If you
do not have a professional scan tool to calibrate the actuator, set the dial at
MID WAY before cutting the box open, and do not unplug the actuator. Install
the door so it is straight up and down. When you put the actuator back
on, leave the screw out, and the bottom one loose. IF you turn to cold and it
gets there too soon, then go back to midway, pull the actuator off, and then
turn back towards hot, a little at a time, and repeat until you are satisfied with
the limits. Remember not to turn all the way to cold, or it will eventually break again.