I just got the car and the check engine light came on. Scanned it and that one code for cam position timing over advanced is showing. It's a 4 cylinder 5-speed with 288,000 miles. It runs fine. Any ideas?

 

P0011 - "A" Camshaft Position - Timing Over-Advanced or System Performance (Bank 1)

What does that mean?
A code P0011 refers to the VVT (variable valve timing) or VCT (variable camshaft timing) components and the car's PCM (powertrain control module, also called an ECM). That consists of a few different components but the P0011 DTC specifically refers to the camshaft (cam) timing. In this case, if the cam timing is above a set limit (over-advanced), the engine light will be illluminated and the code will be set. The "A" camshaft is either the intake, left, or front camshaft.

Potential Symptoms
Most likely a P0011 DTC will result in one of the following: hard starting, poor idle, and/or stalling. There are potentially other symptoms as well. Of course, when trouble codes are set, the MIL (malfunction indicator lamp, a.k.a. the check engine light) illuminates.

Causes

A P0011 DTC trouble code may be caused by one or more of the following:

• Incorrect camshaft timing
• Wiring problems (harness/wiring) in intake timing control valve control solenoid system
• Continuous oil flow to VCT piston chamber
• Failed timing valve control solenoid (stuck open)

Possible Solutions
This DTC code is a result of a mechanical fault of the VCT unit or related components, so there is no need for electrical diagnosis. Refer to vehicle specific repair manual to perform component tests for the VCT unit. Notes: Dealer techs have advanced tools and the ability to follow detailed troubleshooting steps, including the ability to test components using a scan tool.

 

So what component tests for the VCT unit can I perform to determine the problem?

 

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