P0010 Intake camshaft actuator (VVT solenoid) circuit fault, bank 1

Intake camshaft position actuator circuit (bank 1)

P0010 in short

P0010 means the engine computer found an electrical problem in the circuit for the bank 1 intake camshaft oil control solenoid. Check the connector and wiring first, then measure the solenoid. Oil is less often the cause than with timing codes. It is usually drivable short-term, but get it inspected soon.

Variable valve timing uses an oil control solenoid, switched by the engine computer, to steer oil to a phaser that rotates the camshaft. The computer watches the solenoid's electrical circuit.

P0010 sets when that circuit for the bank 1 intake cam reads open, shorted or otherwise wrong. Unlike P0011, which is about where the cam actually ends up, P0010 is about the wiring and the solenoid itself, so electrical tests come first.

On engines with electric valve timing motors, such as some Hondas, P0010 can describe that system instead; follow the service information.

Most likely causes

  1. Failed intake cam actuator solenoid (open or shorted winding)

    Common general cause
    Why it ranks here
    P0010 is an electrical code for the solenoid circuit, and the solenoid's own winding is part of that circuit. GM extended coverage on some 2013 2.0L and 2.5L engines for a broken wire inside the solenoid.
    What would change this
    Rises if the solenoid's resistance is out of specification or it does not move when powered on the bench; falls if it measures and works correctly.
    How to test the variable valve timing (vvt) oil control solenoid

  2. Solenoid wiring, connector or ground fault

    Common general cause
    Why it ranks here
    If the engine computer's command never reaches the solenoid, the circuit code sets even with a good solenoid. FCA traced P0010 with a no-start on the 2024 Dodge Hornet to a loose ground bolt.
    What would change this
    Rises if supply or ground is missing at the solenoid connector while it is commanded, or the connector is loose, corroded or oil-soaked.
    How to test the variable valve timing (vvt) oil control solenoid

  3. Engine computer software (some models)

    Supported by vehicle data
    Why it ranks here
    Honda issued software updates for P0010 on some 2014-2015 Accords with electric variable valve timing. Software is only a cause where a bulletin says so.
    What would change this
    Rises if a bulletin for your vehicle lists P0010 and the update has not been done.

  4. Camshaft oil seal plug not fully seated (2015 Sonata)

    Supported by vehicle data
    Why it ranks here
    Hyundai traced P0010 on the 2015 Sonata to an internal oil seal plug at the intake camshaft that was not fully seated.
    What would change this
    Applies only to the listed vehicle; a dealer confirms it under the bulletin.

What to test first

Start at step 1. Each result tells you what it means and where to go next.

  1. With the engine off, find the intake cam oil control (VVT) solenoid for bank 1 and inspect its connector and wiring for looseness, corrosion, oil inside the connector or damage.

    Low riskTool: flashlight, service information for the solenoid location

  2. Unplug the solenoid and measure its resistance with a digital multimeter, comparing with the vehicle's specification.

    Use cautionTool: digital multimeter, service information

    Warning:Ignition off. Let the engine cool before reaching near the exhaust side.

  3. Have a shop check supply voltage and ground at the solenoid harness while the engine computer commands it, and look for bulletins or software updates for your vehicle.

    Best left to a shopTool: multimeter or lab scope, bidirectional scan tool, service information

    Warning:Testing is done with the engine running or the solenoid commanded. Leave it to a shop.

Symptoms

  • Rough idle or reduced power
  • Poor fuel economy
  • Engine will not start or stalls Gets more serious: stop and have it checked.
  • Check engine light flashing Gets more serious: stop and have it checked.

Compare with: Rough idle with the check engine light on, Check engine light with loss of power

How to fix

  1. Write down every stored code and the freeze-frame data before clearing anything, so you can tell whether the code comes back.

  2. With the engine off, check that the solenoid connector is fully seated and locked.

    Warning:Engine off and cool; parts near the solenoid can be hot.

On your vehicle

Chevrolet

  • 2013 · Malibu · 2.0L LTG, 2.5L LCV

    Supported by vehicle data

    GM extended coverage for P0010/P0013 caused by a broken wire inside the cam actuator solenoid on the 2.0L and 2.5L engines. Check coverage with a dealer.

    NHTSA owner complaints mentioning P0010: 5. That shows what owners reported, not how often a cause sets the code.

  • 15824Status unverified

    GM 15824: special coverage, P0010/P0013 from a broken wire inside the cam actuator solenoid

    2013malibu · 2.0L LTG, 2.5L LCV · issued · NHTSA 10089330

    Special coverage for 2013 Chevrolet Malibu and Cadillac ATS with the 2.0L (LTG) or 2.5L (LCV) engine: P0010 or P0013 may set from a broken wire inside the intake or exhaust cam actuator solenoid.

    We couldn't confirm whether this bulletin is still current, so it doesn't count as confirmation.

Cadillac

  • 2013 · ATS · 2.0L LTG, 2.5L LCV

    Supported by vehicle data

    GM extended coverage for P0010/P0013 caused by a broken wire inside the cam actuator solenoid on the 2.0L and 2.5L engines. Check coverage with a dealer.

  • 15824Status unverified

    GM 15824: special coverage, P0010/P0013 from a broken wire inside the cam actuator solenoid

    2013malibu · 2.0L LTG, 2.5L LCV · issued · NHTSA 10089330

    Special coverage for 2013 Chevrolet Malibu and Cadillac ATS with the 2.0L (LTG) or 2.5L (LCV) engine: P0010 or P0013 may set from a broken wire inside the intake or exhaust cam actuator solenoid.

    We couldn't confirm whether this bulletin is still current, so it doesn't count as confirmation.

Hyundai

  • 2015 · Sonata

    Supported by vehicle data

    Hyundai traced P0010 on this model to an intake camshaft oil seal plug that was not fully seated. Ask a dealer to check TSB 15-01-022-1.

    NHTSA owner complaints mentioning P0010: 10. That shows what owners reported, not how often a cause sets the code.

  • 15-01-022-1Status unverified

    Hyundai TSB 15-01-022-1: P0010 from an incompletely seated intake camshaft oil seal plug

    2015sonata · issued · NHTSA 10058136

    On the 2015 Sonata, an internal oil seal plug at the intake camshaft that is not fully seated can set P0010.

    We couldn't confirm whether this bulletin is still current, so it doesn't count as confirmation.

Honda

  • 2014–2015 · Accord

    Supported by vehicle data

    Honda fixes P0010 with P100C on this model with a software update. Ask a dealer before replacing parts.

  • A16-014Status unverified

    Honda A16-014: MIL with P100C and P0010, software update

    2014–2015accord · issued · NHTSA 10088144

    On 2014-2015 Accord with the electric VTC system, P100C and P0010 are corrected by updating the engine software.

    We couldn't confirm whether this bulletin is still current, so it doesn't count as confirmation.

Dodge

  • 2024 · Hornet

    Supported by vehicle data

    FCA traced P0010 with a possible no-start to a loose ground bolt. Ask a dealer to check bulletin 08-089-25.

  • 08-089-25Status unverified

    FCA 08-089-25: no start, loose ground, P0010/P0013

    2024hornet · issued · NHTSA 11016251

    On the 2024 Dodge Hornet, P0010 or P0013 with the check engine light, and possibly a no-start, are repaired by replacing the G902A ground bolt.

    We couldn't confirm whether this bulletin is still current, so it doesn't count as confirmation.

  • P0011Intake camshaft timing ahead of target or slow to respond (bank 1)

    Same system Common general cause

    P0011 is the performance check for the same intake cam. A solenoid that is not being driven can also leave the cam off target, so fix the P0010 circuit fault first.

  • P0012Intake camshaft timing behind target (bank 1)

    Same system Common general cause

    P0012 is the over-retarded check for the same intake cam. Fix the circuit fault behind P0010 before diagnosing P0012.

All Variable valve timing (VVT) codes

P0010 questions

Is it safe to drive with P0010?

Usually for a short while, with care. Expect rough running or reduced power. Get it inspected soon, and stop driving if the light flashes or the engine stalls or will not start.

What is the difference between P0010 and P0011?

P0010 is an electrical fault in the intake cam solenoid circuit. P0011 means the intake cam is not reaching the position the computer asked for, which is often about oil. Fix an electrical P0010 first.

Will an oil change fix P0010?

Less likely than for P0011 or P0012, because P0010 is an electrical code. Still keep the oil at the right level and grade, but test the solenoid and its wiring.

Sources and review

  1. Cal. Code Regs. tit. 13, § 1968.2 - Malfunction and Diagnostic System Requirements (OBD II) — California Air Resources Board (via Cornell LII)
  2. Variable Valve Timing — AA1Car.com (Larry Carley, automotive technical writer)
  3. ASE L1 Advanced Engine Performance Specialist Test: Composite Vehicle Type 4 Reference Booklet — National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE)
  4. 2001 Lincoln Continental Owner's Guide - Warning lights (Check engine) — Ford Motor Company
  5. FCA 08-089-25: no start, loose ground, P0010/P0013, 2024 Dodge Hornet — FCA US LLC (via NHTSA) ,
  6. GM 15824: special coverage for P0010/P0013 from a broken wire inside the cam actuator solenoid — General Motors (via NHTSA) ,
  7. Honda A16-014: MIL with P100C and P0010 - PGM-FI software update — American Honda Motor Co. (via NHTSA) ,
  8. Hyundai TSB 15-01-022-1: P0010 from an incompletely seated oil seal plug at the intake camshaft — Hyundai Motor America (via NHTSA) ,
  9. NHTSA ODI consumer complaints flat files — National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), Office of Defects Investigation
Last reviewed
Written by
Saurabh K.
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