Valve Timing
P0011A Camshaft Position - Timing Over-Advanced or System Performance (Bank 1)
You can drive in the short term, but the idle becomes uneven and fuel consumption rises. If the cause is the chain or belt, waiting is risky.
Going to inspection with the warning light on is risky. An uneven idle can also affect emissions.
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What does P0011 mean?
The variable cam timing system can't bring the intake camshaft to the requested angle. The vast majority of these codes are oil related: low level, old oil or the wrong viscosity. Oil first, then the solenoid. The phaser and chain are checked last.
In systems such as VVT, VVT-i and Ti-VCT, the ECU advances or retards the intake camshaft using an oil-pressure-driven phaser. If the actual angle read from the cam sensor deviates from the requested angle for a certain time, P0011 is stored. A clogged solenoid screen, low oil pressure or a sticking phaser are the most common causes.
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How to fix P0011
Steps are ordered from cheapest to most expensive. If a step doesn't solve it, move to the next one, and don't let a garage replace parts blindly.
- 1
Oil level and condition
DIYCheck the level. If the oil is old, change it with the viscosity and approval specified by the manufacturer, clear the code and drive for a few days.
- 2
Remove the solenoid and clean its screen
DIYThe solenoid is usually at the front of the cylinder head. Clean the screen and listen for it working while applying 12 V.
- 3
Replace the solenoid
DIYIf the code persists after cleaning, the solenoid is replaced.
- 4
Timing and phaser check
Pro jobThe timing marks are checked. If the chain has stretched, replace the kit; if the phaser is faulty, replace the sprocket.
Don't replace these first
- Camshaft position sensor
- Engine control unit (ECU)
These parts are often replaced unnecessarily for P0011. Don't spend money on them before doing the checks above.
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P0011 symptoms
- Check engine light
- Rough idle or stalling
- Brief ticking on cold start
- Loss of pulling power
- Higher fuel consumption
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What causes P0011?
- Low, old or wrong-viscosity engine oilVery high
- Stuck cam timing solenoid / clogged screenHigh
- Faulty cam phaser (camshaft sprocket)Medium
- Stretched chain or belt jumped a toothLow
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Which cars commonly get P0011?
- BMW 3 Serisi 320iN20B20
- Chevrolet Cruze 1.6 EcotecF16D4
- Citroen C3 1.2 PureTech 110EB2DT (1.2 PureTech)
- Dacia Duster 1 1.6 16V 105K4M
- Ford Focus 3 1.6 Ti-VCT 125Sigma 1.6 Ti-VCT
- Mercedes-Benz C Serisi C180M274 (1.6 turbo)
- Opel Astra J 1.6 TwinportA16XER
- Peugeot 2008 1.2 PureTech 110EB2DT (1.2 PureTech)
- Peugeot 208 1.2 PureTech 110EB2DT (1.2 PureTech)
- Peugeot 3008 II 1.2 PureTech 130EB2DTS (1.2 PureTech)
- Renault Fluence 1.6 16VK4M
- Renault Megane 3 1.6 16V 110K4M
- Skoda Octavia 3 1.4 TSI 150EA211 1.4 TSI
- Toyota Auris 1.6 Valvematic1ZR-FAE
- Toyota Corolla 1.6 Valvematic1ZR-FAE
- Volkswagen Golf 7 1.4 TSI 125EA211 1.4 TSI
- Volkswagen Jetta 6 1.4 TSI 125EA211 1.4 TSI
- Volkswagen Passat B8 1.4 TSI 150EA211 1.4 TSI
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Frequently asked questions
What does fault code P0011 mean?
P0011 stands for “A Camshaft Position - Timing Over-Advanced or System Performance (Bank 1)”. The variable cam timing system can't bring the intake camshaft to the requested angle. The vast majority of these codes are oil related: low level, old oil or the wrong viscosity. Oil first, then the solenoid. The phaser and chain are checked last.
Can I drive with code P0011?
Short trips, with care. You can drive in the short term, but the idle becomes uneven and fuel consumption rises. If the cause is the chain or belt, waiting is risky.
Will a car with code P0011 pass vehicle inspection?
Risky. Going to inspection with the warning light on is risky. An uneven idle can also affect emissions.
What is the difference between P0011 and P0016?
P0011 says the intake camshaft can't reach the requested angle, while P0016 says the relationship between crank and cam is off. P0016 is closer to a chain or belt problem; P0011 is mostly oil and solenoid related.