P0011: "A" Camshaft Position - Timing Over-Advanced or System Performance (Bank 1)
The bank 1 intake cam is more advanced than the engine computer asked for, or is not reaching its target position.
What P0011 means
P0011 means the bank 1 "A" camshaft, usually the intake, is more advanced than the computer commanded, or the timing system is not performing as expected. The computer compares the cam sensor signal with the crank sensor signal to calculate actual cam angle, then compares that with the target it commanded through the oil control solenoid. RepairPal lists low oil level, oil that does not meet the maker requirements, a failed solenoid, a failed actuator and a worn timing chain as causes. Oil is the first thing to check because the whole system runs on oil pressure. Wrong viscosity, sludge or a clogged screen at the solenoid can all keep the cam from moving to the right spot. If oil is fine, shops command the solenoid with a scan tool and watch whether actual cam angle follows the request. If it does not move or moves slowly, the solenoid or phaser is suspect. If the base timing is off at rest, the chain may be stretched.
Common symptoms
- Check engine light on
- Rough idle or stalling
- Reduced power and acceleration
- Worse fuel economy
- Rattle or ticking from the front of the engine on some engines
Most common causes
- Low engine oil level or pressure
- Wrong oil viscosity or sludged oil
- Sticking variable valve timing solenoid
- Faulty cam phaser (actuator)
- Stretched timing chain
- Clogged oil screen in the solenoid
What to check yourself first
Check the oil level right away and top up if low. Make sure the oil is the grade listed in your owner manual, since thicker or thinner oil can confuse the timing system. If the oil is overdue or looks sludgy, change it and clear the code.
Typical fixes and what they cost
| Fix | Typical cost | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Oil and filter change with the correct oil | $160-$188 | RepairPal lists an oil and filter change as a common first repair. Use the exact oil viscosity your engine calls for. |
| Replace variable valve timing (oil control) solenoid | $469-$594 | A sticky solenoid is a very common cause on many brands. |
| Replace variable valve timing actuator (cam phaser) | $1,094-$1,425 | When the phaser is stuck or worn internally. |
| Replace timing chain | $2,120-$2,764 | If timing checks show the chain has stretched. |
Typical US price ranges for parts and labor, not quotes. Your shop should confirm the cause with a diagnostic before replacing parts.
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Related codes
- P0012 "A" Camshaft Position - Timing Over-Retarded (Bank 1)
- P0010 "A" Camshaft Position Actuator Circuit/Open (Bank 1)
- P0014 "B" Camshaft Position - Timing Over-Advanced or System Performance (Bank 1)
- P0016 Crankshaft Position - Camshaft Position Correlation (Bank 1 Sensor A)
- P0021 "A" Camshaft Position - Timing Over-Advanced or System Performance (Bank 2)