P0011
Intake Camshaft Timing Over-Advanced or System Performance Bank 1
The engine computer sees the intake camshaft on bank 1 staying too far advanced or not moving as commanded. This is often caused by dirty or low oil, a bad variable valve timing solenoid, timing chain wear, or a cam phaser problem.
- SEV
- 4/5
- DRIVE
- CAUTION
- DIY
- $20–$350
- SHOP
- $120–$1,800
Quick answer
AI-CITATION READYWhat it means
Can you drive with it?
Most common causes
- Engine oil level is too low
- Engine oil is dirty, degraded, or does not meet the manufacturer's viscosity or specification requirements
- Camshaft variable timing solenoid failure or sticking oil control valve
Typical repair cost
DIY usually runs $20–$350. Typical shop repair lands around $120–$1,800, depending on the root cause.
01 / Definition
P0011 means the PCM has detected that the intake camshaft timing on bank 1 is more advanced than commanded, or the variable valve timing system is not responding correctly. The fault is usually set when the camshaft position signal does not match the expected position after the PCM commands a timing change.
02 / Drive status
With caution. Short trips to a repair shop are usually possible if the engine is running normally, but continued driving can cause poor performance and possible engine damage if timing is off. Do not keep driving if the engine runs rough, stalls, rattles, or the oil pressure warning comes on.
03 / Symptoms
- Check engine light on
- Rough idle
- Poor acceleration
- Reduced fuel economy
- Hard starting
- Engine hesitation
- Engine rattling or timing chain noise
- Stalling in some cases
04 / Causes
| 1 | Engine oil level is too low | high |
|---|---|---|
| 2 | Engine oil is dirty, degraded, or does not meet the manufacturer's viscosity or specification requirements | high |
| 3 | Camshaft variable timing solenoid failure or sticking oil control valve | high |
| 4 | Variable valve timing actuator or cam phaser failure | medium |
| 5 | Worn timing chain or timing chain tensioner problems | medium |
| 6 | The engine is not timed correctly | medium |
| 7 | Restricted oil passages or sludge affecting VVT oil flow | medium |
| 8 | Wiring or connector problem at the VVT solenoid or cam sensor | low |
| 9 | Faulty camshaft position sensor or crankshaft position sensor | low |
05 / Diagnostic sequence
- 01Check engine oil level and condition, and confirm the oil viscosity and specification match manufacturer requirements.
- 02Scan for all stored codes and freeze frame data, and look for related camshaft, crankshaft, or oil control codes.
- 03Clear the codes and road test to confirm P0011 returns.
- 04Inspect the bank 1 intake VVT solenoid connector and wiring for damage, corrosion, loose pins, or oil contamination.
- 05Command the VVT solenoid on and off with a scan tool and compare commanded cam angle to actual cam angle.
- 06Remove and inspect the VVT solenoid for sludge, metal debris, or a stuck screen, and test solenoid resistance against specifications.
- 07Check oil pressure if low oil pressure is suspected.
- 08Verify mechanical engine timing, including timing chain stretch, chain alignment, and tensioner operation.
- 09Inspect the cam phaser or actuator if the solenoid and oil supply are good but cam timing remains out of range.
06 / Repairs
| 1 | Correct the engine oil level and perform an oil and filter change with the manufacturer-specified oil. | $20–$120 |
|---|---|---|
| 2 | Repair damaged wiring or corroded connectors at the VVT solenoid or related sensors. | $20–$200 |
| 3 | Clean or replace the bank 1 intake camshaft variable timing solenoid. | $40–$350 |
| 4 | Clean sludge from affected oil passages if restricted oil flow is found. | $80–$400 |
| 5 | Replace the variable valve timing actuator or cam phaser if it is sticking or failed. | $250–$900 |
| 6 | Correct mechanical timing and replace a worn timing chain, guides, or tensioner if needed. | $700–$1,800 |
MFG / Manufacturer notes
These supplements add make-specific diagnostic framing. Pages without full matrix backing or lane approval stay guarded and canonicalize back here until they are explicitly approved for indexing.
- Open
Audi P0011
Approved indexable child page
07 / Related codes
08 / FAQ
Can low oil cause P0011?
Yes. Low oil level or low oil pressure is one of the most common causes because the VVT system relies on clean oil at the correct pressure.
Can the wrong oil cause P0011?
Yes. Oil that is too thick, too thin, old, or not approved for the engine can affect cam timing control and set this code.
Is P0011 the same as a bad timing chain?
Not always. A worn timing chain can cause P0011, but oil problems and a faulty VVT solenoid are more common.
Can I keep driving with P0011?
Drive only with caution and only if the engine is running normally enough to reach a repair location. If there is rattling, rough running, stalling, or an oil warning light, stop driving and have it checked.
Will an oil change fix P0011?
Sometimes. If the cause is low, dirty, or incorrect oil, an oil and filter change may solve it, but the code can also be caused by a bad solenoid, cam phaser, or timing chain wear.
09 / Source and method
- DATA BASIS
- OBD-II REFERENCE + OBD2.HELP
- METHOD
- STATIC VALIDATION
- SAFETY
- INFORMATIONAL
This page combines OBD-II diagnostic reference data with OBD2.help generated diagnostic guidance for code meaning, likely causes, and repair direction.
Publishing uses deterministic schema and build validation, plus manual spot checks on representative pages before release.
Safety-critical diagnosis and repairs should be confirmed with a qualified mechanic, especially when the vehicle is misfiring, overheating, or losing power.