GMC-specific code — factory diagnostic data| DTC Data Sheet | |
| Code | P0011 |
| Vehicle | GMC Sierra 1500 (2007-2019) |
| Engine | 4.8L / 5.3L / 6.2L V8 (Gen-IV, AFM) |
| System | VARIABLE VALVE TIMING |
| Fault type | Performance |
| Official meaning | "A" Camshaft Position – Timing Over-Advanced (Bank 1) |
Definition source: GMC factory description. Diagnostic guidance is based on factory-defined fault logic for this code.
Decode any GMC Sierra 1500 VIN — free recalls, specs & safety ratings — free VIN decoder with NHTSA data
Looking for the cross-vehicle definition? Read the generic P0011 article for the SAE-defined fault logic that applies to all manufacturers.
P0011 Quick Answer
P0011 on a Sierra is the intake-side counterpart to P0014 — the PCM commanded the intake cam to a specific position and actual position drifted out of spec. Same root cause pattern: oil quality first, oil pressure (often AFM-related) second, OCV solenoid third, phaser last. Often appears together with P0014 when the underlying issue is oil-system-wide.
What Does P0011 Mean on a GMC Sierra 1500?
The GMC Sierra 1500 (2007-2019) shares the GMT900 / K2XX chassis and Gen-IV LS engine families with the Chevy Silverado 1500. P0011 root causes match the Silverado pattern exactly. The model-specific failure modes documented below apply to all Sierra trim levels using the same engine.
Symptoms
- Check Engine Light (P0011, often with P0014)
- Rough idle when cold
- Reduced low-end torque
- Cam phaser rattle on cold start
- Possible misfire codes if timing drifts far
Common Causes (Most Likely on This Model First)
- Dirty / overdue oil. Sludge restricts flow to the phaser. ~50% of cases resolved by an oil service.
- Low oil pressure from AFM lifter wear. Phaser stops following commands below ~22 psi at idle.
- Stuck OCV (intake-side). Carbon in solenoid screen. $60-$120 replacement.
- Failed phaser. Last suspect. Bidirectional command should track within ±2°.
- Timing chain stretch. 100k+ trucks. Often paired with P0014.
Diagnostic Approach
- Inspect under filler cap for sludge.
- Hot idle oil pressure — below 20 psi = AFM lifter wear.
- Bidirectional intake OCV command — phaser should track ±2°.
- Inspect OCV screen for sludge.
- Check chain stretch if OCV and oil are good.
Possible Fixes
| Fix | When |
|---|---|
| Oil + filter service | Sludge visible |
| Intake OCV replacement | OCV won’t actuate |
| AFM lifter service / delete | Hot idle oil pressure low |
| Timing chain + guides | Chain stretch > 8° |
| Intake camshaft phaser | Phaser doesn’t track commands |
Can I Still Drive With P0011?
Short-term yes. Sustained driving with a stuck phaser damages cam lobes — address within a few hundred miles.
How Serious Is This Code?
Moderate. Almost always indicates oil-system trouble that compounds.
Repair Costs
| Repair | Cost |
|---|---|
| Oil + filter service | $60 – $120 |
| OCV solenoid | $140 – $280 |
| Intake camshaft phaser | $680 – $1,400 |
| Timing chain + guides | $1,200 – $2,200 |
| AFM-delete kit | $1,800 – $3,500 |
FAQ
Is P0011 the same as P0014 on a Sierra?
P0011 is intake-side; P0014 is exhaust-side. Both have the same root-cause pattern (oil, OCV, phaser) and often appear together if the underlying issue is oil-system-wide.
What's the cheapest fix for P0011 on a Sierra?
Oil-and-filter service with dexos1 5W-30. About 50% of Sierra P0011 cases resolve because the underlying problem is sludge restricting flow to the cam phaser.
How much to replace the cam phaser on a Sierra 5.3L?
Intake cam phaser replacement: $680-$1,400 at a shop. The job requires removing the front cover and timing chain — labor-intensive. Rule out cheaper causes first.
Can I delete AFM to prevent P0011?
Yes — AFM-delete eliminates the oil-pressure failure modes that cause P0011 and P0014. Costs $1,800-$3,500 done correctly. Worth doing on Sierras past 80k miles with the recurring issue.