The camshaft is one of the most important parts of your vehicle. It helps to ensure the efficient working of the engine. The proper working of the camshaft is very important. Whenever the powertrain control model (PCM) detects an issue with your camshaft position, it triggers the P0011 trouble code. This article mainly explains the P0011 code meaning, causes, and symptoms.
P0011 Code Definition
P0011 code stands for “‘A’ Camshaft Position Timing Over Advanced or System Performance Bank 1.”
In the definition of P0011, ‘A’ actually represents the intake camshaft in an inline or straight overhead camshaft engine. However, if your vehicle has a V engine, the “A” usually represents the intake camshaft on bank 1.
Bank 1 indicates the engine side that contains the number one cylinder.
What does the P0011 Code Mean?
The P0011 code indicates that your Powertrain Control Module (PCM) detects a difference between the actual camshaft position angle and the required camshaft position angle. This situation may occur during retarding or advancing of the camshaft timing.
The variable valve timing system improves fuel economy and engine performance by regulating when the intake and exhaust valves are opened and closed.
The camshaft is adjusted by the PCM through the use of an oil control valve (OCV), also called a variable valve timing control solenoid valve. When trouble code P0011 is triggered, it means that the intake camshaft in Bank 1 is more advanced than the PCM has told it to be.
Causes of the P0011 Code
- Bad camshaft position sensor
- Faulty camshaft actuator
- Bad VVT solenoid
- Bad or damaged camshaft
- Damaged camshaft wiring
- Damaged camshaft sensor connections
- Insufficient engine oil
- Damaged timing belt or timing chain
- Engine overheating
- Continuous oil flow to variable valve timing chamber
- Wrong viscosity oil
- Dirty oil
- Bad PCM
Symptoms of the P0011 Code
- Check engine light illumination
- Poor engine performance
- Poor fuel economy
- Engine stalling
- Rattling noise from the engine
- Hard to start the car
- Rough idling
- Engine misfiring
- Failed emission test
How to Fix P0011 Code
To fix the P0011, you need the following tools:
- OBD-II scanner
- Basic hand tools
- An oscillator
- Service manual
Follow the below-given steps to fix the P0011 trouble code:
- Use an OBD-II scanner to scan the stored trouble codes. Clear the OBD-II fault codes and perform a test drive.
- Inspect the engine oil. If the oil is contaminated, replace it.
- Check the oil level and add more if needed.
- Inspect the camshaft wiring and connections for damage.
- Inspect the camshaft. If your camshaft is damaged, replace it.
- Inspect the oil control valve for damage.
- Inspect the oil filters for damage and contamination.
- Inspect the timing belt. If it is misaligned, then properly realign it. If your car timing chain is damaged or stretched, replace it.
- Reprogram or replace the PCM if needed.
Common P0011 Code Diagnostic Mistakes
- Not inspecting the camshaft wiring and connections before replacing the camshaft.
- Not inspecting the oil level before replacing the camshaft sensor.
- Replacing the unnecessary parts
- Not following the manufacturer’s exact testing procedure step-by-step to avoid misdiagnosis and proper component replacement.
- Replacing the parts without testing them.
- Using the wrong tools to inspect the defective parts.
- Not clearing the engine’s computer memory after fixing the error
What repairs can fix the P0011 Code?
- Clearing the error code and then performing a road test
- Replacing the tone ring of the camshaft
- Adding or replacing the engine oil if needed
- Replacing the bad camshaft sensor
- Replacing the faulty camshaft
- Replacing the bad oil filters
- Repairing the damaged wiring and connections
- Replacing the bad timing belt
- Properly align the timing belt for jumped timing problems
- Replacing or reprograming the PCM/ECM
P0011 Code Fixing Cost
To fix the diagnostic trouble code (DTC) P0011, you need one or more of the below-given repairs:
| Parts | Repair Cost |
|---|---|
| Camshaft replacement | $1384 to $1614 |
| Camshaft Sensor replacement cost | $90 to $260 |
| PCM replacement | $240 to $3000 |
FAQ Section
What are the symptoms of the P0011 Code?
- Emission test failure
- Check engine light illumination
- Unusual noises
- Poor fuel economy
- Engine Stalling
- Hard to start the vehicle
How serious is the P0011 Code?
The P0011 trouble code is considered a serious code. It may lead to different drivability problems, such as hard starting, stalling, poor fuel economy, running erratically, or idling issues. If you don’t fix P0011 immediately, it may lead to complete failure of the engine or an expansive repair.
What are the causes of the P0011 Code?
- Bad camshaft position sensor
- Bad PCM
- Faulty camshaft actuator
- Bad VVT solenoid
- Damaged camshaft wiring
- Damaged camshaft sensor connections
- Bad camshaft
- Wrong viscosity oil
- Continuous oil flow to variable valve timing chamber
- Insufficient engine oil
- Damaged timing belt or timing chain
- Engine overheating
- Dirty oil
What does P0011 Nissan mean?
The P0011 Nissan shows Intake Camshaft Position System Performance.
Can low oil pressure cause P0011?
Yes, low oil pressure is one of the major causes of the P0011 code. An engine with a timing belt always requires a proper oil supply to lubricate the belt efficiently. The camshaft also needs enough oil pressure to work efficiently. Therefore, you must inspect your car oil before driving.
