P0010 intake camshaft position actuator circuit open bank 1

Code P0010 is associated with the variable engine timing mechanism.

Due to restrictive exhaust emission standards and improved engine performance, manufacturers have installed systems that increase the valve stroke in the cylinder head under certain conditions depending on the load and power demand.

The P0010 code may be accompanied by other codes, such as: P0011, P0012, P0020, P0021, P0022 and maybe more.

What does the code P0010 mean?
P0010 is a general OBD-II code that indicates a problem with the engine control module (ECM). The engine controller monitors changes in synchronization between the crankshaft and camshafts based on signals from the shaft position sensors and camshafts controls ignition, valve stroke and fuel synchronization at various speeds and loads. The camshaft problem is usually detected at higher engine RPM when the ECM attempts to adjust the valve stroke and the camshaft positioner does not respond or the oversteer position of the shaft does not match the desired one.

What causes the code P0010?

• Engine oil sludge (due to lack of oil change)
• Oil channels are clogged
• Worn timing components (chains, gears, guides)
• Crankshaft or camshaft damage
• Damage to the variable camshaft adjusters
• Obsolete ECM software
• Internal ECM damage

What are the symptoms of P0010?
Code P0010 will illuminate the engine failure indicator on the dashboard / instrument cluster

• Uneven engine operation
• Reduction in performance at higher engine speeds
• No emission control

What Does Code P0010 Mean?

• P0010 definition: Intake Camshaft Actuator Circuit Open/Short (Bank 1)
• Issue Severity: MODERATE – Extended driving with this code may cause internal engine damage.
• Repair Urgency: Get this code fixed as soon as possible to avoid loss of power, fuel economy, and damage to your emission system.
• Diagnosis: This trouble code will not prevent your vehicle from running. However, if left unsolved, this code could cause your vehicle to experience decreased power and fuel economy. It could also cause your vehicle to fail emissions testing.

The variable valve timing (VVT) system increases fuel economy and engine performance by regulating when the intake and exhaust valves are opened and closed. The camshaft(s) is(are) adjusted by the Engine Control Module (ECM) through the use of an oil control valve(s) (OCV) also called variable valve timing control solenoid valves. Code P0010 is triggered when the ECM attempts to adjust the Bank 1 intake camshaft timing by utilizing one of these valves, and it detects an electrical issue in either the circuit going to the valve or the windings of the solenoid in the valve itself.

P0010 Causes

There are many potential causes of code P0010.

• Faulty VVT control solenoid valve (most common)
• Oil sludge in the engine
• Crankshaft position sensor malfunction
• Camshaft position sensor malfunction
• Frayed or damaged wiring
• Engine operating outside of proper timing parameters

P0010 Symptoms

• Check engine light
• Decreased fuel economy
• Decreased engine performance at high RPMs
• Rough running engine
• Rattling/Knocking from engine
• Poor engine idle

How Do I Fix Code P0010?

With a VVT fault, the first step is to get it diagnosed to figure out what is causing the problem. 

If your vehicle has this fault and you’re not comfortable diagnosing this issue at home, we recommend finding a RepairPal certified shop nearby to pinpoint the problem and give an accurate estimate for repairs. 

These shops can not only help you figure out what’s going wrong before you waste time and money on the wrong parts, but they also offer a minimum 12-month, 12,000-mile warranty and stand behind all their estimates with guaranteed fair pricing.

> Find a RepairPal Certified Shop Near You

How Much Does It Cost to Fix Code P0010?

P0010 can be caused by anything from a bad VVT solenoid to failed sensors to old engine oil. It’s impossible to give an accurate estimate without properly diagnosing the issue first. 

If you take your car to a shop for diagnosis, most shops will start with an hour of “diag time” (the time spent in labor diagnosing your specific issue). Depending on the shop’s labor rate, this typically costs somewhere between $75-$150. Many, if not most, shops will apply this diagnosis fee to any required repairs if you have them perform the repairs for you. From there, a shop will be able to give you an accurate estimate for repairs to fix your P0010 code.

Possible Repair Costs for P0010

For error code P0010, one or more of the below repairs may be needed to solve the underlying issue. For each possible repair, the estimated cost of repair includes the cost of the relevant parts and the cost of labor required to make the repair.

• VVT Control Solenoid $500-$600
• Wiring repair/replacement $100-$1000
• Camshaft position sensor $120-$300
• Crankshaft position sensor $190-$250
• Timing chain or belt replacement $200-$1000

DIY Steps to Diagnose Code P0010

Engine code P0010 could be caused by a number of things, including a bad VVT solenoid, a bad sensor, or even dirty oil. If you’d like to try to fix code P0010 at home without throwing money at parts, you’ll want to follow the steps below for proper diagnosis. Keep in mind this is an intermediate-level diagnosis and repair and not recommended for beginners. Diagnosis requires more specialized equipment beyond what the FIXD Sensor can provide and it can be a time and labor-intensive process for inexperienced DIYers.

DIY difficulty level: Intermediate

This repair requires mechanical knowledge and is not recommended for beginners.

Tools/parts needed (our top picks from Amazon):

• FIXD
• Multimeter

STEP 1: USE FIXD TO ENSURE NO OTHER ENGINE CODES ARE PRESENT.

Use FIXD to scan your vehicle to verify P0010 is the only code present.

STEP 2: CHECK VVT CONTROL SOLENOID VALVE.

Do a visual inspection of the bank 1 variable valve timing (VVT) control solenoid valve. Make sure to repair any frayed or faulty wiring or connectors. Once you have done this, clear the code and rescan to see if it is still present.

STEP 3: CHECK FOR ENGINE SLUDGE.

Check to see if there is any engine sludge present. This can gum up the VVT control solenoid valve and prevent proper operation. If it’s dirty, clean it, clear the code, and rescan to see if it is still present.

STEP 4: CHECK VVT SOLENOID RESISTANCE.

Perform a resistance check of the bank 1 intake camshaft VVT Control solenoid and compare it to the vehicle service manual. If it is out of spec, replace the bank 1 intake VVT Control Solenoid.

If the code is still present after these steps, you may need to bring your vehicle to a mechanic for further guidance.

Common P0010 diagnosis mistakes

A common diagnosis mistake associated with code P0010 is replacing the timing actuator without first attempting to clean the actuator or check the electrical circuit to see if that was the actual issue.

Still Need Help Fixing Code P0010?

If you’ve followed the steps above and are still experiencing check engine code P0010, please contact the FIXD Mechanic Hotline if you’re a FIXD Premium subscriber or find a RepairPal certified shop near you to get the right repairs at a fair price.

What does intake camshaft position actuator open bank 1 mean?

How much does it cost to fix P0010 code?