P0011: "A" Camshaft Position – Timing Over-Advanced Or System Performance (Bank 1)
The intake camshaft on bank 1 is more advanced than the engine control unit commanded, or does not follow its commands.
High risk
Usually drivable for a short time, but have it checked soon: the cause can be low oil or a worn timing chain that can damage the engine.
Short answer · Can I keep driving with P0011?
Short trips, yes, if the engine runs normally. Check the oil level first, since the valve timing depends on oil pressure. If you hear a rattle on start-up or the engine runs rough, avoid driving and have the timing checked.
What does P0011 mean?
Engines with variable valve timing turn the camshaft slightly relative to the crankshaft to improve power and economy. Code P0011 means the engine control unit has measured a camshaft angle on bank 1 that is further advanced than it asked for, or that the camshaft does not respond as expected.
"A" normally means the intake camshaft. Bank 1 is the side with cylinder 1. On four-cylinder inline engines there is only one bank.
What the car does when the code is set
The check engine light comes on. The engine may idle roughly, lose power or use more fuel, because the valve timing is not where the engine control unit wants it. Some engines lock the camshaft adjuster in a default position.
How the system works
Variable valve timing lets the engine change when the valves open and close. A camshaft adjuster (phaser) on the end of the camshaft turns it a few degrees relative to the sprocket, driven by engine oil that an oil control valve directs to one side or the other. The engine control unit commands a target angle, then measures the real angle by comparing the camshaft and crankshaft sensor signals. If the measured angle differs from the target for too long, or the two signals are out of their normal relationship, it stores a code.
Common symptoms
Possible causes
Listed without ranking. The cause on your car depends on make, engine and mileage — see the maker notes below.
- Low or dirty engine oilVariable valve timing uses oil pressure; low level or old oil makes it slow.
- Faulty oil control valveThe solenoid that directs oil to the camshaft adjuster sticks.
- Worn camshaft adjusterThe adjuster (phaser) no longer holds its position.
- Stretched timing chain or jumped beltCamshaft and crankshaft are no longer in the correct relation.
- Sensor or reluctor wheel problemA faulty position sensor or damaged trigger wheel.
How it is diagnosed
- Check oil level and conditionTop up or change the oil with the specified grade first. This alone sometimes clears the fault.
- Compare desired and actual camshaft positionWith live data, watch whether the camshaft follows the commanded angle at idle and at higher revs.
- Test the oil control valveCheck its resistance and operation, and look for debris in its screen.
- Check the timingIf the readings point to a stretched chain, the workshop checks the timing marks or measures the offset.A worn timing chain can jump teeth and damage the engine. Do not delay the diagnosis.
Questions about P0011
What is the difference between P0011 and P0016?
P0011 reports that the camshaft does not follow the commanded advance. P0016 reports that the camshaft and crankshaft signals do not match, which more often points to timing chain or belt problems.
Can low oil cause this code?
Yes. Valve timing control depends on oil pressure, so low or old oil is one of the first things to check.