Engine oil level too low (listed by RepairPal). Engine oil that doesn't meet the manufacturer's specification (listed by RepairPal). Variable timing control solenoid failed or stuck open, or continuous oil flow to the VCT piston chamber. Variable valve timing actuator (cam phaser) failure. Incorrect camshaft timing, or a worn timing chain. Wiring or connector problems in the intake timing control solenoid circuit (listed by OBD-Codes.com).

Top up or change the engine oil and filter with the specified oil. Repair damaged wiring to the timing control solenoid. Replace the camshaft variable timing (oil control) solenoid. Replace the variable valve timing actuator (cam phaser). Replace a worn timing chain and correct camshaft timing.

P0011🔧 Engine timing / variable valve timingStop and fix promptly

P0011: "A" Camshaft Timing Over-Advanced (Bank 1) (Meaning, Causes, Fixes)

Q: What does P0011 mean?

P0011 means the engine computer commanded the Bank 1 'A' camshaft (usually the intake cam) to a certain variable valve timing position, and the cam ended up more advanced than allowed or didn't respond as requested. Common causes are low or wrong engine oil, a sticking variable timing (oil control) solenoid, a failed cam phaser/actuator, or a worn timing chain. Many modern engines use variable valve timing (VVT, also called VCT) to shift the camshaft relative to the crankshaft for better power and efficiency. The engine computer (PCM/ECM) does this with an oil control solenoid that sends engine oil pressure to a camshaft actuator (phaser). RepairPal explains that if the camshaft does not respond as the PCM requests, the PCM sets P0011. OBD-Codes.com describes it as cam timing going above a set limit (over-advanced). The 'A' camshaft is the intake, left or front camshaft, and Bank 1 is the side of the engine with cylinder 1. P0014 is the same check for camshaft 'B' (usually exhaust), P0012 is the over-retarded version, and P0021 is the Bank 2 version. Sources differ on where to look: OBD-Codes.com calls it a mechanical fault of the VCT unit and says there's no need for electrical diagnosis (while still listing wiring to the timing control solenoid as a possible cause), whereas RepairPal leads with engine oil level and oil specification, with an oil and filter change as its common repair. Nissan's definition, per OBD-Codes.com, is 'Camshaft variable timing control - Bank 1 - performance'.

Q: Can I keep driving with P0011?

Stop and fix promptly. Get this diagnosed promptly. RepairPal rates P0011 'Urgent'. OBD-Codes.com lists hard starting, poor idle and stalling as likely symptoms, and a stall in traffic is a real hazard. Check your oil level right away, since low oil is one of the listed causes, and avoid driving if the engine stalls, knocks or runs badly.

Reviewed 2026-10-21 · Based on 3 cited source(s)

What P0011 means

Many modern engines use variable valve timing (VVT, also called VCT) to shift the camshaft relative to the crankshaft for better power and efficiency. The engine computer (PCM/ECM) does this with an oil control solenoid that sends engine oil pressure to a camshaft actuator (phaser). RepairPal explains that if the camshaft does not respond as the PCM requests, the PCM sets P0011. OBD-Codes.com describes it as cam timing going above a set limit (over-advanced). The 'A' camshaft is the intake, left or front camshaft, and Bank 1 is the side of the engine with cylinder 1. P0014 is the same check for camshaft 'B' (usually exhaust), P0012 is the over-retarded version, and P0021 is the Bank 2 version. Sources differ on where to look: OBD-Codes.com calls it a mechanical fault of the VCT unit and says there's no need for electrical diagnosis (while still listing wiring to the timing control solenoid as a possible cause), whereas RepairPal leads with engine oil level and oil specification, with an oil and filter change as its common repair. Nissan's definition, per OBD-Codes.com, is 'Camshaft variable timing control - Bank 1 - performance'.

Severity: can I keep driving?

Stop and fix promptly

Get this diagnosed promptly. RepairPal rates P0011 'Urgent'. OBD-Codes.com lists hard starting, poor idle and stalling as likely symptoms, and a stall in traffic is a real hazard. Check your oil level right away, since low oil is one of the listed causes, and avoid driving if the engine stalls, knocks or runs badly.

Common symptoms

Check engine light on
Hard starting (listed by OBD-Codes.com)
Poor or rough idle (listed by OBD-Codes.com)
Stalling (listed by OBD-Codes.com)
Decreased engine performance (listed by RepairPal)
Increased fuel consumption (listed by RepairPal)

Likely causes

Roughly most to least common, based on the sources below. Your vehicle may differ.

Engine oil level too low (listed by RepairPal)
Engine oil that doesn't meet the manufacturer's specification (listed by RepairPal)
Variable timing control solenoid failed or stuck open, or continuous oil flow to the VCT piston chamber
Variable valve timing actuator (cam phaser) failure
Incorrect camshaft timing, or a worn timing chain
Wiring or connector problems in the intake timing control solenoid circuit (listed by OBD-Codes.com)

Diagnostic steps you can do

⚠ Before you start

Work on a cool engine, parked on level ground with the parking brake set. Never work under a car supported only by a jack.

Check the engine oil level and condition first, and confirm the oil viscosity matches your owner's manual. RepairPal lists low or incorrect oil as causes and an oil and filter change as the common repair.
Read all stored codes. P0014, P0012, P0021 or P0016 alongside P0011 help narrow it down to a bank, a camshaft, or timing chain correlation.
Inspect the wiring and connector at the intake camshaft timing control solenoid for damage or oil contamination.
After correcting oil, clear the code and drive normally to see if it returns.

Typical fixes

Top up or change the engine oil and filter with the specified oil
Repair damaged wiring to the timing control solenoid
Replace the camshaft variable timing (oil control) solenoid
Replace the variable valve timing actuator (cam phaser)
Replace a worn timing chain and correct camshaft timing

Repair costs vary widely by vehicle, region, parts brand and shop, so we don't quote prices. Get a written estimate after diagnosis.

🛠 When to call a pro

Testing the VCT unit follows vehicle-specific procedures, and dealer techs can command and test components with a scan tool (OBD-Codes.com)
The code comes back after an oil change with the correct oil
The engine stalls, knocks or rattles
P0016/P0017 correlation codes also appear, pointing to possible timing chain wear

Where to buy

Plain search links. Always match parts to your exact year, make, model and engine.

OBD2 scanners on Amazon Parts at Advance Auto Parts catalog at RockAuto

FAQs

Can an oil change fix P0011?

Sometimes. RepairPal lists low oil and oil that doesn't meet the manufacturer's spec as causes, and an oil and filter change as the common repair, because the timing system is driven by oil pressure. If the code returns, the solenoid, phaser or timing chain need checking.

What's the difference between P0011 and P0014?

Both are Bank 1 'timing over-advanced or system performance' codes. P0011 is for camshaft 'A' (usually intake) and P0014 is for camshaft 'B' (usually exhaust).

Is it safe to drive with P0011?

RepairPal rates it 'Urgent'. Since possible symptoms include stalling, get it diagnosed soon and don't drive if the engine stalls or runs badly.

Sources

Last reviewed 2026-10-21. Code definitions and repair steps can vary by manufacturer. Confirm with your vehicle's service information.