P0011 Code: Camshaft Position “A” – Timing Over(Bank 1)

One of the common code that display in the check engine light the P0011 code, which indicates that there’s a timing issue with the engine.

When you see the P0011 engine code on your vehicle, it indicates that the Bank 1 intake camshaft is positioned incorrectly.

The intake camshaft opens or closes the intake valves on your engine. It is controlled by a component known as the Oil Control Valve (OCV), which itself is controlled by the Engine Control Module (ECM).

Using a Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) allows the car owner to identify what’s wrong with their engine just about at the touch of a button through the use of a code reader. With the code reader, you can quickly find engine diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) and use that information to determine the cause of the problem and how to repair it.

In this article, you will find all the information necessary to understand the P0011 engine code, including the meaning, handling, and approximate cost of repairing the vehicle with that code.

What does the P0011 Code mean?

P0011 is a DTC that points out that the “Camshaft Position A – Timing Over-Advanced or System Performance” (Bank 1).

P0011 means that the Power Control Module (PCM)/Engine Control Module (ECM) has determined that the Bank 1 intake camshaft is over-advanced as compared to what the PCM/ECM is telling it to do.

What happens is that the camshaft is either over-advancing or over-retarding in comparison to what the PCM/ECM is telling it.

Put simply, P0011 is your engine control module telling you that the timing of your vehicle’s intake camshaft does not match what it should be.

Note: Most vehicles equipped with variable camshaft timing, otherwise known as variable valve timing (or VVT) will generate this specific OBD2 DTC.

Variable intake valve timing is a method of controlling the time when the intake valve opens and closes in an internal combustion engine. This can improve fuel consumption, increase performance, or reduce the amount of emissions produced.

The engine computer will modulate the movement of the camshafts by using an oil control valve (OCV) or valves (i.e., a variable valve timing control solenoid valve).

What are the Possible Causes of the P0011 Code?

Code P0011 can be triggered by a variety of issues, including:

• A faulty camshaft actuator (also called a phaser)
• A failed VVT solenoid (also called an oil control valve)
• Wiring issues (such as damaged wires or loose connections)
• Worn timing components (for example, a stretched timing chain or broken guide)
• A low engine oil level
• Contaminated or excessive build-up of oil in the VVT oil flow control valve, causing it to stick
• Issues with the PCM (i.e., needing a software update)

Although P0011 may seem complicated, a low oil level is one of the most common reasons this code gets set. As such, the fix may not always require a large engine repair.

What are the Common Symptoms of the P0011 Code?

You may notice one or more symptoms if code P011 is stored in the vehicle’s computer.

• The check engine light comes on.
• The engine misfires.
• Fuel economy is low.
• The engine stalls.
• The engine rattles.
• The engine idles poorly.
• The engine starts with difficulty.
• The vehicle fails an emissions test.

How Serious Is the P0011 Engine Code?

If you get an engine code P0011, you should stop driving your vehicle right away to prevent further damage to your engine from a malfunctioning intake camshaft.

Can you fix the P0011 engine code on your own?

It may be possible for you to fix engine code P0011 on your own based on the severity of the issue. First, make sure to check the oil level in your car.

If your oil is low, add oil to it. If your oil is dirty, replace the oil and oil filter. After replacing the oil and filter, you can take your car for a short drive to see if the issue has been resolved.

If your car continues to have engine issues after changing the oil and filter, look into the oil fill cap or valve cover of the valve train for your intake camshaft. If you see any sludge, it is highly likely that you will need to replace your engine.

If you do not see any sludge, then check the operation of the OCV (Oil Control Valve).

How Does a Mechanic Diagnose the P0011 Code?

• Inspect the connectors, wiring, and valve of the Camshaft Oil Control Valve on the Intake Camshaft of Bank 1 (Cylinder Head #1) for any issues.
• Verify that the Engine has been filled with clean engine oil that meets the specifications for Viscosity.
• The technician will retrieve and record the fault codes from the Engine Control Module (ECM/PCM) and obtain a Freeze Frame of when the code occurred.
• Once all fault codes are retrieved, the technician should clear the OBD-II Fault Codes (if necessary) and then retest to determine if P0011 has returned.
• If the code is still present, the technician should proceed to perform a Manufacturer-Specific Pinpoint Test and repair the fault as necessary.

Caution: The manufacturer-specific pinpoint test must be followed in order to isolate the fault; otherwise, the engine might be damaged internally if tested inappropriately.

Common Mistakes While Diagnosing the Code

You or your technician may try and diagnose the P0011 code incorrectly. To prevent these errors, please follow the steps below.

• The first step is to always perform a visual inspection for any obvious problems, such as ensuring all electrical connections are secure.
• The next step would be to check engine oil levels and the quality of your engine oil. 
• Next would be to verify and reset all trouble codes. Perform tests only after verifying whether or not the trouble code returns.
• To avoid misdiagnosing and replacing components that are functioning, complete the manufacturer’s pinpoint test magazine step by step.
• Components or sensors should only be replaced if the tests describe a problem.

Ways to Fix the P0011 Code

• Resetting fault codes and performing a road test (best-case scenario).
• Changing the oil and filter as per the manufacturer’s recommended oil viscosity.
• Repairing and/or replacing any wiring and connectors connected to the oil control valve on bank 1 & camshaft sensor (this will likely be a simple and cheap fix).
• Replacing the camshaft oil control valve on bank 1 & for the intake camshaft (this will likely take longer and cost more).
• Checking for any misalignment of timing chains caused by jumping timing issues may be a labor-intensive fix, but it usually will not cost a lot of money.

How Do I Fix Trouble Code P0011?

1. First, you should check the vehicle’s wiring harness and connectors as well as the electrical components of the valve itself, through visual inspection. You will also need to repair or replace any defective components, including valves, solenoids, etc that may be stuck open.
2. Next, check the oil level in the engine and if possible test it for quality. If you find it to be low in volume and/or thick in viscosity you should change it.
3. Finally, recapture the codes from the vehicle and collect the freeze frame info. After that, clear the codes and start the car to see whether or not the codes return and whether or not any of the symptoms persist.

Related Post:

• How To Check Your Car Engine Oil In 5 Easy Steps
• How To Change Car Engine Oil? In Simple Step
• Why Do Cars Need Oil Changes?

How Much Does It Cost to Fix Code P0011?

Fixing the P0011 code can be inexpensive or costly, depending on known issues and what repairs are needed to resolve them.

In order to determine how much it will cost, a complete diagnosis of the problem must first be performed.

Repairs to the relationships of the various components that help to operate the VVT system may include:

• Oil change and filter – $35 to $95
• Repairs to damaged wiring connections – $50 to $550
• Replace VVT solenoid – $55 to $450
• Replace cam-actuator – $650 to $950
• Replace timing belt/chain – $550 to $3,250
• Update or replace PCM – $250 to $2,500.

Keep in mind that if you don’t use the proper viscosity engine oil recommended by your vehicle’s manufacturer, you could potentially damage your VVT system through either too heavy or too light an oil being delivered to your system.

FAQs.