P0011: "A" camshaft timing over-advanced (bank 1)
The camshaft’s timing is further advanced or retarded than the engine computer is setting it with variable valve timing.
Updated
What P0011 means
Many engines adjust their valve timing while they run (variable valve timing). An adjuster on the camshaft turns it a little against the crankshaft, driven by engine oil that an oil control valve lets in and out.
The engine computer sets a target and checks the result with the camshaft position sensor. P0011 means the camshaft is further advanced than the target, or doesn’t follow it well enough. Camshaft “A” is the intake camshaft on most engines.
Because oil pressure moves the adjuster, the oil level, its condition and the grade all matter.
P0012, P0021 and P0022: retarded timing, and bank 2
P0012 is the same check finding the timing over-retarded instead. P0021 and P0022 are the same two faults on bank 2 of a V or flat engine, the side without cylinder 1. The causes and advice are the same: on bank 2, look at that side’s oil control valve and adjuster.
P0012: "A" camshaft timing over-retarded (bank 1)
P0021: "A" camshaft timing over-advanced (bank 2)
P0022: "A" camshaft timing over-retarded (bank 2)
Can I keep driving?
Drive gently
Drive gently and only as far as you need to, and have it checked soon. Check the engine oil level first. If the engine rattles, runs very rough, stalls or is hard to start, don’t drive on: have it recovered. If the timing chain or belt has stretched or slipped, driving on can seriously damage the engine.
General guidance based on the code alone, not on the car’s actual condition. If in doubt, stop and ask a mechanic.
Check the oil level first, with the car on level ground. Low or dirty oil is a common cause, and also bad for the rest of the engine.
A rattle from the engine, especially just after a cold start, can point to a worn timing chain, tensioner or camshaft adjuster. Have it checked before driving further.
If P0016 to P0019 are stored as well, treat it as P0016: stop and have it checked before driving again.
Symptoms
- A rough or uneven idle.
- Less power, or hesitation when accelerating.
- Stalling or hard starting on some cars.
- A rattle from the engine on some cars.
Common causes
- Low, dirty or wrong-grade engine oil. The adjuster needs the right oil pressure and flow. Use the grade specified for your engine.
- Faulty camshaft timing oil control valve or its wiring. A valve that sticks, or a blocked screen on it, can’t steer the oil to the adjuster.
- Sticking camshaft adjuster. The adjuster on the camshaft no longer moves freely.
- Stretched or slipped timing chain or belt. The base timing is then off, so the adjuster can’t reach its target.
Typical fixes
- Check the oil level and condition, and change the oil with the specified grade if it’s low, dirty or overdue.
- Clear the code and see whether it comes back.
- Have the oil control valve and its wiring tested, and the valve’s screen checked for dirt where it has one.
- Have the camshaft adjuster and the timing chain or belt checked if the valve is fine.
Questions
Can I drive with P0011?
Gently, and only as far as you need to. Check the oil level first. If the engine rattles, runs very rough, stalls or is hard to start, don’t drive on: have it recovered, because a stretched or slipped timing chain or belt can seriously damage the engine. If P0016 to P0019 are stored as well, treat it as P0016: stop and have it checked before driving again.
Can an oil change fix P0011?
Sometimes, if the oil was low, dirty or the wrong grade. If the code comes back after an oil change, have the oil control valve, the adjuster and the timing chain or belt checked.
What is the difference between P0011 and P0016?
P0011 means the engine computer can’t hold the adjustable camshaft timing where it wants it. P0016 means the camshaft and crankshaft signals don’t line up at all as they should. The causes overlap, and both can come together.