The 5 Best Chevy Colorado Camshaft Actuator Solenoid Valves (2004-2012)

Are you looking for the best Chevy Colorado camshaft solenoid valve replacement? You’re in the right place.

Dorman 917-010 Engine Variable Valve Timing (VVT) Solenoid

If you drive your Chevy Colorado routinely, you’ll receive several indications that the solenoid valves are not functioning optimally.

For instance, the engine light will switch on as the sensors start malfunctioning, or the ignition will not turn on. In case you’ve been confronting the above scenarios repeatedly of late, it’s time you went in for camshaft position actuator valve(s) replacement.

Below you can find the five best solenoid valves for a Chevy Colorado available on the market at the moment.

Best Solenoid Valves for a Chevy Colorado – Comparison Table

ImageModelPrice
Dorman 917-010 Engine Variable Valve Timing (VVT) Solenoid - best solenoid for Chevy ColoradoDorman 917-010
(Top Pick)
Check Price
ACDelco 12615873 GM OE Variable Valve Timing SolenoidACDelco 12615873 Check Price
Genuine GM 12615873 Camshaft Actuator Solenoid ValveGenuine GM 12615873 Check Price
APDTY 028121 Variable Valve Timing SolenoidAPDTY 028121 Check Price
Apeixoto OK010VApeixoto OK010V Check Price

Dorman 917-010 Engine Variable Valve Timing (VVT) Solenoid (Editor’s Choice)

Dorman 917-010 Engine Variable Valve Timing (VVT) Solenoid - best solenoid for Chevy Colorado

Painstakingly designed and crafted, the Dorman 917-010 Engine VVT (variable valve timing) camshaft position actuator solenoid seamlessly replaces the OE component of the Chevy Colorado. Dorman has used premium-grade materials to produce the 917-010 VVT solenoid valve to guarantee consistent performance and extended life. The automobile engineers at Dorman have seen that this solenoid’s engineering ensured a performance exactly like OE equipment.

This 917-010 Engine VVT Solenoid replacement by Dorman not only meets but even exceeds the OE VVT stipulations for specific makes and model years of GMC vehicles. The component comes with seals and hardware that match those of the stock equipment, thus guaranteeing a direct-fit replacement.

Features

  • Electrical connector and terminal gender: Female; male
  • Color: Zinc-plated/ silver
  • Included one VVT unit
  • Housing material: steel
  • Solenoid Finish: zinc-plated
  • Activation Type: Electromagnetic
  • Connector type: plug & socket
  • Length, width, and height: 5.9” x 1.2” x 1.2”
  • Shaft diameter; 0.9.”
  • Serves as OE VVT solenoid replacement

Pros

  • Engineered professionally for matching the performance and function of the relevant OE replacement component of specific vehicles
  • Built from premium grade materials for a long-term functional life
  • Serves as the perfect replacement for your pickup’s VVT solenoid sensor
  • Tested on-road for restoring original performance

Cons

  • Many GMC Chevy Colorado/Envoy/Trailblazer/Canyon owners have complained that their vehicle’s mileage decreased

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ACDelco 12615873 GM OE Variable Valve Timing Solenoid

ACDelco 12615873 GM OE Variable Valve Timing Solenoid

The ACDelco 12615873 GM OE VVT Solenoid helps monitor oil flow to the adjustable camshaft sprockets, enabling the latter to fine-tune the camshafts timing. The camshaft’s appropriate position depends on the specific vehicle engine’s load and speed and must be carefully adjusted to ensure fuel economy and engine performance without comprising ride quality. GMC has specially recommended this ACDelco 12615873 solenoid valve as an impeccable replacement for your Chevy Colorado/Envoy/Trailblazer/Canyon’s stock component.

Once you install this OE-quality camshaft position actuator valve sensor in your vehicle, you can expect the original performance and drive/ride comfort. GM OE equipment such as the ACDelco 12615873 Variable Valve Timing Solenoid restores the parts/components factory-fitted at some point in the GM vehicle’s production. So you can rest assured that this solenoid sensor caters to or surpasses the OE equipment requirements.

Features

  • Terminal and Connector gender: Male/female
  • Terminal Type: Blade
  • Color of connector: Black
  • Housing material: Aluminum
  • Connector length and width: 5.12” x 0.94”
  • Coating for protection against oxidation and corrosion
  • Camshaft position actuator VVT Solenoid replacement for Chevy Colorado backed by GM.

Pros

  • Engineered with precision to cater to or exceed stringent quality control specifications
  • Shaped out of stock-grade materials for boosting performance and prolonging the durability
  • Hassle-free installation without having to use any special tools
  • It comes with a 24-month/unlimited mile warranty.

Cons

  • Internal cam phaser housing vulnerable to premature wear & tear/damage thereby preventing it from turning causing it to stall

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Genuine GM 12615873 Camshaft Actuator Solenoid Valve

Genuine GM 12615873 Camshaft Actuator Solenoid Valve

The Genuine GM 12615873 Camshaft Actuator Solenoid Valve is a GM-recommended OE-grade VVT solenoid, scrupulously designed by taking advantage of the state-of-the-art fabrication technology.

Genuine® – a GM customer care brand-is one of the leading manufacturers and sellers of high-quality stock replacement components for nearly all on-road vehicle makes and off-road, marine, industrial, and automotive equipment.

GM 12615873 Camshaft Actuator Solenoid Valve is compatible with Buick Rainier (2004-2007), Chevy Colorado 2004-2012, Trailblazer 2002-2009, GMC Canyon 2004-2012, GMC Envoy 2002-2009, Hummer H3 (2006-2010)/H3T (2009-2020), Isuzu Ascender 2003-2008/Isuzu I-Series 2006-2008, Oldsmobile Bravada 2002-2004, and Saab  9-7X 2005-2009.

Features

  • Activation type: Electromagnetic
  • Connector type: plug & socket
  • Length, width, and height: 5.12” x 0.94” x 1.2”
  • Shaft diameter; 0.9.”
  • Serves as OE VVT solenoid replacement
  • Terminal Type: Blade
  • Connector Color: Black
  • Housing Material: Aluminum
  • Connector & Terminal Gender: Female; Male

Pros

  • A top-quality component made from industrial-grade materials for lasting performance
  • Direct-fit
  • Designed for delivering consistent and smooth performance
  • 2-year/unlimited mile warranty

Cons

  • Comes with screens on the actuator that may detach or sever winding up in the engine

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APDTY 028121 Engine Camshaft Position VVT Actuator Solenoid

APDTY 028121 Variable Valve Timing Solenoid

The APDTY 028121 Engine Camshaft Position VVT Actuator Solenoid works with a wide range of vehicle make and model years.

Some vehicles whose OE VVT actuator solenoid can be replaced with the 028121 camshaft solenoid sensor include Chevrolet Colorado/Trailblazer, Buick Rainier, Hummer H3/H3T, GMC Envoy/Envoy XL/Envoy XUV, and GMC Canyon. These APDTY actuator solenoids have undergone rigorous line testing for guaranteeing that quality conforms to OE standards or exceeds them.

Features

  • Replaces camshaft actuator VVT solenoid of several GMC vehicles including but not limited to Canyon, Trailblazer, Hummer, and Buick
  • Brand new camshaft solenoid for VVT
  • Connector dimensions: 6.42” x 2.64” x 1.97”
  • Exterior housing finish: PTM (paint to match) to ensure matching with the vehicle’s color

Pros

  • Product designed and manufactured in the US: Topnotch quality
  • Built from hard-anodized components for ensuring the component you’ll receive may do better than all other aftermarket solenoids.
  • Helps restore and optimize torque curves and engine horsepower

 Cons

  • Many vehicle owners discovered that the housing did not sit firmly but shifted back and forth a lot

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Apeixoto OK010V

Apeixoto OK010V

Every camshaft position actuator solenoid for VVT by Apeixoto has been meticulously made to match stock actuator valves. This exhaust actuator comprises seamless machined components and integrated with new Viton seals for a leak-free installation.

The camshaft position actuator replaces the counterparts numbered 917010, 917-010, 12602516, and 12615873 installed in GMC, Isuzu, Hummer Chevrolet vehicle models from the model year 2002 through 2012.

Features

  • Companionable with vehicles having 4.2L, 3.5L, 3.7L, 2.8L or 2.9L engine/2004-2007 Buick Rainier/2004-2012 Chevy Colorado/2002-2009 Chevy Trailblazer and many others.
  • Solves the ‘check engine light’ problem and helps reinstate the camshafts’ original position
  • The harsh quality testing process for ensuring product durability and reliability
  • Limited lifetime warranty

Pros

  • It helps minimize toxic emissions while improving fuel (and hence vehicle) efficiency
  • Designed and made to stringent OE specifications for guaranteeing a better tolerance
  •  High-quality gaskets and O-rings for boosting product life
  • Reinforced and durable materials to prevent oil leaks and sludge formation

Cons

  • Many Chevy Colorado owners reported that the dimensions of the actuator did not match with the OE component

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Camshaft Position Actuator Solenoid Valve in Chevy Colorado (FAQ)

What Is a Camshaft Position Actuator Solenoid Valve in Chevy Colorado?

The camshaft position actuator solenoid valves in your Chevy Colorado are an integral part of the vehicle’s four-cylinder engine. Camshaft position actuator sensors collect and relay data about camshaft speed to the midsize truck’s ECM (engine control module). The ECM takes advantage of this information for establishing the precise ignition timing, thereby enabling you to make the most of the engine’s power.

The engine control module exploits this data to enable the vehicle’s engine to use fuel efficiently. General Motors has installed two actuator solenoid valves on all their four-stroke engines, from 2004 through 2013 model years, including the Chevy Colorado (2004-2012). The camshaft control solenoid valves, in due course, may not perform effectively owing to regular attrition or due to suffering knocks.

How to Replace Camshaft Position Actuator Solenoid on a Chevy Colorado?

If you’re replacing the camshaft position actuator solenoid DIY, then you’ll need to keep the following tools ready before proceeding:-

  1. Clean rags
  2. The replacement camshaft position actuator solenoid
  3. Anti-seize
  4. Ratchet/extensions
  5. 10mm sockets

Since the actuator solenoid valves come in pairs, make sure you replace both simultaneously, starting with the exhaust cam solenoid. Once you’re through with replacing the exhaust actuator, you proceed to change the intake cam solenoid. The very first step entails detaching the intake manifold casing by disengaging the mass airflow sensor.

After you’ve removed the manifold cover and set it aside, you’ll spot both the actuator solenoids sitting in the valve cover basin. Before you begin detaching the sensors, ensure to get rid of all the dirt and debris from the gorge. It’s incredibly crucial to completely clear the dust and grime to prevent the same from infiltrating the camshaft region.

You’ll need to be very careful in detaching the electrical connectors from both valves at this stage. Start by cautiously pulling up the lock tab so that you’ve it easy thrusting the release knob for jiggling the connector free from the actuators. For installing the new actuators, repeat each of the steps outlined above.

So, What’s the Best Camshaft Position, Actuator Solenoid Valve in Chevy Colorado?

In our opinion, the best solenoid valve for a Chevy Colorado on our list is the Dorman 917-010. It’s quite affordable, sturdy, and easy to install.