P0011: Camshaft Position 'A'–Timing Over-Advanced (Bank 1)

What Does the P0011 Code Mean?

DTC P0011 is a generic OBD-II code for “Camshaft Position A – Timing Over-Advanced or System Performance (Bank 1).”

This means that the Powertrain Control Module (PCM) or Engine Control Module (ECM) has detected the intake camshaft position timing on Bank 1 to be more advanced than the manufacturer’s specified range. 

The issue occurs when the Variable Valve Timing (VVT) system fails to correctly adjust camshaft position timing (cam timing), affecting engine performance. As a result, the camshaft may become stuck in an over-advanced position or fail to respond to timing adjustments.

But what’s Variable Valve Timing?

Variable Valve Timing or Variable Intake Valve Timing is a system that adjusts the opening and closing of the intake and exhaust valves to improve fuel economy, engine performance, and emissions control.

The Engine Control Module adjusts the camshaft(s) using an Oil Control Valve (OCV) or variable valve timing control solenoid. These components regulate oil flow to the camshaft actuator, which shifts the camshaft timing.

NOTE: The P0011 error code is specific to cars equipped with variable camshaft timing (or variable valve timing) systems. Popular VVT system vehicles include Toyota, Honda, Chevy, and Nissan.

8 Possible Causes of Trouble Code P0011

Here are the common causes  why your engine is showing trouble code P0011:

1. Faulty sensor readings: A faulty camshaft position sensor or crankshaft sensor can send incorrect signals, causing the ECM to detect the camshaft as more advanced than its specified range.
2. Stuck camshaft phaser (camshaft actuator): If the camshaft phaser is stuck in the advanced position or is broken, it won’t adjust the cam timing properly, even when the ECM instructs it to slow down the timing.
3. Faulty VVT solenoid: A faulty VVT solenoid (oil control valve) or clogged oil passages in the Bank 1 intake camshaft can block fluid flow, preventing proper cam timing adjustments.
4. Extremely thick or dirty oil: Oil sludge, contamination, or excessively thick oil can clog VVT solenoid passages and the camshaft actuator, causing the oil flow control valve to get stuck. This can restrict the movement and lead to incorrect camshaft timing.
5. Low oil pressure or level: Insufficient oil pressure due to low oil level, a weak oil pump, or clogged passages can prevent proper camshaft phaser operation and result in over-advanced timing.
6. Damaged timing components: Timing chain alignment issues, a broken guide, or worn camshaft gears can lead to improper camshaft timing. These issues can cause the camshaft to advance or retard beyond its specified range. In some cases, broken pieces from damaged components may enter the oil system, potentially blocking oil passages and leading to reduced oil pressure.
7. Circuit issue: Faulty wiring connections to the crank and camshaft sensor or VVT solenoid valve can send incorrect signals, preventing the solenoid from working properly.
8. PCM issue: A PCM software glitch or failure may result in incorrect camshaft timing commands, requiring a PCM update or replacement.

8 Common Symptoms of Code P0011

These are some of the problems you may face if you have an active P0011 code:

1. The check engine light turns on as the ECM attempts to reset the camshaft to its correct starting position but fails
2. Hard crank or difficulty getting the engine to turn over
3. Rattling or knocking noises from the engine
4. Performance issues like rough operation, idling problems, or engine stalling
5. Frequent engine misfires
6. Increased fuel consumption and reduced fuel efficiency
7. Excessive emissions, which may cause the vehicle to fail an emissions test
8. Metal or plastic debris in the engine oil, indicating potential damage to timing components

NOTE: These symptoms can vary depending on the camshaft’s timing positions when it ceases to advance or retard.

Can I Still Drive?

No, you shouldn’t. 

Engine code P0011 is a critical error code, so you should get it professionally diagnosed and resolved ASAP.

Continuing to drive with the P0011 DTC can lead to:

• Carbon buildup on engine components which affects their performance and efficiency
• Drivability issues, such as rough idling, engine stalling, or poor acceleration
• Valve train or engine damage, such as bent valves, excessive wear, or timing issues

How to Diagnose Fault Code P0011?

Since the P0011 code can have several causes, like faulty sensors or damaged timing components, it’s best to avoid DIY repair and let a professional mechanic take over.

Here’s how the mechanic will troubleshoot code P0011:

• Scan the trouble codes and check the freeze frame data to see when the error code was prompted. They’ll also reset the OBD-II scan tool to clear fault codes and check if the P0011 trouble code returns. 

• If it does, conduct a visual inspection of the Bank 1 intake camshaft to identify any problems with the electrical connector, wiring, or the camshaft oil control valve that could trigger the error code.

• Check if the engine oil has the correct viscosity. The mechanic might also perform an oil change if it’s dirty, too viscous, or low in level.

• If the code persists, the mechanic will perform a manufacturer’s specific pinpoint test for the P0011 trouble code and fix it accordingly.

TIP: Ensure the engine oil matches the manufacturer’s recommended viscosity and that the camshaft and oil control valve meet the specified size requirements. This ensures optimal lubrication and VVT system performance.

Possible Repairs for P0011 & Costs

The P0011 DTC gets triggered by anything from dirty or low oil levels to severe engine damage. Depending on the underlying cause, the cost of fixing fault code P0011 can range from $40 to $2,500.

Here are the estimated costs of some common repairs your mechanic may perform to fix code P0011:

• Oil and oil filter change: $40 to $200
• Faulty sensor wiring repair: $50 to $550
• Camshaft sensor replacement: $185 to $320
• Camshaft position actuator replacement: $760 to $880
• VVT solenoid replacement: $370 to $440
• Timing belt replacement: $400 to $1,100 
• Timing chain replacement: $1,600 to $1,950
• PCM update or replacement: $250 to $2,500