Variable valve timing (VVT) oil control solenoid codes

How its codes differ

• P0010 is the solenoid's electrical circuit: check wiring and the solenoid coil.
• P0011, P0012 and P0014 are performance codes: the circuit is fine but the camshaft did not reach the commanded position, pointing to a sticking or clogged solenoid or the phaser rather than wiring.
• P0016 and P0017 compare crankshaft and camshaft position; a VVT fault can set them, but so can a timing chain problem, so they need more testing before blaming the solenoid.

Codes

• P0010

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

  Severity: Inspect soon

• P0011

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

  Severity: Inspect soon

• P0012

  Intake camshaft timing behind target (bank 1)

  Severity: Inspect soon

• P0014

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

  Severity: Inspect soon

• P0017

  Crankshaft and exhaust camshaft positions do not agree (bank 1, sensor B)

  Severity: Inspect soon

• P0016

  Crankshaft and intake camshaft positions do not agree (bank 1, sensor A)

  Severity: Inspect soon

Signs it's failing

• Check engine light with camshaft timing codes
• Rough idle
• Poor power or fuel economy

How to test it

1. Check the oil level and note when it was last changed; MOTOR reports clogged solenoid screens on some engines and pairs solenoid replacement with an oil and filter change. (Low risk)

2. Inspect the solenoid's connector and wiring for damage or oil in the connector. (Use caution)

   Warning: Do this with the engine off and cool.

3. Commanding the solenoid with a scan tool, inspecting its screens, and checking timing are jobs for a shop. (Best left to a shop)

   Warning: Timing work involves rotating engine parts; leave it to a technician.

After the repair

• Change the oil and filter if the solenoid screens were clogged, so a new solenoid is not damaged.
• Clear codes and check that camshaft timing codes do not return after a drive.
• Clear codes only after the repair, then drive normally over several days with both city and highway driving so the readiness monitors can complete; clearing codes or disconnecting the battery resets them to not ready, which fails an emissions test.