OBD Guide

P0013

BCamshaft Position - Actuator Circuit (Bank 1)

P0013 is an OBD-II diagnostic trouble code meaning: BCamshaft Position - Actuator Circuit (Bank 1). Common causes: vvt solenoid valve malfunction, open or short circuit in drive wiring. Estimated repair cost: $33–278.

Severity
⚠️ Medium
Can you drive?
Limited driving only, diagnose soon
Approx. repair cost
$33–278 (est.)

Symptoms

  • Unstable engine idling
  • Reduced power and worse acceleration dynamics
  • Increased fuel consumption
  • Check Engine Light Illuminated
  • Rough engine operation when starting
  • Metallic knocking or noise from the timing belt area

Causes

  • VVT solenoid valve malfunction
  • Open or short circuit in drive wiring
  • Contamination of oil channels of the VVT system
  • Low engine oil pressure
  • Using poor quality or unsuitable oil
  • Engine control unit malfunction
  • Damage to connectors or contacts in the circuit

How to Fix

  1. Read error codes with a scanner and capture a freeze frame of the data
  2. Check the level and quality of engine oil, replace if necessary
  3. Inspect the VVT solenoid wiring and connectors on bank 1
  4. Measure the resistance of the VVT solenoid valve (usually 6-12 ohms)
  5. Check the supply voltage to the valve with the engine running
  6. Clean or replace VVT solenoid valve
  7. Wash the oil channels of the phase change system with a special compound
  8. Check system operation after repair and clear error codes

Related codes

Error P0013 by Vehicle Brand

FAQ

What does the P0013 code mean?

P0013 is an OBD-II diagnostic trouble code that indicates: BCamshaft Position - Actuator Circuit (Bank 1)

What causes a P0013 error code?

The most common causes of P0013 include: VVT solenoid valve malfunction; Open or short circuit in drive wiring; Contamination of oil channels of the VVT system; Low engine oil pressure.

How do I fix a P0013 diagnostic trouble code?

To fix P0013: Read error codes with a scanner and capture a freeze frame of the data. Check the level and quality of engine oil, replace if necessary. Inspect the VVT solenoid wiring and connectors on bank 1. For a complete diagnosis, use an OBD-II scanner.

Is it safe to drive with P0013?

Limited driving only, diagnose soon

How much does it cost to fix P0013?

The estimated repair cost for P0013 is $33–278. Actual cost depends on your vehicle, location, and labor rates.

See also: Russian version · NationStat