P0011 Code (Symptoms, Causes, and How to Fix)

Last Updated on October 31, 2022

Few circumstances can be as aggravating, as those surrounding the sudden onset of a check engine light on your vehicle’s dash. For many, the very sight of a check engine light conjures up frustration and dismay, as one is left to contemplate the thought of expensive repairs and costly downtime.

However, the onset of a check engine light is not always as dire of a situation as one might think. In a number of cases, the root cause of the underlying trouble code can be cured with little trouble or financial expenditure.

Trouble code P0011 is no exception to this rule, as such issues are often tied to a need for service. In any event, a series of simple diagnostic steps will quickly point you in the direction of a meaningful resolution.

Read on to learn more about DTC P0011, and how to fix issues related to this code when they arise.

What Does Code P0011 Mean?

Fault code P0011 is specific to vehicles that utilize variable valve timing in a bid to increase engine operating efficiency.

Engines featuring variable valve timing make subtle timing adjustments on the fly, which effectively vary the point at which each cylinder’s intake/exhaust valves actuate. As a result, vale timing is allowed to mirror piston movement within each respective cylinder at a more consistent rate.

This process is achieved through the use of cam phasing technology, which modifies the angular position of an engine’s camshaft, to its crankshaft. As a result, engine power is enhanced, while emissions output is reduced.

The bulk of today’s engines rely upon a specialized solenoid to direct oil flow through the systems cam phasing module. Solenoid related issues of any type can result in a failure to adjust cam timing.

When a vehicle’s PCM detects that the engine’s valve timing is not reflective of proper camshaft actuation, a P0011 DTC is stored.

See Also: Diagnostic Trouble Code P0008, P0010, P0012, P0021

Symptoms of Code P0011

The following are a number of the most common symptoms associated with the onset of a P0011 trouble code.

• Poor engine performance
• Decreased fuel mileage
• Stalling or hesitation
• Hard starting

Causes of Code P0011

Numerous factors can play a role in the onset of a P0011 code. However, few are as prevalent as low engine oil, or the use of oil of an incorrect viscosity.

This stems from the fact that engine oil is used as the driving input force for cam phasing operation. Therefore, oil-related issues of any type can quickly trigger a P0011 trouble code.

Cam phasing issues related to engine oil inefficiencies are so common, that standard repair procedure entails changing the affected vehicle’s oil, and clearing the associated code. The vehicle in question is then taken for a test drive, in a bid to verify that its prior P0011 code does not return.

Additional P0011-related issues include clogging of the oil solenoid’s integrated screen and system electrical issues. Both of these issues can result in an inability to properly phase the affected engine’s camshaft.

When either of these issues are suspected, removal and inspection of the system’s oil control solenoid are often necessary.

Is Code P0011 Serious?

Any time that a vehicle stores an active P0011 trouble code, inefficient engine operation is to be expected. Decreased fuel economy often comes as a result, as does a reduction in power.

Vehicle stalling, as well as starting difficulties, can also result. This leads to a level of decreased reliability, which some might find problematic.

See Also: DTC P0340

How to Diagnose and Fix Code P0011

Step 1 – Check Codes in Their Entirety

Before any following diagnostic steps are taken, it is important to check for the presence of any additional trouble codes using a diagnostic scan tool.

If additional codes are active or stored, it is imperative to consider what role they might play in the onset of code P0011. It might be necessary to consult factory service literature in order to determine which code takes precedence.

Step 2 – Change Oil and Filter

The first step that should be taken when attempting to diagnose a P0011 trouble code, is to change your vehicle’s engine oil and oil filter. Be sure that your engine’s oil is topped off to capacity, and that the proper viscosity of the oil is chosen.

As many as 75% of P0011 DTCs are remedied with a simple oil change.

Step 3 – Reset Code and Test Drive

With your vehicle’s oil changed, you should now clear code P0011 from your vehicle’s PCM using your scan tool. This will be followed by a moderate length test drive to ensure that the offending code does not return.

If P0011 does not return, you have likely corrected the issue at hand. If the code reappears, further diagnostics will be necessary.

Step 4 – Check for Wiring Defects

If fault code P0011 returns, attention should be placed upon wiring related to the Bank 1 oil control solenoid. All wiring should be carefully inspected for the presence of fraying, breakage, and pinched spots.

If any such defects are found, repair will be necessary.

Step 5 – Use Factory Pinpoint Testing

If no wiring defects are noted, an engine’s cam phasers or hydraulic control valve become suspect. However, no such component should be condemned until further diagnostics are completed.

The exact protocol for verifying the integrity of these components differs by manufacturer. Therefore, factory service literature should be consulted.

Step 6 – Replace Oil Control Valve (If Necessary)

If factory testing has revealed the presence of a defective oil control valve, replacement must be made. Again, this procedure will differ from one model of vehicle to the next.

As a result, it is advisable to locate the exact service procedure designated by your vehicle’s manufacturer, before beginning work.