P0011 – Camshaft position (CMP), intake/left/front, bank 1 timing over -advanced/system performance
| Code | Fault Location | Probable Cause |
|---|---|---|
| P0011 | Camshaft position (CMP), intake/left/front, bank 1 timing over advanced/system performance (Buy Part On Amazon) | Valve timing, engine mechanical fault, CMP actuator |
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Table of Contents
- What Does Code P0011 Mean?
- What are the common causes of code P0011 ?
- What are the symptoms of code P0011 ?
- How do you troubleshoot code P0011 ?
- Codes Related to P0011
- Get Help with P0011
What Does Code P0011 Mean?
In most cases if P0011 comes up it is due to lack of oil lubrication. The best way to rectify the situation is to apply an engine cleaning product and do an engine rinse before re-installing a new VCT/VVT solenoid. If that is not done you will have near future failure of the new VCT/VVT solenoid. It is very important to note in the new VCT/VVT engines they are very susceptible to lower cost oils. You need to purchase high end oils in order to have a longer lasting camshaft oil timing system. You definitely get what you pay for in this case.
- Bank 1 or bank A VVT or VCT solenoid failure. Different manufactures use these terms but both systems are the same.
- VVT- Variable Valve Timing
- VCT- Variable Camshaft timing
- You have an intake camshaft solenoid error usually. Not manufacturer specific, is a generic code.
- Bank A or bank 1 if a 4 cylinder engine. Depending on the type of engine if you have two banks then will have a bank 2 error. Then go into a P0021 code situation.
What are the common causes of code P0011 ?
- Why did the solenoid fail? It is usually from an oil maintenance problem
- Poor choice of oil product for this particular engine- causes carbon build up in the VCT engines and will produce small ball like substance (carbon build up). This was not seen before VVT engines were introduced. This is what causes the filter blockage of the solenoid and causes it to fail and potential engine failure.
What are the symptoms of code P0011 ?
- Loss of gas mileage
- Engine stalling
- Possibly engine failure
- Engine contamination
- If the actual solenoid does fail this will cause a retardation of the intake valve operation
- Check engine light will appear
- Possibly camshaft failure due to lack of lubrication
How do you troubleshoot code P0011 ?
- Use a multi meter (DVOM) and take resistance. Source wiring diagram from All Data DIY.
- As a general rule- every terminal needs to be checked for a solenoid failure. If it does not have a 7-12 ohm on the multi meter, it is most likely failed. Always pin test from the valve solenoid to PCM or ECM.
- Pin test means you must check continuity in the wiring harness between the actual valve solenoid and the brain (computer pcm/ecm)
- While pin testing in back probe, wiggle test all related harnesses and observe readings on vault meter/multi meter
- Check all engine grounds
- Also, clean and tighten every harness terminals from the valve solenoid to the pcm. The integrity of those contacts must be tightly mated and lubricated with grease to make sure full electric contact is present. The misdiagnosed problem is engine vibration which will loosen the harness connecters because most variable cam shaft timing systems rely on high revolution engines. So, any loose wiring or connections may cause this code. It does not mean the actual valve is a problem.
- First check the resistance of the actual valve. Most only have two terminals, will likely present 7-12 oms.
- Often the exhaust camshaft valve solenoid will be the issue, so interchange the two valves one for another and clearing codes.
- If the code changes to the exhaust then it is P0014
- The intake and the exhaust solenoid will have the same type of connection and are interchangeable. Try interchanging one solenoid for the other. If after erasing all present codes, a different code comes back, then you have essentially eliminated the actual valve solenoid and have saved hours of diagnostic work. By interchanging most times if one code changes to the other, you can got your parts guy and ask for the valve solenoid.
- The failure of the solenoid VVC or VCT is usually due to oil blockage from the screen/filter.
Codes Related to P0011
P0171, P0174, P0014, P0021, P0024
Type B codes- will erase itself without a scanner.
Type A code there is something else.
P0016, P0017, P0018, P0019, P0335, P0336, P0338, P0341, P0342, P0343, P0346, P0347, P0348, P0366, P0367, P068, P091, P092, P093, P0521, P0522, P0523
If these codes show it is unlikely to be the valve
If the initial P0011 sets and other codes are present then erase all codes and do five camshaft drive cycles and then re-investigate which codes come back. If any of these codes are present disregard and erase. If they come back it is electrical wiring or connection failure.
PCM/ECM has a particular algorithm to follow. If the valve does not respond to the criteria of the computer, it will recognize the algorithm. So, usually when the P0011 code shows it is failure due to lack of maintenance.
Most P0011 codes are almost always a result of bad oil changes and lack of car maintenance in regards to engine lubrication.
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My 2014 Buick Verano threw this code a few weeks ago. I replaced the solenoid yesterday and it came back on today. It stalled right when I pulled into my driveway. This is very frustrating because I am worried my wife would have an accident due to the engine stalling.
Mi Elantra 2011 se apaga cuando boy en marcha baja ,,cambien las 2 varbula vvt. Y sigo con el mismo problema ..necesito ayuda
2007 Hyundai Sonatas stuck in manual transmission. Only code is for the intake camshaft position timing over advanced bank 1.
I’m not sure I understand “stuck in manual transmission,” but the VVT valve seems to be a common problem with this engine. It gets clogged with sludge and sticks in one position or another. Cleaning the valve might be all that’s needed.
When I put the shifter in D (drive) it shows a 1 for first gear as if I’ve shifted into speed shift/manual shift ( moving shifter to the far right). I then have to move the shifter to the far right position and manually shift from 1st, 2nd, 3rd and 4th, no overdrive is an option when shifter is in this position. When coming to a stop, the transmission shifts itself back into the lower gears, but moving forward I have to manually shift. The center console has been removed and all parts cleaned and connections checked when this happened before, two days later the problem seemed to fix itself. I recently had the oil changed thru express oil and the car had been driven approximately 1000-1500 miles when the same problem happened again. Again removed the center console, checked connections and cleaned, didn’t fix the problem. Took the car and had a code reader put on and the only code was the 011 code.
How do I clean the VVT valve?
Thanks for the explanation. I don’t think the DTC is related to the transmission problem, though. P0011 might be solved by a cleaning, but the transmission problem might require someone with a factory scantool to look at it. Whatever is going on in the transmission isn’t being picked up by whatever scantool you’ve already used.
To clean the VVT valve, just remove it and blast it with brake cleaner or carb cleaner. The spindle valve should move when pushed by a toothpick but settle in the center because it’s spring-loaded.
uhhgg maybe someone can help..ok so I was late changing my oil 2003 Infiniti G35 coupe. While driving I had the vtc slip etc…come on tested the car it was the cam shaft sensor. So I went ahead and purchased cam shaft bank 1 and 2 also crank sensors. Changed the oil and filter. Then I get the p0011. So flushed my car just with clean oil…5 30 mobile one full synthetic. Took off the sensors wiped then down, took the solenoid off cleaned it. Here I am 2 weeks later, testing every wire, relay, and harness. Nothing found yet. I’ve reset the code 20 X’s. Help me. I don’t think its the solenoid. Because I would be getting another code. For instance, when I’ve disconnected it and put it on. It will ready a failure code for the solenoid. Most cases in fixing cars, it’s always something stupid before major. I just don’t know what to do. Is there a certain type of driving I have to do to reset it. I know I’ve had to on other vehicles. But I can’t find anything in the FSM. I’m beyond frustrated.
Hi All,
i have a P0011-61 fault in a car a just bought recently,
it is vauxhall straa 2009 1.6 sxi petrol
i get a yellow warning light on the dashbaord with car and Spanner sign, any advice on what that mean.
i was told it is a Vanos that need replacement but not sure about this,
Thank you
Aziz
Does the [2001] Chevy Impala LS 3.5L have Camshaft Position Actuator Solenoid Valves? If so, where are they?
Hello, I have an issue and wondering if anyone has any input. I have a 2004 Infiniti G35 coupe and I originally had a valve cover leak on the drivers side. Oil was in two of the wells from the leaking rings. So I purchased used slightly used valve covers with about 20k on them with new O-rings in place. The mechanic also replaced the intake gasket, I’d had an unrelated E-Vac leak for awhile that was not part of the job. So the check engine light was on prior to this job. After the repair the car was starting much rougher and I bought a code reader and I had 2 new codes, p0011 & p0021. I’d figured the mechanic would checked the car by coding it to see that there was no issues. He demanded more money so I decided to take it to Nissan instead. Their report was I had a leaking oil passages in the rear timing cover and oil pressure was zero at idle and a few other small things with an estimate of 1600.00, I sought another opinion. I brought it to a well reviewed mechanic and he adjusted the timing from 2 to 9 and the car ran much better. I’d reset the codes to see if they came back which they did. The mechanic told me that the timing cover wouldn’t set those codes off. The car is back to running poorly and the codes haven’t come back in about a month except for the p0455 multiple times. I’m getting different things from different mechanics, I can’t keep spending diagnostic money with no real results. Help!
I changed the oil myself twice with quality filter. Is there something I should focus on for the p0011/21 codes. The solenoid? Timing chain? Intake gasket not installed correct?
I have a 2012 Chevy Cruze with a 1.8 liter. I had the timing chain assembly changed at 100,000 when it was recommended and now it’s throwing P0016 and P0011. Was running fine before the service was done and now it has a rough idle and bucks when in gear and I let off the gas pedal.
Will this cos the timing to be slightly off
Buick 2008 Enclave code P0011 service engine light and stability/ tracation control light on. Runs fine but not smooth at times you can hear it shift a little harder as if it was thinking about it. This is driving me crazy.
I have same car n and everything and got all these same codes today did you get yours fixed
2011 chevy suburban. Since purchasing new, have always used full synthetic oil for changes and never had an issue. About 11 months ago, took the suburban to the dealer for oil, transmission, radiator and differential fluid changes. The dealer used conventional oil instead of synthetic, which didn’t bother me at the time. Took the suburban on a road trip two days after picking up from the dealer and 90 miles away from home, the check engine light came on. We stopped in that town and spent the night with plans on taking the suburban to a dealer in that city for repair. The next day the light did not come on at start up and the dealer said there wasn’t much they could do until the light came back on. In calling the dealer back in my home town, he said it could have been some dirty oil getting on the solenoid that is causing the problem and if there were no rough starts, just monitor to engine should the light come back on. From that point, the light would come on once every 2 or 3 months for a day and then off the next day. About 6 weeks ago, I was tired of this light coming on, so I took the suburban to a local auto mechanic who worked on it for two days. They replaced the solenoid, electromagnet and some sort of valve. After picking up the car, the light stayed off for two days and then decided to come on and stay on. I called the mechanic and he said to drive it around for a few days and see if the light ever turns off. He said as long as the car is running smoothly, there isn’t a rush to return the car unless there was a rough start or I started to notice a rough idle. A week went by and I decided to take the car to a different dealer for diagnosing in which they said it was low on oil, so they replace the oil with a full synthetic and the light stayed off for two days. Now the light is back on and I am at a loss. Any ideas on what the next step should be?
Hi, I have a 2002 Maxima 3.5 engine. I have P0011 and P0021. Ticking noise from engine for about a week but engine running pretty well – no hard start or stalls. Oil level is fine. Any suggestions on what could be problem in preparation of taking it to mechanic?
Abby-
The timing chain tensioner seems to be a common problem on the Maxima 3.5. If the tensioner is loose, it won’t hold the chain tight and it’ll flop around a little, leading to the correlation codes.
-Ben
I have a 2007 Yukon Denali and I’m having trouble taking out the VVT Solenoid. It seems to be stuck. Every time I try to “twist” the piece with a 15/16 ratchet, the ac belt below it turns. Am I missing something? why is it so hard to get off?
Jennifer-
Yes, the actuator valve is connected to the camshaft, so that makes perfect sense. You’ll have to hold the camshaft or crankshaft so you can remove the valve. I’m guessing there might be a special camshaft holding tool for that application. You could try holding the crankshaft, but I can’t guarantee that you won’t skip timing that way.
-Ben
We got it out! Put my car back together and now Im getting the P0011 code again! ugh frustrating. I just got my oil changed(80% oil life left) Do you think by changing the oil again, oil filter and flushing the engine would help? The Error code is reading: Intake Camshaft Position Timing-Over Advanced(Bank 1)
If the actuator/solenoid shows a ohm reading of 1 to 2ohms on the ECM command ciruit, the solenoid is fine electrically normally since it is new. But the ECM is detecting a high resistance in the circuit.
Most important here, is to see the desired CMP angle on live data before replacing the CMP solenoid.
If the CMP actuator is in the park position on the scanner, then it probably jammed up again.
A static test of the actuator should give a value of 6 to 7 ohms @ 20celcius.
When doing a dynamic test, apply voltage for no more than a second or two.
I hope this is making sense to you?
If all checks out fine, oil change done, flush also, suspect a faulty ECM at this point. Not unheard of on the GM’s.
Hi Jennifer
I completely forgot I had wrote that article, I have been very busy working up north.
If that code is coming back. Maybe time to start investigating the circuit.
Now we need to focus on the live data. Do you have access to a live data scanner?
With “B” type codes like this, the ECM will set with a very specific parameter set.
Very important to test the ECM side of the circuit here.
Here is how to do that.
Mercedes c320 cdi 0642 engine run well then stoped runs now and gain for six seconds.or so then stops fault codes are as p2645 and p2647 vct stuck open ?can you help
i have chevy malibu 2.4 L 4 cylinder 2013 and 2 months ago there was check engine light and after diagnostics found P0011 code . I just clean the intake cam position actuator solenoid valve and reset the battery , after 6000km ,same check engine light appeared while i was driving at speed of 80km/hr and i accelerated the car . After diagnostics P0011 code was there.
Engine Oil level is fine and i used to do engine oil replacement on regular basis .
Is this a solenoid problem because last time i just clean the solenoid and check engine not appeared for 6000 km or there is mechanical problem in engine like carbon .
Also there is minor oil seepage on below oil pan side. Oil level on engine remains the same.
Mustafa-
It’s possible that the valve is sticking or is experiencing a loss of oil pressure. I would suspect a bad gasket under the valve cover (There are O-rings between the valve cover and the cylinder head for VVT oil) or a sticking valve. How many miles are on your engine?
-Ben