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Help with a P1066 code

4.2K views 23 replies 7 participants last post by  rockyrose089  
#1 ·
The check engine light in my 2018 ATS 3.6l AWD Premium Luxury came on today when I started the car. I check all fluids and the basics and nothing wrong and the car runs and drives great. When I checked with my scanner there was 1 code P1066 with no description given. If I check the code, it comes right back. I Googled the code, but cannot find anything whatsoever associated with it for either my car or for anything else Cadillac related. Does anyone know what this is and what may need to be done? Thanks for any help!
 
#6 · (Edited)
Looks like this DTC defined is for another nameplate and not for a 2018 ATS

If the valid purpose for that DTC

Possible the wrong oil was put in, as that could cause that DTC ?

Insufficient oil pressure due to a mechanical failure in the oiling system Faulty Variable Valve Actuator (VVA) Assembly

Engine oil level low
Engine oil contaminated
It can be an electrical issue or possibly a bad solenoid valve

Code P1066 Description
Multi-Air is an electronically controlled variable intake valve phase and lift system.
Unlike a conventional intake valve phase and lift system which controls all the cylinder intake valves simultaneously and in the same proportion; Multi-Air, through the use of an electronically controlled hydraulic link between the camshaft and intake valve, allows for each intake valve to be controlled independently.

The valve lift and timing can be adjusted infinitely.
The Multi-Air valve train has a mechanical camshaft lobe acting on a hydraulic pump located between the camshaft intake lobe and the intake valve.
The pump provides oil under pressure to a two-way electro-hydraulic solenoid valve called the Variable Valve Actuator (VVA) Solenoid. The VVA Solenoid is electronically controlled during the specific intake cam lobe event by the Powertrain Control Module (PCM).

During the event, the VVA Solenoid is commanded to either hold oil pressure or bleed oil.
The VVA Solenoid is a normally open solenoid. The PCM provides 12 volts to close the solenoid. The position of the VVA Solenoid determines the intake valve timing and lift.

This change on valve action is similar to creating a change in the camshaft lobe profile, affecting the lift and duration of the valve opening. The Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) will be set when the PCM measures the time needed to turn on the VVA Solenoid. When the PCM recognizes that the VVA Solenoids switch off time is too fast or too slow, a fault is set.
 
#4 ·
I'd change the filter again - it is only like 10 bucks, was the correct oil used as specified in the owners manual?


have no idea where it resides (if this is it)
 
#7 ·
I see. The car has always used the same brand oil filter and 5W-30 oil that the Cadillac dealer had been using since new and told me to use and I only have 30,000 miles on the car and even with this code it runs great. I will try changing the oil filter since it is quick, but it don't seem to be related to the oil. Wish I knew where that Solenoid was if anyone knows, please charm in, thanks.
 
#13 ·
I believe that code has to do with the "Auto Start/Stop" system, ie the one that stops the engine when you stop at a light and automatically starts it when you take your foot off the brake. There is a TSB that refers to that code in regards to it. You may have to see a dealer for further assistance.

In the 2014-2015 ATS/CTS service manuals it does not even list a DTC P1066 code, so I can fully believe it was an addition with Start/Stop in 2016+.

OBD-II codes are NOT universal, even though there are plenty of references online, you need a Cadillac ATS-specific reference for your model year to properly diagnose it.
 
#15 ·
Problem is P1066 is an enhanced DTC and each nameplate has own meaning for that DTC
so when doing a search of this DTC, what is posted is not for the 2018 ATS

In looking directly at GM definition for 2018 M.Y and for the 3.6L ATS the P1066 DTC is for the following IF
the OPs ATS has the start/stop feature

States cause :
Stop-Start Capacitor Control Module Status
Message Counter Incorrect
(UltraCap)


The OP should post the VIN # so we can see if there was any GM TSB related to this start-stop controller
or a software update for this problem or ask a dealer

I attached below a PDF is GM's Mode $6 defined all DTCs for 2018, look at page 964

Image
 

Attachments

#16 ·
Try this: 1G6AK5SS9J0107305

This is kind of what I was guessing after reading what I found in searches for the P1066 code, that it is something very specific to a vehicle.

So, if the P1066 does turn out to be related to the Stop-Start Capacitor Control Module as the culprit, what is involved with correcting it, such as part #'s needed, part location, etc?
 
#17 ·
Here are the records of TSBs for engine and as to recalls to your VIN # as of today :

VIN:
1G6AK5SS9J0107305
Controller:
K20 Engine Control Module
Function:
Programming
Programming Type:
Normal
Calibration History for: Main Operating System
Part Number
CVN
Bulletin #
Description
126860590000C846-Main Operating System


Calibration History for: System
Part Number
CVN
Bulletin #
Description
127002620000528D-Improve Diagnostic performance for P2096/P2098 and Sport Mode Latching
1268749400006818-New calibration for start of production
12674926000029DB-System


Calibration History for: Fuel system
Part Number
CVN
Bulletin #
Description
1268749300008B43-New calibration for start of production
1267492500009A27-Fuel System


Calibration History for: Speedometer
Part Number
CVN
Bulletin #
Description
12687498000051F2-New calibration for start of production
126749300000B500-Speedometer


Calibration History for: Engine diagnostic
Part Number
CVN
Bulletin #
Description
12687489000014BA-New calibration for start of production
126749210000B502-Engine diagnostic


Calibration History for: Engine Operation
Part Number
CVN
Bulletin #
Description
1270026000005771-Improve Diagnostic performance for P2096/P2098 and Sport Mode Latching
1268748700009595-New calibration for start of production
1267491800004447-Engine Operation


Calibration History for: Slave Operating System
Part Number
CVN
Bulletin #
Description
126560190000C897-Slave Operating System.


Calibration History for: Engine
Part Number
CVN
Bulletin #
Description
1267181900000234-New calibration for improved driveability.
126703760000089E-New calibration for saleable vehicles
126598220000276A-Engine.


Results last updated: 12/31/2023

2018 Cadillac ATS

VIN: 1G6AK5SS9J0107305

Mileage 0 Miles

Recalls

Recalls and/or programs for your vehicle in which repairs have not been completed are listed below. GM provides information on this website for recalls announced on or after August 20, 1999. This information is available for vehicle in which repairs have not been completed.


  • ·
Customer Satisfaction Program

Loss of Audio Chime and Wrong Splash Screen - Expires 6/30/21

Completed: 2019-08-14

  • Customer Satisfaction Program
Radio Module Software Update - Expires 10/31/2019

Completed: 2017-12-06


  • Customer Satisfaction Program
Incorrect Fuse Labels and Owner Manual Fuse Information - Expires 8/31/2020

Completed: 2019-01-29
 
#18 ·
As you see as to recalls there was 3 of them for your ATS but shows those were done to your ATS

As to TSBs, software updates to the PCM (engine controller)

You can see the software code segments which functions the PCM

Look at the part numbers, the newer the number is for each code segment means the newer the software update was
A dealer hooking up to the car can then compare the existing code segment part # to this list to see if your PCM has all the TSB updates done and if not they update those code segments

None of them show exactly any update as to start/stop or the P1066 DTC, but that does not mean there was one in a code segment update

That DTC in short says there was a problem with that controller exchanging data on the on-board network within a set amount of time allowed

You did not answer if your ATS has the start/stop feature or not

But if it does, maybe if you disconnect one side of the battery for a few minutes to flush out temp settings in controllers and hook the battery up again (making sure the battery is charged up)

Then see if that DTC trips again
 
#19 ·
It does have the Start/Stop feature.

So those TSBs listed for the software updates to the PCM do not actually show if they where or where not done, correct?

And, if those software updates are needed, they may include a segment within the code which may solve the P1066 issue, in turn making it a non mechanical issue. Or, if those updates do not solve the P1066 issue, then the Stop-Start Capacitor Control Module would need to be replaced, right?

I was planning to take it in to the dealer for a once over in a couple of weeks anyways, so should I just ask them to check for any TSB software updates needed or give them this list?
 
#20 ·
It does have the Start/Stop feature.

So those TSBs listed for the software updates to the PCM do not actually show if they where or where not done, correct?

And, if those software updates are needed, they may include a segment within the code which may solve the P1066 issue, in turn making it a non mechanical issue. Or, if those updates do not solve the P1066 issue, then the Stop-Start Capacitor Control Module would need to be replaced, right?

I was planning to take it in to the dealer for a once over in a couple of weeks anyways, so should I just ask them to check for any TSB software updates needed or give them this list?
Yes you are correct
That only shows as to your VIN # what updates where for that year but has no way to know if your ATS
was in a dealer, and they did those updates for the PCM

I only showed for the PCM but for the car as a whole, other non engine controllers might also have updates so best when at a dealer to request they have their tech tool check and do any newest TSB, updates to all controllers

A GM diag tool would be able to see if the start/stop controller is exchanging data over the on-board network in the timeframe it should

Yes, could be something like a weak ground or wiring issue

The records though showed the 3 minor recalls were done

Did you try and disconnect the battery and then see if that DTC comes back, as could be that controller just needs a reboot to get back into sync to the car's network
 
#22 ·
Got it! Haven't tried disconnecting the battery yet, but will give that a try and also the diagnostic procedure I just saw.

I don't go to the the dealership as much as I use to when the car was newer, being the car is very mechanically sound and haven't had any issues until now, plus it still has low mileage and is well kept.

I'll post back a status update in a few weeks after the dealer checks it out or if by disconnecting the battery or in the diagnostics something changes.

You guys have all been a big help, thanks everyone and have a Happy New Year!
 
#23 ·
Read this


Read this 2017 ATS TSB I found and attached below

Maybe luck out and check that G400 ground location shown in the PDF near battery left rear
The capacitor is right behind the rear wheel well liner

Capacitor if bad is $206


I still would disconnect battery first and see if it was just a comm problem over the network
and check that ground is clean and torqued correctly
 

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