What Does Code P0011 Mean?
- P0011 definition: Intake Camshaft Timing- Over-Advanced Bank 1
- Issue Severity: SEVERE – Stop driving immediately
- Repair Urgency: Fix this code immediately (same-day if possible) to avoid damage to multiple internal engine components.
- Diagnosis: This trouble code severely impacts the drivability of your vehicle. The most common problems consist of increased engine stalling, rough engine idle, lowered fuel economy, and rattling/knocking noises from the engine. Use the FIXD Sensor and app to diagnose and fix P0011 yourself, see the most likely fix and cost for your car, access our Mechanic Hotline, and more.
The variable valve timing 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 computer through the use of an oil control valve(s) (OCV), also called variable valve timing control solenoid valves. When trouble code P0011 is set, it means that the intake camshaft in Bank 1 is more advanced than the engine computer has told it to be.
P0011 Causes
There are many potential causes of code P0011. Some are easy to check and correct yourself, such as old engine oil, or not having enough oil in the engine. Other causes are more complicated, such as malfunctioning components in the variable valve timing system itself.
- Engine oil is dirty
- Engine oil is too low
- Engine oil is incorrect viscosity
- Camshaft variable timing solenoid failure
- Camshaft phaser is seized in the advanced position
- Continuous oil flow to Variable Camshaft Timing chamber
P0011 Symptoms
- Check Engine Light
- Hard start of the engine
- Rough running engine
- Stalling
- Rattling/Knocking from engine
- Decreased fuel economy
- Failed emissions test
How Do I Fix Code P0011?
With a variable valve timing fault, the first step is to get it diagnosed to figure out what is causing the problem.
The FIXD Sensor and app can help you diagnose and fix P0011 yourself by giving you access to detailed engine diagnostics that are easy to understand (even if you don’t know cars), live OBD2 data, and a Mechanic Hotline. You can even use FIXD to clear the fault codes on your vehicle and see if your fix worked, or simply turn off codes that aren’t serious.
> Click here to get FIXD for $19.99 for a limited time!
If your vehicle has this fault and you’re not comfortable diagnosing this issue at home, we recommend finding a RepairPal certified shop nearby to pinpoint the problem and give an accurate estimate for repairs.
These shops can not only help you figure out what’s going wrong before you waste time and money on the wrong parts, but they also offer a minimum 12-month, 12,000-mile warranty and stand behind all their estimates with guaranteed fair pricing.
How Much Does It Cost to Fix Code P0011?
P0011 can be caused by anything from old or low oil to catastrophic engine failure. It’s impossible to give an accurate estimate without properly diagnosing the issue first.
If you take your car to a shop for diagnosis, most shops will start with an hour of “diag time” (the time spent in labor diagnosing your specific issue). Depending on the shop’s labor rate, this typically costs somewhere between $75-$150. Many, if not most, shops will apply this diagnosis fee to any required repairs if you have them perform the repairs for you. From there, a shop will be able to give you an accurate estimate for repairs to fix your P0011 code.
Possible Repair Costs for P0011
Once properly diagnosed, P0011 may require one or more of the following repairs to resolve the underlying issue. These prices are based on national averages and include parts and labor. Your cost may differ depending on your location and type of vehicle.
- Oil Change $20-$60
- Oil Control Valve/Variable Valve Timing Control Solenoid $300-$400
- Engine $3000-$4000
DIY Steps to Diagnose Code P0011
Engine code P0011 could be caused by a number of things, including old oil, the camshaft variable timing solenoid, the camshaft phaser, and more. If you’d like to try to fix code P0011 at home without throwing money at parts, you’ll want to follow the steps below for proper diagnosis. Keep in mind this is an intermediate-level diagnosis and repair and not recommended for beginners. Diagnosis beyond oil level and condition requires more specialized equipment beyond what the FIXD Sensor can provide and it can be a time and labor-intensive process for inexperienced DIYers.
DIY difficulty level: Intermediate
This repair requires mechanical knowledge and is not recommended for beginners.
Tools/parts needed (our top picks from Amazon):
- FIXD
- Basic hand tools
- Fused jumper wires
- Vehicle-specific service manual
STEP 1: USE FIXD TO ENSURE NO OTHER ENGINE CODES ARE PRESENT.
Use FIXD to scan your vehicle to verify P0011 is the only code present. If other codes are present, they must be addressed first.
STEP 2: CHECK THE OIL LEVEL AND CONDITION.
If the oil level is low, adjust to spec and test drive to see if the concern is resolved. If it’s dirty, change the oil and filter and test drive to see if the concern is resolved.
STEP 3: INSPECT THE VALVE TRAIN FOR SLUDGE.
Remove the oil cap and/or the valve cover and inspect the valve train for sludge. If there is sludge, there is a good chance the engine will need to be replaced due to sludge blocking the oil passages to the Oil Control Valve(s).
STEP 4: CHECK VALVE FOR PROPER FUNCTION.
If there isn’t any sludge, consider checking the Bank 1 Intake Camshaft Oil Control Valve for proper function. You can do this by removing the Oil Control valve and supplying power and ground to the solenoid quickly using a pair of fused jumper wires. (Do not leave power applied for more than a second or two) If the valve is functioning properly, it should click, and you may even be able to see the valve move based on the design of your specific valve. If it doesn’t click or move, replace the tested oil control valve and test drive to see if the concern is resolved.
If at this point the concern persists, there could be internal engine issues, and you should have a shop diagnose the concern to avoid replacing the engine unnecessarily.
Common P0011 Diagnosis Mistakes
Replacing sensors or components without any indication of a problem with the sensors or components.
Still Need Help Fixing Code P0011?
If you’ve followed the steps above and are still experiencing check engine code P0011, please contact the FIXD Mechanic Hotline if you’re a FIXD Premium subscriber or find a RepairPal certified shop near you to get the right repairs at a fair price. Don’t have a FIXD Sensor yet? Click here to get yours for just $19.99, including a free 14-day trial of FIXD Premium!
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Recovering autocross and track day enthusiast. Once turned a VW Jetta into a pickup truck. Lives in a van down by the river. Dream car: 2001 Subaru WRC rally car.
