P0013: "B" Camshaft Position - Actuator Circuit/Open (Bank 1)
The engine computer has found an electrical problem in the circuit for the bank 1 "B" cam timing solenoid, usually the exhaust cam.
What P0013 means
Engines with variable timing on both camshafts label them "A" and "B". In the SAE scheme, "B" usually means the exhaust cam (or the right or rear cam, depending on layout). P0013 is the circuit code for the bank 1 "B" actuator, so the engine computer sees an open or electrical fault in the oil control solenoid circuit for that cam. RepairPal lists wiring issues, the actuator and the computer as causes. A solenoid coil that has failed and a connector that has filled with oil are common. When the exhaust cam cannot be adjusted, the computer usually parks it in a default position, which costs some power and efficiency and may cause rough idle. Shops measure solenoid resistance, check for power and a control signal at the connector, and use a scan tool to command the solenoid on and off. If the solenoid clicks and the circuit is good but the code returns, they look deeper at the phaser and oil supply.
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
- Failed exhaust cam oil control solenoid
- Open or shorted wiring
- Corroded or oil contaminated connector
- Variable valve timing actuator failure
- Engine computer driver fault (rare)
What to check yourself first
Find the exhaust cam solenoid on the bank 1 cylinder head and inspect its connector for oil or a broken lock. Measure solenoid resistance if you have specs. Check the oil level.
Typical fixes and what they cost
| Fix | Typical cost | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Replace variable valve timing (oil control) solenoid | $469-$594 | Usually the fix for an open solenoid circuit. |
| Electrical diagnosis to find a wiring or connector fault | $122-$179 | For broken wires or oil soaked connectors. |
| 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 engine control module (ECM/PCM) | $1,122-$1,192 | Only if the computer driver is confirmed bad. |
Typical US price ranges for parts and labor, not quotes. Your shop should confirm the cause with a diagnostic before replacing parts.
Related repair guides
- Kia Sorento Engine Recall: Which Years Get the KSDS Update and the 15-Year/150,000-Mile Warranty
- 2017-2018 Honda CR-V Oil Level Rising or Smells Like Gas? The 1.5T Oil Dilution Problem Explained
- 2010-2013 Chevy Equinox Burning Oil? Fix the 2.4L Engine or Sell It
- 2007-2009 Toyota Camry Burning Oil? What's Going On and What a Fix Costs Now
Related codes
- P0014 "B" Camshaft Position - Timing Over-Advanced or System Performance (Bank 1)
- P0010 "A" Camshaft Position Actuator Circuit/Open (Bank 1)
- P0011 "A" Camshaft Position - Timing Over-Advanced or System Performance (Bank 1)
- P0017 Crankshaft Position - Camshaft Position Correlation (Bank 1 Sensor B)
- P0016 Crankshaft Position - Camshaft Position Correlation (Bank 1 Sensor A)