Home > OBD2 Codes P0011 Engine Code | “A” Camshaft Position—Timing Over-Advanced (Bank 1)
DTC P0011 indicates a camshaft not operating within the correct timing limits. Possible causes: low/dirty oil, faulty camshaft actuator/position sensor, bad oil control valve, or faulty timing belt/chain. Cost: $20–$1,905, based on the problem, most common to Chevrolets, Fords, and Nissans.
- David Goldberg
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Table of Contents | |
Code P0011 indicates a camshaft isn’t operating within the correct timing limits. | |
How to Diagnose The Cause of Your P0011 Code | Identify the usual causes of a P0011 code, like oil issues, a bad camshaft position sensor, a faulty camshaft actuator/phaser, a bad oil control valve/variable valve timing control solenoid, a defective timing belt/timing chain, or a failing powertrain control module/engine control module. |
Can I drive with a P0011 code? | No, driving with a P0011 code can lead to catastrophic engine failure. |
DIY | How To Fix P0011 Causes | DIYable P0011 triggers include:
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P0011 Code FAQs | Frequently asked questions:
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Many modern engines rely on variable valve timing (VVT) to enhance performance, reduce emissions, and improve fuel economy. VVT adjusts when engine valves open and close relative to the piston position. This is typically done by slightly rotating the camshaft, allowing the engine to optimize performance for different speeds and loads. This delicate dance inside the engine can sometimes go wrong, as indicated by diagnostic trouble code (DTC) P0011: “A” Camshaft Position—Timing Over-Advanced (Bank 1). It’s an error code exclusive to vehicles with a VVT or variable camshaft timing (VCT) system.
P0011 surfaces when the powertrain control module (PCM) or engine control module (ECM) notices that camshaft timing is too far advanced and cannot correct the problem. In simple terms, an over-advanced camshaft results from camshaft timing above a preset threshold.
Further, this problem is centered on the “A” camshaft, the intake camshaft on the left or front side of the engine. This is Bank 1, which always includes Cylinder 1. V-type engines (V6, V8, etc.) have a Bank 2 and will generate a P0012 code if the same problem occurs on that side of the engine. You may also encounter a P0011 code on an inline engine with VVT.
We’ll examine the causes of code P0011 shortly, but taking this warning seriously is important. Driving with this issue can cause severe engine damage, including destroying the cylinder head or bending the valves. Those are big-time problems accompanied by large repair bills.
Code P0011 isn’t limited to obscure cars; it can affect everything from a Ford F-150 to an Audi A4. After looking at typical code P0011 triggers, we’ll explore the automobiles with a history of this problem.
Possible Causes of P0011 & Their Repair Costs
While catastrophic engine damage is a worst-case scenario of driving with a P0011 code, you may encounter issues like an engine that’s hard to start, stalls, or becomes underpowered. Possible causes include oil issues, a bad camshaft position sensor, or a faulty timing belt/chain.
Check out the FIXD article on the most common causes of check engine lights.
Here’s a breakdown of what’s involved with cost estimates that can vary by vehicle and location.
P0011 Triggers and Typical Repair Costs
Part To Repair | Part / DIY Price | Mechanic Total Cost |
Engine Oil And Filter Change | $20-$60 | $58-$235 |
Camshaft Position Sensor | $75-$95 | $176 to $227 |
Oil Control Valve/Variable Valve Timing Control Solenoid | $219-$249 | $340-$402 |
Timing Belt | $293-$395 | $603-$785 |
Camshaft Actuator/Phaser | $300 | $755 and $875 |
Timing Chain | $694-$707 | $1,604-$1,905 |
Powertrain Control Module/Engine Control Module | $929 and $978 | $1,006 and $1,075 |
Let’s expand on how specific components contribute to a P0011 code.
Parts Most Likely to Fail & Cause a P0011 Code
Parts that can cause P0011 | How it could cause P0011 |
Dirty/Low Engine Oil | Poor engine lubrication increases friction on internal components and reduces performance. |
Faulty Position Sensor | A broken sensor might indicate a camshaft issue when everything is working fine. |
Bad Oil Control Valve/Variable Valve Timing Control Solenoid | Not having the right amount of oil or oil pressure can affect how the camshaft works. |
Defective Camshaft Actuator/Phaser | A defective VVT actuator can fail to properly adjust camshaft timing, causing the camshaft to remain in an over-advanced position. |
Faulty Timing Chain/Belt | A stretched or damaged timing chain or timing belt can affect camshaft timing. |
Malfunctioning Powertrain Control Module/Engine Control Module | A faulty powertrain control module can send incorrect signals to the valve timing system, causing it to malfunction. |
Makes Commonly Affected By P0011
FIXD sensor data show that Chevrolets are the most susceptible to a P0011 code. The ever-popular Chevrolet Equinox leads the list, followed closely by the Malibu sedan. Rounding out the third spot is the subcompact Sonic that Chevy axed in 2020.
Interestingly, Chevrolet’s top-selling Silverado 1500 pickup didn’t make the cut—a good thing. But the same can’t be said for its archrival, the Ford F-150. This pickup had far more code P0011 occurrences than any other analyzed Ford. Even though the Expedition and Mustang completed Ford’s top-three ranking, this SUV and sports car had low code P0011 occurrence levels.
Nissan’s SUVs account for numerous code P0011 incidents, with the Murano crossover being the worst offender. Its high occurrence rates are followed by the Maxima sedan, which scored at a medium level. The Pathfinder SUV completes this Nissan trio but with far fewer code events than its stablemates.
While an Infiniti G35 hasn’t seen a new car showroom in almost a decade, there are still enough examples on the road to register as a top source for P0011 codes. These cars remain popular among Infiniti fans but have a history of generating many diagnostic trouble codes, including P0011.
General Motors has another presence with several GMC models. Unsurprisingly, the Terrain leads this charge because it’s the corporate twin of the Chevy Equinox. However, shared DNA doesn’t always explain the reason for error codes. While the GMC Acadia and Yukon make this top-three index, their respective platform mates, the Chevy Traverse and Tahoe, don’t.
Top 5 Makes Affected by P0011 | Most Affected Model(s) |
Chevrolet | Equinox |
Malibu | |
Sonic | |
Ford | F-150 |
Expedition | |
Mustang | |
Nissan | Murano |
Maxima | |
Pathfinder | |
Infiniti | G35 |
GMC | Terrain |
Acadia | |
Yukon |
“We only show the top models for the top 5 makes in this article. To see the rest, click on our article about how common P0011 is for all of the top 100 vehicles in the US.”
See more vehicles impacted by P0011 here
How to Diagnose the Cause of Your P0011 Code
Diagnosing a check engine light starts with using an OBD-II scanner to identify what’s causing the issue. The FIXD plug-in sensor will show the code and likely causes on your phone via the accompanying FIXD app. You can also try a basic code reader with a cable to plug into the car’s OBD-II port. In truth, there are only a few things a novice DIYer can do to identify what triggered a P0011 code. You’ll want a flashlight, gloves, safety goggles, and a rag to get started. A more involved effort will require essential hand tools.
Safety Essentials
Before exploring the source of a P0011 code, you’ll want to observe the following:
- Park on a level surface in a safe area
- Ensure the car is off and the parking brake is engaged
- Allow the engine to cool
Symptoms of P0011 Causes
Let’s examine the possible causes of a P0011 code. While this DTC points to a camshaft timing issue, it doesn’t identify a single source of the problem. This code is also somewhat challenging because the cause can range from dirty engine oil to a more complex matter like a bad powertrain control module. In addition, different causes can share the same symptoms, making a thorough inspection and diagnosis even more critical.
Click on each Possible Cause of a P0011 code to know the symptoms to look out for and what to inspect.
Symptoms:
- Illuminated check engine light
- Rough idling
- Reduced fuel economy
- Engine stalling or hesitation
What to Inspect:
Check the quality of the oil. It should be amber in color, not black or dark brown. Any detection of sludge build-up should include a more thorough inspection by a mechanic to evaluate the extent of the problem (this can involve removing the valve cover to examine the valve train).
Look at the oil level. If it is low, determine if this is due to poor maintenance or a leak (inspect the engine exterior and ground for apparent signs). Excessive oil consumption could also be the cause, requiring a professional assessment of the pistons and valve seals.
Symptoms:
- Illuminated check engine light
- Rough idling
- Reduced fuel economy
- Engine stalling or hesitation
What to Inspect:
Determine the sensor’s location (you can look online for help) and examine it for external damage or a loose connection.
Symptoms:
- Illuminated check engine light
- Rough idling
- Reduced fuel economy
- Engine stalling or hesitation
- Oil leaks
- Loud engine noise (grinding) or knocking
- Engine misfire
What to Inspect:
Follow any symptom spotting with an inspection by a professional technician. A DIYer with intermediate skills may be able to access the component for removal and testing.
Symptoms:
- Illuminated check engine light
- Rough idling
- Hard start/no start
- Decreased oil pressure
- Engine ticking/tapping sound
What to Inspect:
An advanced DIYer or a professional mechanic can use an advanced scan tool to check the actuator function. A physical inspection can confirm damage, excess wear, or oil contamination.
Symptoms:
- Illuminated check engine light
- Rough idling
- Reduced fuel economy
- Engine stalling or hesitation
- Ticking sound/unusual noise
- Engine misfire
- Oil leaks from the front of the engine.
- Hard start/no start
What to Inspect:
Follow any symptom spotting with an inspection by a professional technician.
Symptoms:
- Illuminated check engine light
- Rough idling
- Reduced fuel economy
- Engine stalling or hesitation
- Engine misfire
- Hard start/no start
- Increased emissions
- Shifting problems
What to Inspect:
An advanced DIYer or a professional mechanic can perform a bidirectional control test to confirm if the module responds correctly.
Can I drive with Code P0011?
Quick answer: No, driving with a P0011 code risks severe engine damage.
Any issue related to camshaft timing should be taken seriously, as it can potentially damage the engine. This includes code P0011.
If you suspect a check engine light is due to a code P0011-related issue, pull over where it’s safe, shut off the car, and contact roadside assistance for a tow. If you’ve already determined that the check engine light is due to a P0011 code, then keep the engine off, and get the car towed to a garage.
Could you drive a short distance with a P0011 code present? Possibly, but even a brief use could result in piston and valve damage, the classic definition of catastrophic engine failure. Until the cause of the problem is known, it’s better to be safe than sorry. The price of a tow is far less than rebuilding the engine.
Here’s how common P0011 causes impact driveability.
Causes | Can I Drive? | Risks / Safety / Performance |
Dirty/Low Engine Oil | No. Avoid driving to prevent a risk of serious engine damage. | Poor oil maintenance can damage the engine and, if neglected, may cause it to fail. |
Faulty Camshaft Position Sensor | No. Avoid driving to prevent a risk of serious engine damage. | Bad engine timing makes your car slower and less responsive, which can be dangerous on the road. It can also damage vital engine parts over time. |
Bad Oil Control Valve/Variable Valve Timing Control Solenoid | No. Avoid driving to prevent a risk of serious engine damage. | The valve timing system controls oil flow to critical engine parts. If it fails, it can either starve these parts of oil or flood them, potentially causing severe engine damage. |
Defective Camshaft Actuator/Phaser | No. Avoid driving to prevent a risk of serious engine damage. | Driving with a defective camshaft actuator can cause poor engine performance and reduced fuel efficiency. Such action can also lead to increased wear on engine components, potentially resulting in costly damage to valves, pistons, and other internal parts. |
Defective Timing Belt/Chain | No. Avoid driving to prevent a risk of serious engine damage. | If not corrected, a broken timing belt or chain can quickly cause significant engine damage. This problem also makes driving dangerous by reducing your car’s power and responsiveness. |
Malfunctioning Powertrain Control Module/Engine Control Module | No. Avoid driving to prevent a risk of serious engine damage. | A faulty PCM/ECM can cause erratic engine performance, poor fuel efficiency, and unexpected stalling. Over time, improper timing and fuel management may damage various engine components. |
DIY | How To Fix P0011 Causes
Unfortunately, most issues that trigger a check engine light and a P0011 code require a moderate or higher skill level. For many DIYers, the dividing line is steps that require access inside the engine (such as replacing the timing belt or removing a valve cover). That said, there are a couple of areas where a novice wrencher can get working trying to solve a P0011 problem.
The key to any DIY repair effort is knowing your limits. If performing a repair on your own creates an opportunity to cause injury or damage, then it’s time to call it quits and consult a mechanic.
Possible Cause: Low/Dirty Engine Oil
What is it?
As covered, the engine’s life depends on the quantity and quality of oil. Insufficient oil or dirty or contaminated oil are sure paths to problems. If a code scan indicates P0011, the first thing to do is reach for the oil dipstick.
How hard is it to fix?
Difficulty Level: Easy/Moderate
Every car owner should know how to check and add engine oil. Take a few minutes to review the car’s owner’s manual and watch an online video or two. However, changing the oil requires moderately more skill. You’ll have to access the oil drain plug and the oil filter, which usually involves crawling under the car. You’ll also need a wrench to remove the plug, an oil filter wrench, and a pan to collect the oil. The old oil must be disposed of properly. Be alert if you notice sludge build-up in the old oil, which can harm the valves.
Cost of Repairs
Costs for new oil and a filter range from $20 to $60, excluding tools and equipment.
Possible Cause: Faulty Camshaft Position Sensor
What is it?
A faulty camshaft position sensor can send inaccurate data to the powertrain control module or engine control module. This action enables the normal flow of engine timing data, ensuring the valve and piston movements are synchronized.
How hard is it to fix?
Difficulty Level: Moderate
Installing a new camshaft sensor is typically straightforward for someone with moderate mechanical skills. However, accessing the sensor is often more challenging. A first-timer may spend more time on the task than an experienced mechanic who knows workarounds via hacks and specialized tools. An issue traced to bad wiring is best left to a professional to handle this sensitive work.
Cost of Repairs
Expect to pay $75 to $227 for a new camshaft sensor.
Other DIY Considerations for Code P0011
A DIYer with intermediate experience could handle some other troublespots related to code P0011. However, replacing a bad oil control valve or faulty powertrain control module/engine control module (PCM/ECM) means correctly diagnosing the problem in the first place, which requires sophisticated equipment and accompanying skills. In addition, a new PCM/ECM is expensive versus the modest cost of professional labor, making this project a safer bet in someone else’s hands.
For those with newer cars, it’s always best to determine if the factory warranty is still applicable. This is the best way to handle repairs—there will be plenty of DIY opportunities down the road. One often overlooked area is technical service bulletins (TSBs), which are official correction notices issued by the manufacturer. Some models can have dozens or hundreds of TSBs, each relating to a specific trouble area. It’s wise to check for a related TSB before attempting any repair. Information is available through a dealer or online.
P0011 Code FAQs
What makes and models does code P0011 affect the most?
Here’s a breakdown of the vehicles most affected by code P0011, according to FIXD sensor data collected in 2023.
Make | Model | Occurrence Frequency |
Chevrolet | Equinox | High |
Chevrolet | Malibu | High |
Chevrolet | Sonic | High |
Ford | F-150 | High |
GMC | Terrain | High |
Nissan | Murano | High |
GMC | Acadia | Moderate |
GMC | Yukon | Moderate |
Infiniti | G35 | Moderate |
Nissan | Maxima | Moderate |
Ford | Expedition | Low |
Ford | Mustang | Low |
Nissan | Pathfinder | Low |
Which Chevy and Nissan models are most vulnerable to a P0011 code?
FIXD sensor data reveal that the Chevy Equinox, Malibu, Sonic, and Nissan Murano have the highest recorded occurrence levels among all models from these brands. The GMC Terrain, which is almost identical to the Equinox, has a similar history.
Is there a way to prevent P0011 from happening?
No, there’s no way to completely stop P0011 from happening because there are many potential causes. However, preventative maintenance can help. Start by ensuring the engine oil is in good condition and at the correct level. Further, always act immediately on any check engine light to minimize potential damage. In addition, be alert to any change in how the car operates, such as stalling sluggish performance or a noticeable drop in fuel economy.
References:
- Repair-cost estimates, repairpal.com (various dates). Retrieved June 25, 2024, from repairpal.com.
David Goldberg
Dave Goldberg is an automotive journalist and lifelong car fanatic. He writes for numerous enthusiast and business outlets and is an ongoing contributor to HotCars.com, one of the most popular car culture websites. When he’s not writing or driving, Dave is either under a hood or asleep. His credentials include a BA in Journalism from The George Washington University.
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Topics
- Check Engine Light
About the Author
David Goldberg
Dave Goldberg is an automotive journalist and lifelong car fanatic. He writes for numerous enthusiast and business outlets and is an ongoing contributor to HotCars.com, one of the most popular car culture websites. When he’s not writing or driving, Dave is either under a hood or asleep. His credentials include a BA in Journalism from The George Washington University.
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