Check Engine Code
P0011
"A" Camshaft Position — Timing Over-Advanced or System Performance (Bank 1)
What P0011 means
P0011 means the engine computer has detected that the intake camshaft on Bank 1 is timed further ahead (advanced) than commanded. Modern engines with variable valve timing (VVT/VCT) use oil pressure to advance and retard the cam; when the actual position doesn't match the commanded position, P0011 sets.
Symptoms
- Check engine light on
- Rough idle or stalling at stops
- Noticeable loss of power or poor acceleration
- Slight drop in fuel economy
- Occasional hard start when the engine is warm
Likely causes (most common first)
- Dirty or low engine oil (most common cause by far — blocks the VVT solenoid)
- Failed camshaft (VVT) oil control solenoid
- Clogged VVT oil control valve screen
- Stretched timing chain or worn chain tensioner
- Faulty camshaft position sensor
- Wiring fault between the ECM and VVT solenoid
Can I keep driving?
Short trips are fine, but sustained driving can accelerate timing-chain wear. Change the oil first — it fixes this code more often than any part swap.
Typical repair cost
DIY fixes can start near $0 (parts only). Shop repairs for P0011 typically run up to $450 depending on the underlying cause and vehicle. Start with the most common cause — Dirty or low engine oil (most common cause by far — blocks the VVT solenoid) — before throwing parts at it.
Related codes
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