P0013 Exhaust camshaft timing solenoid circuit, bank 1: the engine computer sees an open or faulty circuit to the bank 1 exhaust cam timing solenoid

Exhaust cam timing solenoid circuit (bank 1)

P0013 in short

P0013 means the engine computer sees a fault in the circuit to the bank 1 exhaust camshaft timing solenoid. GM covers a solenoid with an internal broken wire on some 2013-2014 models. Check the connector and wiring, then test the solenoid. Get it inspected soon.

Variable valve timing engines use an electric solenoid (oil control valve) to send oil to the camshaft phaser. The engine computer watches the current in that circuit. P0013 sets when the bank 1 exhaust solenoid circuit looks open or out of range.

Because it is a circuit code, the first suspects are the solenoid itself, its connector and its wiring. Oil problems more often set the timing codes (P0014, P0017) than this one.

GM extended coverage on some 2013 and 2014 2.0L and 2.5L engines for a wire breaking inside the exhaust solenoid, and Ram found unseated solenoid connectors on 2021 trucks.

Most likely causes

  1. Failed exhaust cam timing solenoid (internal broken wire)

    Supported by vehicle data
    Why it ranks here
    GM special coverages 15824 and 18369 say a wire inside the exhaust camshaft actuator solenoid can break and set P0013, and dealers replace the solenoid.
    What would change this
    Rises on 2013-2014 GM 2.0L/2.5L engines and if solenoid resistance is out of spec.
    How to test the variable valve timing (vvt) oil control solenoid

  2. Unseated connector or damaged wiring

    Supported by vehicle data
    Why it ranks here
    Ram found an oil control valve connector that was not fully seated setting P0013 on 2021 Ram 1500 trucks; wiring faults are a general cause for circuit codes.
    What would change this
    Rises if the connector is loose, corroded or oily, or the wiring is chafed.

  3. Failed camshaft actuators (2010-2012 Equinox and Terrain)

    Supported by vehicle data
    Why it ranks here
    GM replaces both camshaft position actuators when P0010, P0011, P0013 and P0014 set with rough running, hesitation, hard starting or stalling on these models.
    What would change this
    Rises on a 2010-2012 Equinox or Terrain with several cam codes and drivability complaints.

  4. Dirty oil blocking the solenoid screen

    Common general cause
    Why it ranks here
    Sludge can clog the solenoid screen, though it more often sets timing performance codes than a circuit code.
    What would change this
    Rises if the oil is overdue or sludgy.

  5. Engine computer driver or software

    Possible — needs testing
    Why it ranks here
    Listed as a less common cause once the solenoid and wiring test good.
    What would change this
    Rises only after the circuit and solenoid pass testing.
    How to test the engine control module (ecm / pcm)

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 bank 1 exhaust cam timing solenoid and check that its connector is fully latched and the wiring is not chafed, oily or corroded.

    Low riskTool: flashlight

  2. Measure the solenoid resistance at its terminals with a multimeter and compare to the service specification; check the circuit back to the engine computer.

    Use cautionTool: multimeter, service information

    Warning:Do not probe into connector terminals in a way that spreads them; use back-probes.

  3. Check the oil level and condition.

    Low riskTool: dipstick

Symptoms

  • Check engine light on
  • Rough idle or reduced power
  • Hesitation or hard starting
  • Stalling Gets more serious: stop and have it checked.

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

How to fix

  1. Check that the exhaust cam timing solenoid connector is fully clipped in and the wiring is not damaged, then clear the code and see whether it returns.

    Warning:Engine off and cool; the solenoid sits near hot engine parts.

  2. Ask a dealer to check the VIN for GM special coverage 15824 or 18369 before paying for a solenoid.

Parts and cost context

  • Variable valve timing (VVT) oil control solenoid:GM covered the exhaust solenoid at no charge within stated limits on some 2013-2014 models. Confirm the solenoid fails a resistance test before buying one.

Labor varies by vehicle and shop; get a quote before you approve a repair.

Compare used part prices on PartPriceGuide

On your vehicle

Chevrolet

  • 2013–2014 · Malibu

    Supported by vehicle data

    GM extended coverage for a wire breaking inside the exhaust cam solenoid on some 2.0L and 2.5L Malibus. Ask a dealer to check the VIN.

  • 2010–2012 · Equinox

    Supported by vehicle data

    With rough running, hesitation or stalling and several cam codes, GM replaces both cam actuators.

  • 15824Status unverified

    Special coverage: P0010/P0013 from a broken wire inside the cam actuator solenoid

    2013malibu · 2.0L, 2.5L · NHTSA 10089330

    Dealers replace the intake or exhaust solenoid. NHTSA also lists the Cadillac ATS. Revised as 15824-01.

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

  • 18369Status unverified

    Special coverage: P0013 from a broken wire in the exhaust cam actuator solenoid, 2.0L turbo

    2014malibu · 2.0L turbo · NHTSA 10212581

    Rough idle or reduced power possible; solenoid replaced at no charge. NHTSA also lists Buick Regal and Cadillac ATS/CTS.

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

  • 17-NA-098Status unverified

    Replace both camshaft position actuators

    2010–2012equinox · NHTSA 10138084

    For rough running, hesitation, hard start or stalling with P0010/P0011/P0013/P0014. NHTSA also lists the GMC Terrain.

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

GMC

Ram

  • 09-004-21Status unverified

    Oil control valve connector not seated

    20211500 · NHTSA 10198464

    Inspect and seat the oil control valve connector for P0013.

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

  • P0010Intake camshaft actuator (VVT solenoid) circuit fault, bank 1

    Same system Supported by vehicle data

    P0010 is the matching intake solenoid circuit code; GM covers both under the same broken-wire special coverage.

  • P0014Exhaust camshaft timing ahead of target or slow to respond (bank 1)

    Primary / secondary Supported by vehicle data

    Likely primary: P0013. P0014 is the bank 1 exhaust timing performance code; a dead exhaust solenoid circuit can leave the cam out of position and set P0014 too.

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

    Shares causes Supported by vehicle data

    GM lists P0011 with P0013 on 2010-2012 Equinox and Terrain with failed cam actuators.

All Variable valve timing (VVT) codes

P0013 questions

Is P0013 covered by warranty?

On some 2013 Malibu and ATS (2.0L/2.5L) and 2014 2.0L turbo GM models, GM extended coverage for the exhaust solenoid. Coverage depends on the VIN, age and mileage, so ask a dealer.

Sources and review

  1. P0013 Code: Exhaust B Camshaft Position Actuator Circuit Open (Bank 1) — CarParts.com ,
  2. GM Special Coverage 15824: P0010/P0013 from a broken wire inside the cam actuator solenoid, 2013 ATS/Malibu 2.0L/2.5L — General Motors
  3. GM Special Coverage 18369: P0013 from a broken wire in the exhaust cam actuator solenoid, 2014 2.0L turbo — General Motors
  4. Cal. Code Regs. tit. 13, § 1968.2 - Malfunction and Diagnostic System Requirements (OBD II) — California Air Resources Board (via Cornell LII)
  5. 2001 Lincoln Continental Owner's Guide - Warning lights (Check engine) — Ford Motor Company
  6. 2023 Integra Owner's Manual: Indicator, Coming On/Blinking — American Honda Motor Co.
  7. GM 17-NA-098: replace both camshaft position actuators, P0010/P0011/P0013/P0014, 2010-2012 Equinox/Terrain — General Motors
  8. FCA 09-004-21: P0013 from an oil control valve connector not seated, 2021 Ram 1500 — FCA US LLC
Last reviewed
Written by
Saurabh K.
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