Chevy Traverse Timing Chain Replacement Cost: GM 3.6L V6 Guide

The GM 3.6L V6 is a DOHC (dual overhead cam) engine with four timing chains: two primary chains connecting the crankshaft to each bank's intake camshaft, and two secondary chains connecting each bank's intake cam to its exhaust cam. That is a lot of chain to stretch.

When the chains stretch, the camshaft timing drifts out of specification. The engine computer detects this through the cam and crank position sensors and sets P0016 (Bank 1) and P0017 (Bank 1 Sensor B) codes. You may also see P0008 and P0009 for Bank 2. Symptoms include rough idle, reduced power, and in some cases a check engine light that flashes during acceleration.

The root cause is almost always oil maintenance. GM originally recommended 7,500-mile oil change intervals via the oil life monitor, but the 3.6L engine needs changes at 5,000 miles or less with full synthetic oil. Vehicles that followed the oil life monitor recommendation and went 8,000 to 10,000 miles between changes are the ones with premature chain stretch.

A complete GM 3.6L timing chain kit replaces all four chains, all four tensioners, and all chain guides on both banks. A Cloyes or Melling kit for the 3.6L runs $250 to $450. The OEM kit from AC Delco is $400 to $600.

Labor is 10 to 14 hours because the entire front of the engine must come apart. The intake manifold, valve covers, water pump, serpentine belt system, and timing cover all come off before you see the chains. At an independent shop rate of $80 to $130/hour, labor runs $800 to $1,820. At a dealership ($130 to $200/hour), labor is $1,300 to $2,800.

Bundle while they are in there: Water pump ($50 to $100), serpentine belt and tensioner ($40 to $80), thermostat ($15 to $30). These add minimal parts cost and zero extra labor.