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P0011
System
Powertrain
Type
Generic (SAE)
Subsystem
Fuel and air metering, auxiliary emission controls
Urgency
Fix soon

Trouble code

P0011 code: Camshaft position A timing over-advanced (bank 1)

Published

Short answer

P0011 means the engine computer commanded a certain camshaft position on bank 1 but measured the cam more advanced than that, or the system responded poorly. Variable valve timing runs on engine oil, so low, dirty or wrong-viscosity oil is the first thing to check. A sticking oil control valve, a faulty cam phaser or timing chain wear are the next suspects.

Scan tools that read P0011 and more

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This page is for drivers and DIY mechanics with P0011 on a car with variable valve timing (VVT). It covers what the code means, the symptoms, the common causes from cheapest to most expensive, and a diagnosis plan using live data such as desired and actual cam angle. VVT systems differ between brands, so we keep to the steps that apply broadly and point out where you need your vehicle's service information.

What P0011 means

P0011 is a generic SAE J2012 powertrain code: "A" Camshaft Position - Timing Over-Advanced or System Performance (Bank 1). P means powertrain, the 0 marks a generic definition, and the code sits in the fuel and air metering group. Camshaft "A" is the intake cam on most engines, though some makers define it differently, and bank 1 is the side with cylinder 1.

Modern engines use an oil control valve (also called a VVT solenoid) to send pressurized oil to a cam phaser, which rotates the camshaft relative to its sprocket. The computer compares the cam position sensor signal with the crank sensor signal to see where the cam actually is. If the measured cam angle is more advanced than commanded, or does not follow commands well, it sets P0011. Decode any other codes with our code decoder.

Symptoms of P0011

Mild cases may show only the light. If the cam is stuck in a very advanced position, the engine can idle roughly or stall.

  • Check engine light on
  • Rough idle, especially when warm
  • Hesitation or reduced power
  • Hard starting or stalling on some vehicles
  • Worse fuel economy
  • Rattling or ticking at startup on some engines with phaser or chain wear

Common causes of P0011

Oil problems are the most common starting point and the cheapest to fix. Many cars set P0011 after running low on oil or going too long between changes.

CauseHow to checkTypical fix
Low engine oil levelCheck the dipstick with the car levelTop up with the correct oil
Dirty oil or wrong viscosityCheck service history and oil condition; compare oil to the spec on the cap or manualOil and filter change with the specified grade
Sticking or clogged oil control valveCommand the valve with a bidirectional tool and watch cam angle; inspect its screen if it has oneClean the screen or replace the valve
Wiring or connector fault at the oil control valveInspect connector and wiring; check resistance against specRepair the wiring or connector
Faulty cam phaserDesired and actual cam angle disagree even with good oil and a working valveReplace the phaser
Stretched or jumped timing chainCheck cam and crank correlation in data or physically; look for related correlation codesTiming chain service
P0011 causes, checks and fixes

How to diagnose P0011

You need a scan tool that shows cam timing data. A bidirectional scan tool lets you command the valve and see the result, which can save you from guessing.

  1. 1

    Read all codes and save the freeze frame. Note engine temperature and RPM when the code set.

  2. 2

    Check oil level and condition. If the oil is low, dark and thick, or the wrong grade, change it and the filter first.

  3. 3

    Look for related codes, such as oil control valve circuit codes or cam/crank correlation codes like P0016. A circuit code shifts the focus to wiring.

  4. 4

    With the engine warm, watch desired and actual intake cam angle in live data. Note whether actual stays advanced at idle.

  5. 5

    Use a bidirectional scan tool to command the oil control valve, if your tool supports it, and see whether cam angle follows.

  6. 6

    Inspect the oil control valve and any oil screen for sludge. Test valve resistance against spec.

  7. 7

    If oil and valve are good but cam angle still does not follow, the phaser or timing chain needs inspection per the service information.

How to fix it and can you drive with P0011?

Start with an oil change using the exact viscosity your engine calls for, then clear the code and drive. If it returns, test and replace the oil control valve or clean its screen. Phaser or timing chain repairs are bigger jobs, often best done by a shop with the correct timing tools for your engine.

You can usually drive short distances with P0011 if the engine runs smoothly, but fix it soon. If the cause is low oil, continuing to drive risks engine damage, so add oil right away. If you hear loud rattling, the engine stalls, or the light flashes, stop and have it checked.

Note.If the code came with low oil pressure or a loud engine noise, do not keep driving. Low oil pressure can damage an engine quickly.

Related codes

P0014 is the matching exhaust cam over-advanced code on many engines, and P0016 is cam to crank correlation for bank 1. Cam and crank sensor circuit codes like P0340 and P0335 can appear with timing problems.

Frequently asked questions

Can an oil change fix P0011? Often, yes, if the oil was low, dirty or the wrong grade. VVT depends on clean oil at the right pressure. If the code returns after a fresh change, test the oil control valve.

Is P0011 the same as a bad timing chain? No. A stretched chain is one possible cause, but oil problems and a sticking oil control valve are more common and cheaper to check first.

What is camshaft A? On most engines it is the intake camshaft. Some manufacturers define it differently, so check the service information for your vehicle.

Will P0011 go away on its own? If the cause was a one-time low oil condition that you corrected, the code may not return after clearing. If the fault is still present, it will come back.

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