Code P0010 Definition
Intake Camshaft Actuator Circuit Open/Short (Bank 1)
What Does Code P0010 Mean?
The variable valve timing (VVT) system increases fuel economy and engine performance by regulating when the intake and exhaust valves are opened and closed. The camshaft(s) is(are) adjusted by the Engine Control Module (ECM) through the use of an oil control valve(s) (OCV) also called variable valve timing control solenoid valves. Code P0010 is triggered when the ECM attempts to adjust the Bank 1 intake camshaft timing by utilizing one of these valves, and it detects an electrical issue in either the circuit going to the valve or the windings of the solenoid in the valve itself.
What Are The Symptoms Of Code P0010?
- Check engine light
- Decreased fuel economy
- Decreased engine performance at high RPMs
- Rough running engine
- Rattling/Knocking from engine
- Poor engine idle
What Is The Cause Of Code P0010?
- Faulty VVT control solenoid valve (most common)
- Oil sludge in the engine
- Crankshaft position sensor malfunction
- Camshaft position sensor malfunction
- Frayed or damaged wiring
- Engine operating outside of proper timing parameters
How Serious Is Code P0010? – Moderate
This trouble code will not prevent your vehicle from running. However, if left unsolved, this code could cause your vehicle to experience decreased power and fuel economy. It could also cause your vehicle to fail emissions testing.
Code P0010 Common Diagnosis Mistakes
A common diagnosis mistake associated with code P0010 is replacing the timing actuator without first attempting to clean the actuator to see if that was the actual issue or check the electrical circuit.
Tools Needed to Diagnose:
- FIXD
- Multimeter
How To Diagnose And Repair Code P0010?
Difficulty of Diagnosis and Repair (2 out of 5)
- Check to see if there are any other codes along with P0010 and clear your Check Engine Light with FIXD.
- Check freeze frame data relating to the ECM to help pinpoint the exact issue.
- Do a visual inspection of the bank 1 variable valve timing (VVT) control solenoid valve. Make sure to repair any frayed or faulty wiring or connectors. Once you have done this, clear the code and rescan to see if it is still present.
- Check to see if there is any engine sludge present. If there is, you must clean it, clear the code, and rescan to see if it is still present.
- Perform a resistance check of the bank 1 intake camshaft VVT Control solenoid and compare it to the vehicle service manual. If it is out of spec, replace the bank 1 intake VVT Control Solenoid.
- If the code is still present after these steps, you may need to bring your vehicle to a mechanic for further guidance.
Estimated Cost of Repair
For error code P0010, one or more of the below repairs may be needed to solve the underlying issue. For each possible repair, the estimated cost of repair includes the cost of the relevant parts and the cost of labor required to make the repair.
- VVT Control Solenoid $500-$600
- Wiring repair/replacement $100-$1000
- Camshaft position sensor $120-$300
- Crankshaft position sensor $190-$250
- Timing chain or belt replacement $200-$1000
Comments 15
Sue
July 10, 2019Take your vehicle, not bring it. When you go through the drive thru, it’s called take out, not bring out. You take something to another place whereas someone BRINGS something to you. TAKE your vehicle to a mechanic.
Bill
July 20, 2019Who in the heck made it your place to correct someone on how they speak. Your comment makes no sense. Bring it, take it, either choice makes sense. You need to work on Your Self and why you feel the need to correct someone else. You let your ego get in the way of what you truly desire.
Ricardo
November 17, 2019Hi there. I checked the connector plugs that power the ocv solenoids on my Chevy Captiva with a multimeter and both connectors read 2.4 volts. Is that the correct voltage to make solenoids work or it should be 12 volts? Thanks beforehand.
Bob Jaegers
September 16, 2019I have zero mechanical abilities.
How much should I expect a reputable mechanic to charge me to fix this? I have a 4 cyl 2009 HHR.
James
December 8, 2019By the way, thank you very much to FIXD for the info on the P0010 code.
Austine
July 13, 2019A helpful information thanks
Bob Bates
August 7, 2019thanks for your valuable input Sue
Steven Seig
August 12, 2019It could also be the ecm malfunctioning like it is in mine.
Doug
September 11, 2019Think about this, Bill: Mark Twain said something like the fact that the difference between the right word and not is like the difference between lightning and the lightning bug. Sparkling wit, he.
No name
January 30, 2020No need to take to the mechanic all the time I fixed this issue on a 2014 gmc terrain and took only 10 mins to replace and only cost $50 saving the hundreds to keep in my pocket.
Ben
February 12, 2020I have the same vehicle what did you do to fix it?
Erica
September 16, 2020Following my 2014 GMC terrain is throwing this code.
Jimmy Pete
January 15, 2020what is bank 1?
No name
January 30, 2020Bank 1 is on the first row of cylinders referred to as #1 cylinder and bank to is the second row, opposite side cylinders
Tom
January 25, 2020This was a very helpful article, thanks for the info. I’m having trouble finding what the correct resistance and voltage should be. Any further assistance would be greatly appreciated.