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P0601 P0014 P1345 Diagnosis and Fix for 2001 Chevrolet TrailBlazer - Timing System or PCM Issue?

Model: 2001 Trail Blazer Fault Code: P0014 Posted: 2014-03-27 08:59

I own a 2001 Chevrolet TrailBlazer with 4-wheel drive. The vehicle runs smoothly under normal conditions, but suddenly the reduce power light activates, the gas pedal becomes unresponsive, and the engine shuts off. It can be restarted until the warning light comes back on, at which point it chokes out again. After disconnecting the battery for 24 hours, the car operates normally for about a week before the issue returns. A dealership has diagnosed codes P0601, P0014, and P1345. They claim this is a timing system fault, but I notice that the engine performs perfectly until the warning light appears. Given that the vehicle runs fine when not showing errors, I'm questioning whether a full timing system replacement—estimated at $3,000—is truly necessary. Is there a more cost-effective or accurate diagnosis for these codes? Specifically, P0601 indicates a problem with the Powertrain Control Module (PCM) self-test, while P0014 and P1345 relate to Variable Cam Timing (VCT). Could the issue be rooted in the PCM rather than mechanical timing components?

Related fault codes
P0014P0601P1345
Comments (10)
Anonymous 2014-03-27 10:07

Is your vehicle currently at an authorized Chevrolet dealership? Has it been officially diagnosed with these codes? I'm not sure what exactly you're asking for clarification on.

Anonymous 2014-03-27 10:39

The dealer recommends replacing the entire timing system, which costs around $3,000. That seems extremely high—especially since the vehicle runs smoothly when not showing symptoms. I'm wondering if a mechanical timing issue would typically manifest during engine operation. Has anyone else encountered this and found a more affordable solution?

Anonymous 2014-03-27 15:45

Are you still seeking advice? Do you live in an area where annual emissions testing is required?

Anonymous 2014-03-27 19:35

Yes, I have to undergo emissions testing once a year.

Anonymous 2014-03-28 08:55

A $3,000 repair for a 13-year-old vehicle’s engine is excessive. I strongly recommend getting a second opinion. The P0601 code raises more concern than the VCT timing issue. What is your technical experience level? Do you have access to an OBD2 scanner and basic tools? For this type of issue, a dealership may not be the best first choice for repair.

Anonymous 2014-03-28 09:02

I'm 40 years out of date but was trained at GM in Fairfax, VA. I have basic hand tools and no scanner—though I can obtain one. What's confusing is that the vehicle runs perfectly until the engine control module (ECM) detects a fault.

Anonymous 2014-03-28 09:24

This appears to be a 4.2L engine with Variable Cam Timing (VCT). Codes P0014 and P1345 point to either a faulty solenoid or actuator in the VCT system. The solenoid is located on the front of the engine, right side, near the cylinder head. It uses pressurized fluid to control the cam timing actuator. A clogged screen inside the solenoid can cause intermittent failures—often originating from the actuator itself. However, replacing these components is a complex job. I suggest starting with the solenoid before considering full replacement; $3,000 seems far too high for this issue.

Anonymous 2014-04-30 09:05

The vehicle runs fine under normal conditions—my real concern is whether the root cause lies in the Powertrain Control Module (PCM), which may be failing its self-test. The P0601 code suggests a PCM-related issue, and I believe this could be contributing to both timing errors and erratic behavior. Thanks for sharing your insight.

Anonymous 2014-04-30 09:25

I recently diagnosed the same symptoms on a GM Grand Prix with identical codes. The root cause was a faulty Powertrain Control Module (PCM). This may be the actual issue in my TrailBlazer as well.

Anonymous 2014-04-30 17:46

I diagnosed a same problem on a gm grand prix with same symptoms.The pcm is at fault.