2016 Verano stalling at stops/ Rough starts

[ErnieSellsLemons]

Hey all,
I recently purchased a used 2016 Buick Verano. Vehicle report said it had only one owner beforehand, but it had been sitting on the dealers lot for awhile so it made me bit wary, but regardless; the first 3 weeks of driving were great, but one day after work on the way home the check engine light came on and threw me a p0013 for the exhaust camshaft position actuator solenoid. Had the dealership replace it and its ran fine now for about month. Filled up on gas one day last week and she stalled about 7 times just trying to get out of the parking lot but wouldn't throw me a code. Finally, after a treacherous drive to work the next morning stalling at almost every light (I live by myself and only have this vehicle as my lifeline), she throws me the check engine light with the same code. Thinking it may be bad gas or water in the lines, I run the tank almost dry and refill with some high octane and throw in a bottle of fuel stabilizer/water removal for safety. The check engine light dissapears on its own accord. I reset the codes and the following 2 days was smooth sailing.
Today as I'm driving home the check engine light comes on again just before I pull into a gas station and once more I end up playing the start/stop/stall game after filling up.

I have not had a chance yet to check what the latest code is, but I'm assuming more of the same. Any suggestions? I'm considering the dealership might have just given me a bad solenoid, but they're convinced I need a full fuel system flush and I'm $700.00 short of their "Assistance". Any help would be appreciated.

 

[MelsRegal]

Fuel problem doesn't throw that code, bad part, poor connection, partially broken harness to solenoid.

 

[Jeff L]

Ernie, I am having the same problem, also replaced the camshaft position sensor. If I start the car when it is cold I have no issues with stalling as long as I leave the car running. If I turn it off for a short period it stalls when I press the accelerator, whether I am in gear or not. It continues to stall even after it is back up to full temperature. Did you have any luck getting your car fixed?

 

[MelsRegal]

Jeff L, do you have a check engine light and if you do, what is the code?

 

[Jeff L]

I received a check engine light the other day, but it did not recur after I replaced the sensor, even though the problem persists. I forget the number but it was for the camshaft position sensor. I had it read at an auto parts store and didn’t see the readout.

 

[Jeff L]

Jeff L, do you have a check engine light and if you do, what is the code?

Thank you for the reply. I replaced both VVTs and it seems to have corrected the problem. My guess is one was mechanically sticking when hot, so after the car was shut off for a while the VVT was improperly positioned, when restarted after cooling off some, causing the stalls. The computer doesn’t monitor the physical position-so no check engine light. It is a theory at least.

 

[Kountrykitty2]

I am having the same problem with my '16 Verano. My son replaced the camshaft position sensor and it still threw the same code. Went to the parts store and was told that there were 2 of those sensors but couldn't tell me where the second was located. Does anyone know or have a diagram? I can't see going to the dealership to be charged hundreds of dollars for a $60 part and 15 minutes of work. Any suggestions are appreciated!

 

[Jeff L]

I am having the same problem with my '16 Verano. My son replaced the camshaft position sensor and it still threw the same code. Went to the parts store and was told that there were 2 of those sensors but couldn't tell me where the second was located. Does anyone know or have a diagram? I can't see going to the dealership to be charged hundreds of dollars for a $60 part and 15 minutes of work. Any suggestions are appreciated!

Kountrykitty2, while researching this problem on the 2016 2.4L I was only able to find references to the one position sensor (drivers side of the engine block under the high pressure fuel pump.) This engine does have two cam shaft position actuator solenoids (something new to me.) These are on top of the engine block on the passenger side. If you pop off the plastic cover you will see them. If you have the trouble code number you can look it up on AutoCode or there is a useful YouTube video by Advanced Level Auto on Buick Verano running rough VVT problems. VVT means variable valve timing or what the cam position actuator solenoids do for the car. Like I said in my post, I just changed both of these out and it corrected the problem (one bolt each.) Good luck!

 

[matt1]

Thank you for the reply. I replaced both VVTs and it seems to have corrected the problem. My guess is one was mechanically sticking when hot, so after the car was shut off for a while the VVT was improperly positioned, when restarted after cooling off some, causing the stalls. The computer doesn’t monitor the physical position-so no check engine light. It is a theory at least.

Hello, when you say VVT, what exactly do you mean?

 

[matt1]

Thank you for the reply. I replaced both VVTs and it seems to have corrected the problem. My guess is one was mechanically sticking when hot, so after the car was shut off for a while the VVT was improperly positioned, when restarted after cooling off some, causing the stalls. The computer doesn’t monitor the physical position-so no check engine light. It is a theory at least.

My apologies. I found the Variable Valve Timing Solenoid. You said yours has two, I have a 2013 Verano and it appears I may have one. I’ll look more into this. Thanks

 

[G-641772]

I have a 2016 Buick Verano check engine is on, and when i put in gear or step on the brake it dies. Whats up with this?

 

[dffdixie]

Thank you for the reply. I replaced both VVTs and it seems to have corrected the problem. My guess is one was mechanically sticking when hot, so after the car was shut off for a while the VVT was improperly positioned, when restarted after cooling off some, causing the stalls. The computer doesn’t monitor the physical position-so no check engine light. It is a theory at least.

I've been having the same problem on my wife's 13 buick verano, but no check engine light is thrown