

The PCM controls the solenoid operation and sets the P0013 code if it senses an issue with the camshaft actuator solenoid or its circuit. The camshaft position actuator solenoid valve regulates the oil flow to the actuator, in turn advancing or retarding the camshaft. The VVT or variable camshaft timing system consists primarily of camshaft actuators (phasers) and variable valve timing solenoids (camshaft position actuator solenoid valves). This mechanism helps improve performance, increase fuel efficiency, or both. However, in an engine with variable valve timing, the camshaft position can be adjusted - as a result, altering valve timing. The valve timing is fixed in a traditional engine. The code implies that the engine control module (ECM) or powertrain control module (PCM) has detected that the bank 1 exhaust camshaft Oil Control Valve has an open circuit or short circuit. It’s a generic OBD-II code related to variable valve timing (VVT), also called variable camshaft timing (variable cam timing). In some car models, the VVT solenoid is located on the inside of the valve cover, which makes it more difficult to reach.The P0013 code stands for “Exhaust “B” Camshaft Position Actuator Circuit/Open (Bank 1),” or “B Camshaft Position – Open or Short in Oil Control Valve (OCV) (Bank 1).” Your car might be equipped with two VVT solenoids, and if this is the case, the second VVT solenoid will be on the exhaust camshaft. It is most often located at the intake side because the VVT solenoid is often only installed on the intake camshaft in most car models. The VVT solenoid is almost always located in the cylinder head near the camshafts. The engine control unit sends power and ground to the VVT solenoid when it is time to open the solenoid and adjust the camshaft timing. The VVT solenoid helps engines change their valve timing, ensuring that the performance is at its top without losing driveability on lower RPMs.Įlectronic principles of electromagnetism in the form of a solenoid valve control the oil flow to the camshafts.


VVT Solenoid FunctionĪlmost all modern cars use VVT technology to improve their performance and fuel economy. Therefore, a faulty VVT solenoid can cause the performance to drop a lot if it does not advance the camshaft timing during acceleration. The VVT solenoid was innovated to increase the power on higher RPMs while keeping a steady engine performance at lower RPMs. So if you notice the smell of unburned fuel and a significant drop or increase in your average fuel consumption, it is very likely that your variable valve timing sensor is defective. VVT solenoid manages the valves’ opening and closing times to ensure that efficient fuel consumption is maintained.Īny malfunction of the VVT solenoid is therefore certain to result in efficient fuel consumption. If you have rough acceleration together with a check engine light on your dashboard, it could absolutely be due to a faulty VVT valve. If it fails, you may find it causing your acceleration to become rough, and it might even cause misfires when accelerating. The main purpose of the VVT solenoid is to adjust the camshaft timing so you will have effective and smooth engine operation at all different RPMs. If you notice strange idling problems with your car, it can be because of a faulty VVT solenoid. A very retarded camshaft timing will make it very difficult for the engine to not drop too low on RPM and stall. This is because the idling should be as smooth as possible. The VVT solenoid adjusts the camshaft timing when your car is running at idle. If one of the current situations is not compatible with the predefined values, the check engine light comes on.Īs a result, when the VVT solenoid is not working properly, the check engine light will come on your dashboard. Your ECU monitors and reports any activity going on in your car. With the help of the Electronic Control Unit (ECU), with which modern vehicles are equipped, you can notice any unusual activity going on in your vehicle via the check engine light. Here is a more detailed list of the signs of a bad or failing oil control valve to look out for: 1. You may also notice issues with the performance, like rough idle, rough acceleration, increased fuel consumption, or low engine power. The most common symptom of a bad VVT solenoid or oil control valve is a check engine light on your dashboard. Conclusion Symptoms Of A Bad Oil Control Valve (VVT Solenoid)
