| DTC Data Sheet | |
| System | Powertrain |
| Standard | SAE J2012 / ISO 15031-6 |
| Fault type | Circuit |
| Official meaning | B Camshaft Position Actuator Circuit/Open (Bank 1) |
Bank 1 exhaust camshaft VVT actuator circuit is open or has an electrical fault. Same circuit-fault class as P0010, but for the exhaust cam phaser instead of the intake.
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P0013 Quick Answer
Bank 1 exhaust camshaft VVT actuator circuit is open or has an electrical fault. Same circuit-fault class as P0010, but for the exhaust cam phaser instead of the intake. The first thing to check is engine oil level, condition, and viscosity — many P001-range faults are oil-driven before they are electrical.
What Does P0013 Mean?
B Camshaft Position Actuator Circuit/Open (Bank 1). Bank 1 exhaust camshaft VVT actuator circuit is open or has an electrical fault. Same circuit-fault class as P0010, but for the exhaust cam phaser instead of the intake.
Symptoms
- Check engine light
- Rough idle, sometimes only on warm idle
- Slight power loss
- Higher emissions (raised NOx if exhaust phaser is stuck retarded)
Common Causes
- Failed bank 1 exhaust VVT oil control solenoid
- Open or shorted wiring to the exhaust cam solenoid
- Connector corrosion, oil-wicking, or backed-out terminals
- Low engine oil level disabling VVT operation
- Sludged oil supply gallery to the exhaust phaser
- PCM driver failure (rare — verify wiring first)
Diagnosis Steps
You’ll need a scan tool capable of reading live powertrain data, a digital multimeter, and access to the wiring diagram for the specific platform.
- Check oil level and condition.
- Read commanded vs actual exhaust cam phase angle.
- Disconnect the bank 1 exhaust VVT solenoid and measure resistance across its terminals against spec.
- Verify 12 V supply and PCM ground command on the harness side.
- Inspect connector for oil contamination — common on this circuit.
Possible Fixes
- Replace bank 1 exhaust VVT solenoid
- Repair oil-contaminated connector or pigtail
- Oil service with correct viscosity
Can I Still Drive With P0013?
The vehicle will usually still drive with P0013 stored, but performance and fuel economy are degraded. The fault disables or limits the affected actuator, and the PCM may inhibit emissions monitors. Drive to a workshop, but don’t ignore the code long-term — VVT and EVAP failures often cascade into related faults if left untreated.
How Serious Is This Code?
P0013 is a moderate-priority fault. It will not prevent the engine from running but will affect drivability, emissions, and over time can damage related components (cam phaser wear, catalytic converter on EVAP-related codes). Address within a few drive cycles.
Brand-Specific Guides for P0013
Manufacturer-specific diagnostic procedures with factory data and pin-level details for vehicles where this code commonly sets:
FAQ
Will P0013 clear itself?
Only if the underlying fault was intermittent and self-corrected. Most P0013 root causes (failed solenoid, wiring damage, blocked screen) are persistent and require physical repair.
Can I clear P0013 without fixing it?
You can clear it with a scan tool, but it will return as soon as the fault condition reappears — typically within one or two drive cycles.
Is P0013 related to other codes?
Often, yes. Cam-position and EVAP faults frequently set adjacent codes — if P0013 is present, scan for related codes in the same range and address them as a group rather than one at a time.