P0011 OBD Error Code: Problem & Solutions

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Many a times Engine Warning Light turns up almost immediately it senses the OBD code error. This directly impacts the engine performance as it struggles with power and acceleration as well as failed fuel system causing increased consumption of fuel by the engine.

P0011 is the OBD-II generic code indicating the engine control module (ECM) has determined that the bank 1 intake camshaft is more advanced than what the ECM has commanded it be. This over-advanced condition could be during advancing or retarding of the camshaft timing.

The P0011 code is present on cars with variable camshaft timing, also known as variable valve timing. In cars with these features an actuator solenoid is used to control how much oil goes to the solenoid.

Based on the amount of oil getting to the solenoid, the actuator then adjusts the angle of the camshaft. The solenoid is generally controlled via pulse width modification (PWM) to provide the correct amount of oil that will place the camshaft in the position requested by the engine controller.

What causes this problem with the Camshaft Position A - Timing Over-Advanced or System Performance?

• Defects in the VVT or VCT Solenoid
• The camshaft timing may be incorrect
• The electrical wiring circuit or connectors may be damaged
• Defective timing belt, tensioners and chains
• There might be clogged passage in the oil control solenoid
• High timing level of camshaft
• Intake valve timing control solenoid valve harness may be opened
• Faults in the intake valve timing control solenoid
• The camshaft position sensor might get defective
• Issues with crankshaft position sensor
• The engine oil might get dirty

1. Engine Control Module - OBD Error Code P0011 can also be due to faulty ECMs. It affects the electrical and subsystems performance directly. It’s better to get the faulty electricals replaced as soon as possible.
2. Powertrain Control Module - P0011 error code also relates to problems with the powertrain which is a combination of engine control module and the transmission control module. Find all the Powertrain related parts with us.
3. Auto Switches & Sensors - Common causes behind that P0011 error code can be defective switches or faulty sensors. So, it will be a good decision to replace them now.
4. Diagnostic Tool - Are you thinking of buying few diagnostic tools to get your car problems pointed out easily. We have great collection of diagnostic tools to help you out.
5. Camshaft & Parts - Are you facing OBD error P0011 code? You can always get this issue resolved with new camshaft parts. Purchase top notch camshaft from us at best prices.
6. Oil Control Valve - Oil Control Valve is an important car part which should never be neglected. May be there is some fault in it due to which P0011 code may start flashing.
7. Crankshafts - The function of the crankshaft is to translate the linear reciprocating motion of a pistons into the rotational motion required by the automobile. Thus, it directly hampers the engine performance and needs to be replaced immediately if faulty.

You might be thinking that how would you diagnose these problems? We at Parts Avatar Canada would help you diagnose the major symptoms easily.

Common Symptoms

• Malfunction indicator lamp might start illuminating
• There can be an overall increase in the fuel consumption of the car engine
• The engine performance might start reducing
• Misalignment of camshaft can cause serious issues
• A hard start condition of the engine can arise if the cam is stuck in a too far advanced or retarded timing position
• Engine may start stalling
• There can be excessive emissions
• Possible engine rough Idle
• There can be loss of power in the engine

• Reset the fault codes and performing a road test to check if the code reappears using a factory grade OBD-II diagnostic tool
• Oil and filter have to be changed according to the proper oil viscosity for the engine specifications
• Examine and replacing the wiring and connections to the camshaft oil control valve for bank 1 intake camshaft, if found damaged
• Replace the faulty camshaft oil control valve for bank 1 intake camshaft
• Evaluate the timing chain alignment for jumped timing problems and correct the problem if necessary 

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• Inspect for any electrical connector, wiring, or valve issues of the camshaft oil control valve for the bank 1 intake camshaft
• Use electromagnetic sensors to monitor the positions of crankshaft and camshaft positions
• If there are any interruptions in the electromagnetic field, they are seen by the PCM as square waveform patterns, which represent varying degrees of voltage
• The engine should be full of clean engine oil with the correct viscosity
• The technician used scan tool to document the codes received and view the freeze frame data to see when the code was set
• Circuits, connectors, or components that do not comply with manufacturer’s specifications should be repaired/replaced
• PCM failure is rare and replacement will require reprogramming as it might be flashing wrong error code

Common Mistakes When Diagnosing the P0011 Code

Some of the common mistakes done while changing diagnosing the OBD code P0011 are:

• Improper assessment of the camshaft and the crankshaft sensor failure
• Simply replacing the Powertrain Control Module (PCM) without considering other possibilities of problem
• Not noticing the damaged or loosened wiring and circuit problems
• Replacing sensors and components without doing full examination
• Use of wrong engine oil, not complying with the vehicle specifications