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P0013

Exhaust Camshaft Position Actuator Circuit/Open Bank 1

The engine computer has detected a problem with the exhaust camshaft timing control system on bank 1. This is often caused by a bad solenoid, damaged wiring, or poor electrical connection, and it can affect engine performance and fuel economy.

SEV
3/5
DRIVE
CAUTION
DIY
$20–$120
SHOP
$150–$550

Quick answer

AI-CITATION READY

What it means

P0013 indicates the PCM has detected an open or malfunction in the exhaust camshaft position actuator solenoid circuit on bank 1. On engines with variable valve timing, this circuit controls oil flow to move the exhaust camshaft to the commanded position. An electrical fault, failed actuator solenoid, or PCM issue can prevent proper cam timing control.

Can you drive with it?

With caution. You may be able to drive short distances, but the engine may run poorly, stall, or lose power. Do not ignore it, and avoid hard driving or long trips until it is diagnosed.

Most common causes

  • Damaged, loose, or corroded wiring or connector at the exhaust camshaft actuator solenoid
  • Failed exhaust camshaft position actuator solenoid on bank 1
  • Low or dirty engine oil causing the variable valve timing system to malfunction

Typical repair cost

DIY usually runs $20–$120. Typical shop repair lands around $150–$550, depending on the root cause.

01 / Definition

P0013 indicates the PCM has detected an open or malfunction in the exhaust camshaft position actuator solenoid circuit on bank 1. On engines with variable valve timing, this circuit controls oil flow to move the exhaust camshaft to the commanded position. An electrical fault, failed actuator solenoid, or PCM issue can prevent proper cam timing control.

02 / Drive status

With caution. You may be able to drive short distances, but the engine may run poorly, stall, or lose power. Do not ignore it, and avoid hard driving or long trips until it is diagnosed.

03 / Symptoms

  • Check Engine Light on
  • Rough idle
  • Reduced engine power
  • Poor fuel economy
  • Hard starting
  • Engine hesitation during acceleration
  • Possible engine stalling
  • Unusual engine noise in some cases

04 / Causes

1Damaged, loose, or corroded wiring or connector at the exhaust camshaft actuator solenoidhigh
2Failed exhaust camshaft position actuator solenoid on bank 1high
3Low or dirty engine oil causing the variable valve timing system to malfunctionmedium
4Blown fuse, relay, or power/ground problem in the actuator circuitmedium
5PCM failure or driver circuit faultlow
6Mechanical issue inside the variable valve timing system or camshaft timing componentslow

05 / Diagnostic sequence

  1. 01Check engine oil level and condition first. Replace dirty or incorrect oil if needed.
  2. 02Inspect the exhaust camshaft actuator solenoid connector and wiring on bank 1 for damage, corrosion, loose pins, or oil contamination.
  3. 03Check related fuses, relays, and power and ground circuits with a multimeter.
  4. 04Scan for additional codes, especially other camshaft timing, crankshaft, or oil control codes.
  5. 05Command the actuator solenoid with a scan tool if available and verify response.
  6. 06Test the solenoid resistance and circuit continuity according to factory specifications.
  7. 07If wiring and solenoid test good, inspect for PCM control issues or mechanical timing problems.

06 / Repairs

1Change engine oil and filter if oil is low, dirty, or incorrect$40–$120
2Repair or replace damaged wiring, connectors, or terminals in the actuator circuit$20–$200
3Replace the exhaust camshaft position actuator solenoid on bank 1$60–$250
4Repair blown fuse, relay, or power and ground supply issue$15–$150
5Diagnose and repair PCM or internal engine timing issues if the fault remains$300–$1,200

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.

  • Audi P0013

    Expansion-candidate noindex child page

    Open

07 / Related codes

  • P0010
  • P0011
  • P0012
  • P0014
  • P0016

08 / FAQ

What does P0013 mean?

It means the PCM found an open or malfunction in the exhaust camshaft timing actuator circuit on bank 1.

Can low oil cause P0013?

Yes. Low, dirty, or wrong engine oil can prevent the variable valve timing system from working correctly.

Is P0013 a serious code?

Yes, it should be fixed soon because it can cause poor performance, stalling, and engine damage if ignored.

Can I clear P0013 and keep driving?

Clearing the code will not fix the problem. If the fault returns, the engine still has an electrical or timing issue that needs diagnosis.

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.