"A" Camshaft Position Actuator Circuit (Bank 1)
What it means
The engine computer (ECU) has detected an electrical fault in the circuit of the oil control valve (VVT solenoid) for the "A" camshaft (usually the intake cam) on Bank 1. When the computer cannot operate this valve, the cam stays at its default timing, so performance drops and the idle may become rough.
Symptoms4
- Check engine light on.
- Reduced power, especially at low and mid engine speeds.
- Rough idle, and occasional stalling.
- Higher fuel consumption.
Possible causes5
- Faulty VVT solenoid with an open or shorted coil.
- Corroded or loose solenoid connector, or oil or moisture inside it.
- Broken, chafed or shorted wiring between the solenoid and the ECU.
- Lost power feed to the solenoid from a fuse or relay, on vehicles that supply it this way.
- Fault in the driver circuit inside the ECU (rare).
How to diagnose5
- Read all stored codes and note any other VVT solenoid circuit or battery voltage codes.
- Visually inspect the connector and wiring for corrosion, melting or loose pins.
- Unplug the solenoid, measure its coil resistance with a multimeter and compare it with the manufacturer specification.
- Check the power feed to the solenoid and the continuity of the control wire back to the ECU.
- Command the solenoid with a scan tool, if supported, and listen for a click or watch the cam timing change.
How to fix5
- Clean and reseat the connector and repair any corroded pin.
- Repair broken or chafed wiring.
- Replace the fuse or relay if the feed is missing, and find out why it failed.
- Replace the VVT solenoid if its coil resistance is out of specification.
- Clear the codes, then road test and confirm the code does not return.
Repair cost
In Saudi riyals; the highlighted part is the expected range for this fault.
The cost is low when a connector or wire is to blame, and rises when the VVT solenoid must be replaced; its price depends on the engine and how easy it is to reach.
Prices are rough estimates for common cars at independent workshops and vary with the car and the source of the part.
Prices last updated: September 2026
Frequently asked questions
Can I drive with this code?
Usually yes for short trips, since the cam stays at its default timing, but performance and fuel economy suffer and the idle may be rough. Repair it soon.
Does this code mean the timing chain is bad?
No. This is an electrical code for the solenoid circuit, not the mechanical timing. Codes such as P0011 or P0012 point to a problem with the timing itself.
What if P0010 and P0013 appear together?
P0010 covers cam A and P0013 covers cam B on the same bank. Seeing both together points to a shared cause such as the power feed or a main connector, rather than two failed valves at once.
This guide is for information only and does not replace an inspection by a qualified technician. If the fault involves brakes, steering, engine temperature, electrics or refrigerant, do not attempt the repair yourself.
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