Faulty camshaft oil control valve (OCV) / actuator solenoid (OBD-Codes.com), or variable valve timing actuator failure (RepairPal). Open or short in the oil control valve circuit or wiring (both sources list wiring). Failed engine computer (PCM) (both sources).

Repair damaged wiring or connectors in the oil control valve circuit. Replace the oil control valve (camshaft actuator solenoid) if its resistance is out of spec. Change the engine oil and filter if the oil is low or dirty. Replace or reprogram the PCM only after the valve and wiring check out.

P0013🔧 Engine timing / variable valve timingStop and fix promptly

P0013: "B" Camshaft Actuator Circuit (Bank 1) (Meaning, Causes, Fixes)

Q: What does P0013 mean?

P0013 points to a problem in the electrical circuit of the Bank 1 'B' camshaft (usually the exhaust cam) timing actuator, the oil control valve (solenoid) that the engine computer uses for variable valve timing. Common causes are a faulty oil control valve, an open or short in its wiring, or, less often, a failed engine computer. Many modern engines use variable valve timing (VVT, also called VCT) to shift the camshaft for more power or better efficiency at different engine speeds. The engine computer (PCM/ECM) does this with an oil control valve (OCV, also called a camshaft position actuator solenoid) that sends engine oil to the cam phaser. OBD-Codes.com quotes a description of how this works: the PCM drives the solenoid with a 12 volt pulse-width-modulated signal on a high control circuit, with a low reference circuit as the return, and sets P0013 if it detects an open, a short to ground or a short to voltage in that circuit. The 'B' camshaft is the exhaust, right or rear camshaft (looking at the engine from the driver's seat), and Bank 1 is the side of the engine with cylinder 1. It is a generic OBD-II code seen on Toyota, VW, Honda, Chevrolet, Hyundai, Audi, Acura and others (OBD-Codes.com). P0010 is the same circuit code for camshaft 'A' (usually intake), and P0014 is the Bank 1 camshaft 'B' timing over-advanced or performance code. The sources describe it differently: OBD-Codes.com treats P0013 as an electrical circuit fault (open or short), while RepairPal, which defines it as 'Actuator Circuit/Open', explains it as the camshaft not responding as the PCM requests and lists an oil and filter change as its common repair.

Q: Can I keep driving with P0013?

Stop and fix promptly. Get this diagnosed promptly. RepairPal rates P0013 'Urgent', meaning it can cause severe damage or be unsafe. OBD-Codes.com lists rough running as a possible symptom. Check your oil level, and avoid driving if the engine stalls, knocks or runs badly.

Reviewed 2026-10-24 · Based on 2 cited source(s)

What P0013 means

Many modern engines use variable valve timing (VVT, also called VCT) to shift the camshaft for more power or better efficiency at different engine speeds. The engine computer (PCM/ECM) does this with an oil control valve (OCV, also called a camshaft position actuator solenoid) that sends engine oil to the cam phaser. OBD-Codes.com quotes a description of how this works: the PCM drives the solenoid with a 12 volt pulse-width-modulated signal on a high control circuit, with a low reference circuit as the return, and sets P0013 if it detects an open, a short to ground or a short to voltage in that circuit. The 'B' camshaft is the exhaust, right or rear camshaft (looking at the engine from the driver's seat), and Bank 1 is the side of the engine with cylinder 1. It is a generic OBD-II code seen on Toyota, VW, Honda, Chevrolet, Hyundai, Audi, Acura and others (OBD-Codes.com). P0010 is the same circuit code for camshaft 'A' (usually intake), and P0014 is the Bank 1 camshaft 'B' timing over-advanced or performance code. The sources describe it differently: OBD-Codes.com treats P0013 as an electrical circuit fault (open or short), while RepairPal, which defines it as 'Actuator Circuit/Open', explains it as the camshaft not responding as the PCM requests and lists an oil and filter change as its common repair.

Severity: can I keep driving?

Stop and fix promptly

Get this diagnosed promptly. RepairPal rates P0013 'Urgent', meaning it can cause severe damage or be unsafe. OBD-Codes.com lists rough running as a possible symptom. Check your oil level, and avoid driving if the engine stalls, knocks or runs badly.

Common symptoms

Check engine light on
Rough running (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.

Faulty camshaft oil control valve (OCV) / actuator solenoid (OBD-Codes.com), or variable valve timing actuator failure (RepairPal)
Open or short in the oil control valve circuit or wiring (both sources list wiring)
Failed engine computer (PCM) (both sources)

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.

Read all stored codes. P0010, P0014 or other camshaft codes alongside P0013 help narrow down which camshaft and whether the fault is electrical or mechanical.
Inspect the wiring and connector at the Bank 1 exhaust (B) camshaft oil control valve for damage, corrosion, oil contamination or a loose plug.
Check the engine oil level and condition; RepairPal lists an oil and filter change as the common repair for this code.
With a digital volt-ohm meter, measure the oil control valve's resistance and compare it to the factory specification, and check the wiring back to the PCM (OBD-Codes.com).

Typical fixes

Repair damaged wiring or connectors in the oil control valve circuit
Replace the oil control valve (camshaft actuator solenoid) if its resistance is out of spec
Change the engine oil and filter if the oil is low or dirty
Replace or reprogram the PCM only after the valve and wiring check out

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

OBD-Codes.com recommends following the factory service manual for make-specific test steps and resistance specs
The wiring and valve test good but the code keeps coming back
The engine stalls, knocks or runs badly
Timing over-advanced/retarded or correlation codes (P0014, P0016, P0017) also appear

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

What's the difference between P0010 and P0013?

Both are Bank 1 camshaft actuator circuit codes. P0010 is for camshaft 'A' (usually intake) and P0013 is for camshaft 'B' (usually exhaust).

Can an oil change fix P0013?

Possibly. RepairPal lists an oil and filter change as the common repair, but OBD-Codes.com describes P0013 as an electrical circuit fault, so if the code returns check the oil control valve's resistance and its wiring.

Is it safe to drive with P0013?

RepairPal rates it 'Urgent'. Get it diagnosed soon, and don't drive if the engine stalls, knocks or runs badly.

How much does it cost to fix P0013?

Neither source gives a repair cost. It can range from a wiring repair or oil change to a new oil control valve or, rarely, a PCM, so get a diagnosis and a written estimate first.

Sources

Last reviewed 2026-10-24. Code definitions and repair steps can vary by manufacturer. Confirm with your vehicle's service information.