What is P0011 DTC? Common Symptoms, Causes, and Solutions
Suppose you are facing a complex starting engine problem and a sudden drop in the mileage of your vehicle. In that case, there is a chance that your cam position is disturbed. P0011 is a diagnostic code showing an advanced cam position that needs to be resolved for optimum engine performance.
The warning light is an indication that the particular component is malfunctioning. But you cannot determine the exact component and sub-component malfunctioning by seeing the warning lights (1). It is where diagnostic trouble codes/engine fault codes play a significant role. The onboard diagnostics send a code to the ECU, and when ECU cannot comprehend it, the code is stored in the form of a DTC. This DTC is then analyzed by connecting a hand-code reader with the OBDII module (2).
If the hand code reader or any other DTC reading device shows the code P0011, the cam position is advanced, impacting the engine’s performance.
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This article will help you analyze the P0011 DTC, its symptoms, causes, solution, and cost to repair.
Key Takeaways
P0011 DTC is a critical engine fault code that indicates an advanced cam position.
The advanced cam position can be due to dirty engine oil, low engine oil, or using engine oil of different viscosity.
Similarly, this engine fault code can also occur due to VVT solenoid failure or camshaft phaser failure, and you should replace these parts at the earliest.
The typical symptoms of an advanced cam position will be the check engine warning light, increased emission, hard starting engine, and decreased fuel mileage.
The standard solution to resolve this issue is to replace or refill the engine oil in case of engine oil issues. Else replace the faulty subcomponents causing an advanced position of the camshaft.
The cost to resolve this engine fault code can be as low as $30 in case of changing engine oil and as high as $2500 to replace the faulty camshaft phaser.
Role of Cam in an Engine
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A camshaft is a mechanical device responsible for opening and closing the inlet and exhaust valves of the engine at the right time. The inlet valve opens when the engine completes its stroke and requires an injection of the air-fuel mixture.
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While the exhaust valve opens when the engine has completed its stroke, and the gases should be exhausted. The cams are further connected with a crankshaft, gears, and timing belts. Each manufacturer has set the gear ratio and length of the timing belt such that the cam rotates with the strokes of the engine or the rotation of the crankshaft (3). The position of cams can also differ in an engine depending upon the engine type (5). For example, in engines with overhead valves, the camshaft is located in the engine block, acting as a valve. This is suitable for engines with low power or CC. There are overhead camshafts or dual overhead camshafts in the case of high-speed or high ‘CC’ engines. However, over time the cams can also wear down, which can impact the engine’s performance, and one or more cams might require replacement.
How to Read P0011 DTC
The following table has read every character of P0011 DTC (4):
Number of Character
Specific Character
What does it Signify
First
P
The problem lies within the powertrain part of the vehicle. This means that the engine, transmission, or fuel system can malfunctioning.
Second
0
This means that the code is standardized, so the SAE manual can be used further to interpret the code instead of the instruction manual.
Third
0
This number illustrates that the problem lies within the vehicle's engine components.
Fourth and Fifth
11
The specific fault index is 11 indicating an advanced cam position.
Common Symptoms of P0011
Following are some common symptoms illustrating the problem in the position of cam or P0011 DTC:
Check the Engine Light on
Although, there can be a multitude of reasons that can turn on the check engine light. Check engine light illuminates the vehicle’s dashboard when one or more engine components are malfunctioning (5). As discussed above, the cam position is critical for the optimum engine’s performance, so its advanced or retarded position will make the OBDII send an error message to the ECU.
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So, one of the most common symptoms of this DTC is the check engine warning light.
Stalling or Hard Start Engine
Suppose you are facing difficulty in starting your engine, or the engine is making strange noises while stalling. In that case, it is another sign of a disturbed cam position. When the ECU detects an abnormal cam position, it usually directs the camshaft to its normal starting position (3).
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However, some mechanical errors can prevent the camshaft from returning to its starting position. That will make it hard for you to start the engine. Even if the engine is started, you may notice some weird sounds due to an advanced camshaft position.
Increased Emission or Smoke
As discussed above that, the cam has a critical role to play in terms of injection and exhaustion. And if the cam is in an advanced position, the engine will burn more fuel resulting in increased emissions (4). You can always consult the vehicle’s instruction manual to know the average emission rate. After, you can go for the emission test.
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If your vehicle is failing the emission test, then there is a chance that your vehicle’s cam position is disturbed.
Decreased Fuel Mileage
Another symptom of P0011 is decreased fuel mileage. This is because the cams must be optimum for the engine to give the best fuel mileage (5). So, the cams open the inlet timely, resulting in the optimum fuel injection. But if the cam is in an advanced position, then there will be an increased fuel injection. So, again, this can impact the fuel mileage of your vehicle.
So, suppose the check engine light is turned on, and you are experiencing a drastic decrease in the vehicle’s fuel mileage. In that case, there is a chance that the vehicle is suffering from the advanced cam position problem or P0011 DTC.
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What Causes the P0011 DTC?
Following are some reasons that can cause the P0011 DTC:
Dirty or Low Engine Oil
Engine oil is essential for the internal lubrication of the engine components (1). And it is recommended that the drivers change the engine oil at regular service maintenance mileage. It can vary between 3000 miles to 5000 miles depending upon the vehicle’s type, make, and model (4). The engine oil also lubricates the cams helping them to function correctly. However, suppose the engine oil becomes dirty. In that case, the dirt particles can get stuck between the shaft and valves, advancing or retarding the cam’s position.
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This is a severe issue, as driving long distances with dirty engine oil can cause internal component failure, ultimately seizing the engine.
Similarly, if the engine oil level is low, it can also cause problems in cam functioning (2). The cam may seize to perform at a lower oil level, which can cause an advanced or retarded cam position. To avoid this problem, you are recommended to change the engine oil after regular intervals. Similarly, you should pay attention to the “check engine oil warning” light and replace the engine oil if it’s required.
Incorrect Oil Viscosity
Another primary reason for this problem is incorrect oil viscosity. Every engine has specific requirements for engine oil viscosity, which may change when the engine becomes old. Although all these conditions are mentioned in the car’s instruction manual, many drivers do not consult the instruction manual (5). Instead, they go for the best-selling engine oil without checking the lubricant requirements. In some cases, the drivers end up filling the engine oil with oil having a higher viscosity.
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The higher viscosity oil then sticks between the camshaft and valves acting as a resistance for the cam to return to its original position. In this case, the camshaft also fails to follow the ECU command to return to its starting position due to the resistance offered by the engine oil viscosity.
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Camshaft Variable Timing Solenoid Failure
Another key reason for this problem can be the camshaft variable timing solenoid failure. This solenoid is responsible for managing the oil flow as per the engine speed and load requirement. This, in turn, increases engine performance and fuel efficiency. Unfortunately, a VVT solenoid can fail due to voltage issues or wear out. This impacts the valves’ opening and closing timing as the cams cannot perform properly. This can also cause an advanced cam position.
Camshaft Phaser Failure
Another reason for this DTC is the failure of the camshaft phaser in an advanced position. The camshaft phaser is responsible for directing the cam to move according to the engine’s speed and injection/exhaustion requirement (5).
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In case of camshaft phaser failure, the cam can get stuck in an advanced position. This can damage the internal engine components if the problem is not resolved timely.
Standard Solutions to Resolve this Problem
The first step to resolving a problem is to know about an issue. So, firstly, you should check the DTC by connecting an inexpensive hand code reader with the OBDII module. Then, you can read the instruction manual of the hand code reader to use it effectively (4). Secondly, you should check the DTC. For example, if the DTC is P0011, you can try home remedies to resolve this issue.
The first home remedy is to check the engine oil level and its condition. You can check the engine oil level by removing the stick from the reservoir. Place it back after cleaning it and check the engine oil level. If the oil level is low, you should refill the reservoir by consulting the vehicle’s instruction manual (4). Secondly, suppose there is a problem with the engine oil viscosity. In that case, replace the engine oil with the correct viscosity level oil. This will resolve the P0011 DTC. However, if the issue persists, then there is a chance that the problem is due to solenoid failure or camshaft phaser failure. In this case, you are recommended to consult a professional mechanic to resolve this issue.
Typical Cost to Resolve P0011
The following table illustrates the typical cost required to resolve P0011:
Common Issues
Critical Level
Cost Required to Resolve the Issue
Dirty or Low Engine Oil
High: Can cause engine seizing
$30-70
High Viscosity Engine Oil
High: Can cause internal engine component failure
$30-70
VVT Solenoid Failure
High: Can cause internal engine component failure
$50-200
Camshaft Phaser Failure
High: Can cause internal engine component failure
$800-2500 depending upon the model, make, and variant
Labor Cost/Consultation Cost
$75-100
Key Takeaways
So, P0011 indicates an advanced position of camshaft/cam that is a critical engine issue. This DTC can decrease the car’s fuel efficiency because the cam is in an advanced position, so the fuel injection and burning rate will be increased. Similarly, an advanced cam position will mean that the fuel is not being injected into the valves/cylinders according to the speed and load requirement of the engine. Hence, the engine can be overworking or underworking in certain conditions. This can cause severe damage to the internal components of the engine. Finally, the low engine oil, or higher viscosity engine oil, can also cause damage to the engine components and cause the engines to seize. So, it is recommended to resolve this issue at the earliest.
You can check it by connecting a hand code reader with the OBDII module. The hand reader will display a DTC code that can be easily read using the SAE manual or other online platforms. We also have made a table that allows you to decode a DTC and understand the meaning of every character.
You are not recommended to drive your vehicle without resolving the P0011 DTC. The DTC may be because of a low engine oil level or failed camshaft components. And if you drive your vehicle with these issues, there is a chance of an aggravated engine problem that can cause the engine to seize. And the cost of resolving P0011 is way lower as compared to the replacement of the engine.
No, a hard start engine can be due to several engine problems. P0011 is just one such problem that can cause the engine to start hard. You can consult the vehicle’s instruction manual to learn about the hard start engine, its causes, and solutions.
